Board of Directors
Gary Baruch Dolowich, Director, President
Gary (Baruch) Dolowich's Jewish roots go way back - as a child he can remember watching his grandmother perform in the Yiddish Theatre on Second Avenue in New York. Later in life he had the good fortune of studying in classes with Zalman Schacter (the founder of Jewish Renewal), who also performed a marriage renewal ceremony for him and his wife, Sena. Baruch was also one of the early members of Chadeish Yameinu. Now, as President of the Board, he holds the vision of bringing harmony to the community through a connection to the Spirit and a balance of chesed (lovingkindness) and gevurah (setting limits).
Leona Phillips, Director, Vice President
LeonaKayPhillips@gmail.com
Earlier in my life I’d been a member of TBE in it’s Bay Street location, but when I returned to Santa Cruz in 2010, after a 27 year plus absence, I was drawn to CY. What drew me was the illuminating and intellectually satisfying adult ed classes ably led by Rabbi Eli, as well as the spiritually satisfying religious services with their beautiful music and joyousness. CY is clearly my spiritual home.
Previously I was Treasurer of a Reconstructionist congregation in Amherst, Mass. and have professional expertise in the area of organizational development, group dynamics and budget development. For the last seven years I have been on the Finance Committee at New Brighton Cohousing, a community where I live with my husband, Tony and our dog, Tomas Tomas, and have devoted myself to developing its present financial stability. I have six children and 5 grandchildren, 4 grand-dogs and am a retired Professor of Human Services and Social Work, and a 30+ year psychotherapist specializing in Trauma resolution. I consider it part of my spiritual journey to be on a team that facilitates and guides CY’s path to financial stability.
Rabbi Phillip Posner, Director, Secretary
A congregational rabbi for nearly forty years, I have been active in Social Action and Interfaith activities my entire career. In 1961 I joined the Freedom Rides, helping to integrate transportation facilities, and spent (served) 39 days (time) in Parchman Penitentiary in Mississippi. I have also enjoyed participating in social action missions to El Salvador and Ethiopia and am the co-founded, with my friend Jane Fellman, the Rabbinic Network for Ethiopian Jewry which encouraged my fellow rabbis to help get Ethiopian Jews to Israel.
I have a degree in history from UCLA, was ordained in 1968 and twenty five years later earned a Doctorate in Hebrew Letters in ethics from my seminary, The Hebrew Union College - JIR.
About 35 years ago I started baking with a bread machine, which led ultimately led to my “passion” for baking and cooking, which has even won me some culinary awards. And that passion also led me to write my book, Food for Thought, Character and Soul – Recipes and Blessings Included.
I am the father of two terrific sons, and enjoy my four grandchildren. My wonderful and talented Louise and I divide our time between Santa Cruz, Mexico and San Juan Puerto Rico where I serve a Reform Congregation for seven weeks each year.
Jeremy Powell, Director, Membership Chair
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Louise Drummond, Director-at-Large
Louise Drummond has been a resident of Mexico most of her life. She enjoys cooking, and politics, and is a clothing designer and artist. She came to Chadeish Yameinu to worship with relatives, then stayed because Jewish Renewal and Rabbi Eli touched her heart.
Shefa Rich, Director at-Large, Shabbat Committee, Financial Strategic Planning Committee
Shefa Rich is Jewish by choice. She became a member of Chadeish Yameinu in 2012 after her beloved husband Cal Rich's death. She is learning about Jewish Renewal and Chadeish Yameinu from Rabbi Eli and video and books by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. She loves the CY community because everyone in CY inspires her to develop her inner space, awareness, and ability to find the longing in her heart and soul, so that she can live a life with beauty and meaning.
Larry (Uri) Stone, Director-At-Large
I have been a member of Chadeish Yameinu for almost four years and am delighted to have the opportunity to serve on the Board. Although I do not consider myself religious, my connection to Judaism is deep, as are my feelings for the Jewish people. I have lived in Israel and was there during the Six Day War, which was a completely life changing experience. I have dual citizenship with Israel and consider myself a dedicated Zionist. I am also continuing my study of the Hebrew language, and now consider myself semi-fluent in conversational Hebrew.
I was originally drawn to Chadeish Yameinu after meeting Rabbi Eli and experiencing the wonderful quality of the services he leads. I appreciate my growing connection to the members, and very much enjoy the services in our new Shul. Although I am originally from the East Coast, I have been in California for many years, and moved to Santa Cruz eight years ago, with the intention of remaining here. I am also a psychotherapist (MFT) by profession, but am more or less semi-retired, and am gradually cutting back on the number of hours I work. I look forward to continuing to grow my connection to our wonderful community.