Rabbi Hillel Norry

Spiritual Leader
Meet our interim Rabbi; Rabbi Hillel Norry!
Rabbi Norry lives in Atlanta with his family, and he will be leading us using a combined approach of in-person and remote access. He will be with us for the High Holidays and will join us in-person for approximately two Shabbat weekends a month as well as being in regular touch with us during the week over Zoom. This will include teaching classes, supporting us with pastoral care (which will be mainly via phone calls during the week), assisting with the next phase of the rabbinic search, and much more. He will also officiate at life-cycle events in person. In 2020-21, he was Interim Rabbi at B’nai Zion in Chattanooga, and the experience of being a partially-virtual interim leader has shown him, and us, that this hybrid approach is not only possible, but a truly exciting opportunity.
Prior to his recent interim position, Rabbi Norry served as spiritual leader at Congregation Shaare Zedek in New York City and as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta. He has a long history of involvement with the Ramah camping movement, from his time as a camper at Ramah Canada to his serving as scholar-in-residence at Ramah Darom for the past five summers. Rabbi Norry is a vegan cooking expert and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. A lifelong musician, Rabbi Norry is also an accomplished guitarist and harmonica player. Read Rabbi Norry’s full bio at: http://hillelnorry.com/. Email Rabbi Norry at hnorry@templebeth-el.net.

 

 

Margaret Norman

Director of Programming and Engagement

Margaret Norman is the Director of Programming and Engagement at Temple Beth El where she develops responsive programming, works on community engagement, and fosters collaborative partnerships. She also oversees the development of the Beth El Civil Rights Experience; a multimedia community history project exploring Jewish Birmingham and Civil Rights. Margaret received her BA in Individualized Study from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a concentration in Food Systems and Public Policy, and is currently completing her MA in American Studies with UNC-Chapel Hill.  Before coming to Temple Beth El she worked across fields of food, education, and public history with organizations such as the the Jefferson County Memorial Project, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, and the Institute of Southern Jewish Life. Margaret grew up in an interfaith family in Vermont, where she went to synagogue in a farmhouse and first developed the love for Jewish community that she brings to her work today.   Email Margaret at mnorman@templebeth-el.net

 

 

Howard Kaplan

Director of Member Services and Logistics

Howard comes to us with amazing computer and tech skills, experience with ShulCloud (so yes, he can get you set up and answer all your questions), website upkeep and design experience, years of volunteer service with many different organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, and the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club (where he currently serves as vice-president of the Torch Awards).

He is highly organized; very detailed; has planned and implemented hundreds of events over the years; and he has a great attitude! If you have questions around ShulCloud, something that you notice around the temple that needs repair, or any other member service issue, start with Howard!

Email Howard at hkaplan@templebeth-el.net

 

Andrea May

Bookkeeper

Andrea comes to us after almost 27 years working for State Farm Insurance, where she spent most of her time in the Public Affairs and Learning & Development departments. She and her husband, Bo, and daughter, Gabrielle, moved to Birmingham from Florida in the summer of 2009. She says she’s here to stay, especially after her sister and brother-in-law moved up here to be closer to family.

Andrea loves staying busy, which TBE and our bookkeeping department happily provide! Andrea is a member of the J and is an avid runner, reader and shopper.

Email Andrea at bookkeeper@templebeth-el.net

 

 

 

Lay Leadership

Officers
Ronald Levitt – President
Naomi Ivker – Vice President
Allen Halpern – Vice President
Steve Altmann – Treasurer
Abe Schuster – Secretary

Board Members
Marsha Asman
Suzanne Bearman
Fred Benjamin
Alex Grodner
Jan Jaffe
Katie Hausman
Jan Hirsch (Sisterhood rep)
Ellen Italiaander

Dani Kahn-Krell
Howard Kaplan (Men’s Club rep)
Arlene Redisch
Evan Rhodes
Joshua Richman
Esther Schuster
Robin Smith
Dan Weinrib (Immediate Past President)
Keith Abrams – TBE Foundation rep