Temple Emanuel Senior Rabbi Transition

We are excited to embark on a Senior Rabbi leadership transition as we capture the energy of our 150th Anniversary Year. From one generation of Senior Rabbis to another - from Rabbi Foster to Rabbi Black to Co-Senior Rabbis Hyatt and Sacks, we will work together to uphold both the solidity and the creativity that have always been the hallmark of our congregation.

In order to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition for our community, we have created a transition team to guide and advise our leadership at this important moment. The Temple Emanuel Transition Committee is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition as Rabbi Black retires and becomes Rabbi Emeritus, while Rabbis Sacks and Hyatt assume their new positions. The Committee will celebrate Rabbi Black’s legacy, support Rabbis Sacks and Hyatt in developing and executing a vision for Temple under its new leadership and maintain clear communication with our congregation throughout the transition process.

We are honored to announce the members of the Temple Emanuel Transition Committee: 

Committee Co-Chairs
Rich Cohn
Wendy Nekritz

Committee Members
Judy Altenberg
Eileen Auer Bennett
Sara Dishell
Ken Fellman
Nancy Gart
Steven Kaufmann
Neil Pomerantz
Jamie Resnik 

We all look forward to partnering with you in this holy endeavor. If you have any questions, please register for one of the transition conversations below or email Wendy Nekritz, President of the Board of Trustees, at president@emanueldenver.org.

MEET THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE

Committee Co-Chairs

Rich Cohn
Rich Cohn is a member of Temple’s Board of Trustees and serve as Secretary of the Board.  As a Denver native, he has been a member of the Congregation for 26 years.  Rich and his wife, Lisa (a life-time Temple member), were married at Temple.  Their son, Avi, attended the Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center and later became a Bar Mitzvah at Temple.  Rich notes that the most important moments of his life have occurred at Temple and he stays connected in large part because Temple creates a sacred space through the amazing clergy and the community to celebrate these most important moments – life cycle events. 

Wendy Nekritz
Wendy Nekritz has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the past decade and currently serves as President. Originally from Chicago, Wendy and her husband, Ed, joined Temple Emanuel over 20 years ago, becoming active and dedicated members of the community. Together with their children, Jessica and Matthew, they have found Temple Emanuel to be a guiding force in shaping their Jewish identities, celebrating life’s milestones, and providing comfort and support during challenging times. Wendy feels deeply honored to lead the congregation through this exciting and meaningful transition in leadership.

Committee Members

Judy Altenberg
Judy Altenberg grew up at Temple Emanuel, which has been the site of  all of her family’s life cycle events. Her children, Jeremy and Gabby Plotkin, attended Temple preschool, religious school and Shwayder Camp as well.  Judy, along with her husband Bruce Plotkin, were among those honored to co-chair the 150th anniversary of Temple Emanuel. She views Temple as one of her deepest connecting points in the Jewish community, and looks forward to participating in this next exciting chapter of the synagogue.

Eileen Auer Bennett
Eileen Auer Bennett is a dedicated fourth-generation member of Temple Emanuel, deeply committed to her Jewish identity and the study of Judaism. Born into a family with rich religious traditions, Eileen has always embraced her heritage, viewing it as a vital part of her personal and communal life. 

Her journey in Judaism has been marked by a continuous pursuit of knowledge. Eileen has engaged in various studies, from Hebrew language to Jewish texts, attending classes and participating in discussions that enhance her understanding of her faith. Her lifelong learning approach reflects a belief in the importance of evolving one’s understanding of spirituality and community. Eileen and her husband Ben were married at Temple and both daughters attended the Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center. 

Sara Dishell
Sara Dishell is an instructional coach at Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) and adjunct professor at University of Denver. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband, Bobby, and one year old son, Micah.

Ken Fellman
Jill and Ken Fellman joined Temple 26 years ago.  Their children, Dan and Sara, were involved in Friedman Club, confirmation classes, and as both campers and counselors at Shwayder Camp.  Ken was honored to be asked to join Temple’s Board of Trustees a number of years ago, and currently serves as vice-president of the congregation.  Jill has been active in Temple’s DEI work as co-chair of the interfaith committee. 

Nancy Gart
Nancy Gart has been an active member of Temple Emanuel for over forty years. Her involvement in Sisterhood, the board , and religious school was life changing. Her three children were fortunate to attend Temple’s preschool, religious school, Shwayder Camp and to celebrate their B’nai Mitzvahs. Her grandchildren are now enjoying many of the same programs. Nancy and her husband Mickey feel blessed to be part of such a dynamic community.

Steven Kaufmann
Steven Kaufmann is a 5th generation Coloradan, who grew up a Temple Emanuel.  He celebrated consecration, bar mitzvah, confirmation and his wedding on our bimah. His mother, Henny Kaufmann, his uncle, Art Judd, and his late wife’s uncle Dick Robinson are all past presidents of the congregation.  Steve and his girlfriend, Lisa Mintz, are active member of the congregation.  He serves on the Board of Trustees and on the Transition Committee.  In his spare time, Steve is a Deputy Solicitor General in office of the Colorado Attorney General.

Neil Pomerantz
Neil and Kami remember how they were welcomed at Temple when they arrived in Denver (escaping the East Coast!) 30 years ago.  They found a spiritual home at Temple, and especially at Shwayder, having spent nearly 20 Labor Day weekends at Family Camp.  Their two children, Sarah and Jacob, became Bat and Bar Mitzvah in the Feiner Chapel, among the most memorable experiences for their entire family.  They look forward to supporting Temple in any way they can as it begins this new chapter in its history!

Jamie Resnik
For Jamie Resnik, being Jewish means belonging to a sacred community. She grew up as a day school student and a BBYO leader in the Detroit area. Along with her family, those affiliations cemented her Jewish values and identity. In 2003, as a newlywed starting to build a life in Denver, Jamie craved Jewish connection. From the first time she walked through the Grape Street doors, she found that welcoming spiritual home at Temple Emanuel. Twenty years later, her kids have grown up in the Temple family, beginning as toddlers in ELC and continuing through religious school and the B’nai Mitzvah program where they shaped their own Jewish identities and made lifelong friends. Jamie and her husband, Andrew, are grateful to be part of this warm, dynamic congregation and community. 

TRANSITION CONVERSATIONS

Join us to learn more about the Senior Rabbi transition and the 150th Anniversary Campaign for Temple Emanuel!

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
5:30 PM
Envisioning Our Future: A Conversation for Religious School Families Grades Pre-K - 5th

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
5:00 PM
Envisioning Our Future: A Conversation for Teens and Adults

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
7:00 PM
Envisioning Our Future: A Conversation for Early Learning Center Parents

B’nai Mitzvah Program Families (Grades 6 & 7) will have the opportunity to engage in these conversations at scheduled B’nai Mitzvah events.

SAVE THE DATE:
A TRIBUTE TO RABBI JOSEPH BLACK

Friday, April 4, 2025 - Shabbat Service, Dinner, and Concert

Click below to learn more about how we are celebrating Rabbi Black this year. 

Learn More