Leadership & Staff
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Rabbi George Gittleman joined Shomrei Torah as our first full time rabbi in 1996.
In 1991 he embarked on his rabbinical journey after 8 years in computer sales, obtaining a Masters in Hebrew Letters and Ordination from the Reform Seminary, Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in 1996.
Rabbi George is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow at the prestigious Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and a graduate of the Rabbinic Leadership Program and Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teachers Certificate Program of The Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Rabbi George is married to Laura, an artist and Nurse Executive for Kaiser, and they are blessed with twin adult children, Levi & Sophia.
Rabbi George's Sermons
Rabbi George's Blog
Rabbi George's Published Works
OFFICE STAFF
Katie Evenbeck
Executive Director
Erica Wisner
Cantorial Soloist & B'Mitzvah Coordinator
Julie Hash
Office & Communications Manager
Lara Brown
Director of Education & Youth Engagement
Pieter Palmer
Facility & Operations Manager
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Executive Director
Katie Evenbeck (she/her) comes to CST with a wealth of management, budgeting and fundraising experience.
For more than 17 years, Katie served as the Executive Director of St. Dorothy’s Rest, an Episcopal camp and retreat center located in West County. Katie has also served as the Community Services Director in the Indiana prison system; ran YMCA Camp Roger in Salt Lake City, UT; and is an AmeriCorps Alum.
Katie has a BA in Economics & Sociology, MS in Sociology, and an M.Div. from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.
When not working or in school, Katie enjoys spending time with Lucie, her fourteen-year-old, Ike, her partner, and Rosie, her Lab Corgi. She is an avid documentary film fan, softball mom, Zumba instructor, and creator of pediokies, an experience of getting a pedicure while singing Karaoke!
Cantorial Soloist & B'Mitzvah Coordinator
Erica Wisner (she/her) is honored to serve as Cantorial Soloist, B'Mitzvah coordinator, tutor, and choir director at Congregation Shomrei Torah.
As a young child, Erica grew up going to services and fell in love with Jewish musical liturgy when her parents started a synagogue in Sacramento County. Erica is in her third year of cantorial school at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California and also serves on the board of the Guild of Temple Musicians, an affiliate organization of the American Conference of Cantors.
Erica holds a master’s degree from The Boston Conservatory and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA.
Erica and her husband, Chris, moved to Santa Rosa in 2008. They have two great kids and two dogs. Listen to Erica's Music.
Communications & Office Manager
Julie Hash (she/her) joined the Shomrei Torah team in 2015. She oversees publicity for programs and events in the quarterly VIEW publication, the weekly CST Connect emails, and the CST Website. Julie also oversees membership pledges, billing, the CST database and general office questions.
Julie has a bachelor of science degree in pre-veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. Prior to joining CST, Julie worked in retail management and ran Ebay and Etsy businesses on the side.
Julie's favorite things (outside of work!) are her husband, two daughters, and two silly cats. Julie also very much enjoys plants, gardening, gaming and crocheting.
Director of Education and Youth Engagement
Lara Brown (she/her/ella) began her work with children in 2006 as an in-home daycare assistant. After receiving her AA in Music from Cuesta College and B.S. in Child Development with a minor in Psychology in 2013, she worked in various roles such as Lead Preschool Teacher at Acorn Learning Center, Music Educator at Art and Soul, and Therapeutic Behavioral Services Coach with Seneca Family of Agencies. In 2016, Lara began her work in Jewish Education as Assistant Director and later Co-Director at Beth Ami Community Nursery School. In May of 2021, she accepted the role of Area Director at North Bay Children's Center supervising six preschools and one elementary aftercare program across two counties. Now, she is thrilled to be back in the world of Jewish Education as the Director of Education and Youth Engagement with Congregation Shomrei Torah.
In her spare time, Lara is a member of the local Reggae/Rock group Sonomacana, and can be found performing original compositions and covers on most weekends. She enjoys playing the flute, ukulele, and singing with her bandmates. She also enjoys spending time with her dog Sampson, roaming around in nature with her partner Kyle, watching Star Trek, and playing video games on her VR headset.
Facility & Operations Manager
Pieter Palmer (he/him) joined Shomrei Torah as Administrator, but he also supports the facility and technology operations at CST.
Pieter holds degrees in philosophy and music from the University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining Shomrei Torah, he was working as a sales manager in the fitness industry. You can find him at the gym, on the tennis court, or in the music studio.
Pieter's hobbies include hiking, tennis, music production, cooking (and eating), listening to philosophy lectures, and taking in a good novel.
Administrator
Angelica Steinman (she/her/ella) is not only is she part of the office team, but is also a member of the congregation. She brings over 20 years of experience in customer service, administrative, and accounts payable roles.
Angelica has her associate degree in Dance from SRJC, and she’s performed with local dance companies in Sonoma County since the early 2000’s. Over the years she has worked for local organizations such as: Community Market, Oliver’s and recently LandPaths. She also spent a year exploring a career as a Flight Attendant and traveling to new places.
Angelica enjoys spending time with her family, time in nature, making home cooked meals and dancing around the house with her toddler.