Rabbi Adam Greenwald became Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in 2022. He previously served as Vice President for Jewish Engagement at American Jewish University, where he launched the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys and directed the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program for ten years. Rabbi Greenwald also serves as a Lecturer at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. In 2016, he received the Covenant Foundation’s Pomegranate Prize in Jewish Education.

Hazzan Amy Robinson Katz became our full-time Cantor in July, 2022 after serving CBI as an intern and part-time ba’alat tefillah (prayer leader) since 2013. She was ordained as a Hazzan from the Academy of Jewish Religion California (AJRCA) in May 2022 where she also earned a Masters of Jewish Sacred Music.

Rabbi Elie Spitz has served as CBI’s spiritual leader since 1988, becoming Rabbi Emeritus in 2021. A graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and Boston University of Law, Rabbi Spitz has authored three books, served for 20 years on the Committee of Jewish Law and Standards for the Conservative Movement, and is a national teacher on spirituality and Jewish Law.

Sam Brown joined CBI as Executive Director in April of 2023. Prior, she was the Senior Director of Programs at Lost Tribe, an online Jewish, non-profit, youth-serving organization. For more than 25 years, Sam has worked with the Jewish community in various roles, including marketing, development, programming, and engagement, always furthering connectivity between children, families, and organizations.

Sharon Alkin has been in the field of Early Childhood for over thirty years. She is a graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with a degree in Education, and received her Early Childhood Education credential from Saddleback College.

Sheri received her Master’s Degree from the University of Judaism. She has been a day camp director, youth group director and resident camp director.

Samantha has spent her entire professional career in Jewish education. Her passion is creating learning experiences that go beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Carl brings his joy of music and Judaism to each and every service. In addition to leading services, he teaches music and tefillah at our Religious School with a passion for transmitting the joy of Jewish music to the great kids of CBI.