Meet Our Professional and Leadership Team

Rabbi Mark Cooper

Rabbi Mark Cooper was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1985. Raised in Los Angeles, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from U.C.L.A. and a Bachelor of Literature degree from the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Prior to coming to South Orange, Rabbi Cooper served Temple Israel of Natick, Massachusetts, where he worked closely with Rabbi Harold Kushner, and Temple Beth Ahm in Aberdeen, New Jersey. He is a certified Mohel, having learned this time honored and sacred ritual in Jerusalem. Rabbi Cooper and his wife, Amy, have five sons. Rabbi Cooper has been with Oheb Shalom Congregation since 1998.

I am proud to be the Rabbi of Oheb Shalom Congregation. In the 145 years of our synagogue's existence, we have always been leaders and innovators in every area of congregational life. We have a serious commitment to Jewish learning for all members of our congregation. That commitment is demonstrated by an ambitious series of classes, lectures and learning programs throughout the year. We believe deeply in the Jewish idea of Tikun Olam, repairing the world in God's image. That belief is reflected in our Social Action programs, including the kosher food pantry we operate that provides groceries to over 250 families in our community each month. We draw spiritual fulfillment and relish our connection to Jewish community, heritage and history through our worship services.

At Oheb Shalom, we believe that each person matters. We care that you grow in Jewish learning and enjoyment of Jewish life and wish to help you in any way we can to reach those goals. This is a synagogue that understands that our true strength and vitality are found in the individuals of our congregation.

Our ancestors stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai and heard the voice of God calling them to begin a journey seeking to make life sacred and full of purpose. Since that time, each generation of Jews has continued that journey of discovery. Oheb Shalom Congregation is finding new paths in life that is are compelling, relevant and spiritually meaningful for our time. I invite you to journey with us.

Cantor Erica Lippitz

Cantor Erica Lippitz was one of the first two women invested as Cantor by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1987. Her love of serving as the leader of prayer and song began with her experiences at the Hillel at University of Michigan ( B.A.) and at Brandeis University, where she earned a Masters in Jewish Communal Service. As a member of the innovative folk-singing group "Beged Kefet," she has recorded three albums and serves as back-up vocalist for other Jewish performers. In her 16 years at Oheb Shalom, Cantor Lippitz has woven together the strands of traditional prayer with the innovative sounds of American Jewish music. Cantor Lippitz is the co-founder and director of the 65-member Kol Dodi choir, as well as director of Oheb Shalom's adult and children's choirs. Married to Rabbi John S. Schechter, she is the mother of three children.

We know that music is the medium, not the message. And yet, when people lift their voices in song, magic happens!

At Oheb Shalom you'll find people who have mastered Jewish prayer sitting side by side with those who are just discovering its meaning and joy. Song is our common language. Shabbat and Festival services are seen as opportunities to celebrate our lives and our values, to share life cycle events and to build the sense of extended community that is essential to the "Oheb Shalom Family." Just walk through the door of our sanctuary and you'll feel the spirit.

The music of our people tells our story in deep and powerful ways. Every year, new congregants master the ancient art of chanting the Torah and come up proudly to the bimah. The Oheb Shalom Chorale creates inspiring moments at our High Holy Day services and at special musical services throughout the year. The Youth Choir is so brimming with enthusiasm that they don't want to break for the summer. That's the sense of self-worth and love that I want young people to feel in the synagogue.

Learning and growing together creates community. Sharing joys and strengthening one another in difficult times creates bonds that only deepen with time. Oheb Shalom has been building community for over 140 years. Welcome to the family.

Linda Griffler, Executive Director

Julie Wohl, The Zeman Religious School Director

It is an honor and a privilege to be a part if the Oheb Shalom community. Oheb Shalom has a long tradition of commitment to Jewish learning for all members of our congregation. As a vital link in this chain, the creation of our congregational school marks the beginning of an exciting new era. At the Rose and Isadore Zeman Religious School, the children, teachers and parents involved come away enriched; engaged in connecting ideas and beliefs to practice, building skills and developing Jewish identity.

As the Director of Education, I am humbled before this task, reminded by the Rabbis that whoever teaches their children also teaches their children?s children?and so on to the end of the generations of humankind (Babylonian Talmud, Kiddushin 30a). It is this task of educating our children and families that I am so thrilled to share with you.

I look forward to working together as we build a school of excellence. I invite you to learn more and become active in our community of learners.

Please email me at educdir@ohebshalom.org or call me in my office at 973-762-7067, ext.21.

Iris Ehrlich, Mickey Fried Nursery School Director

Iris has a B.A. in elementary education and an M.A. in early childhood education from Kean University. She is an experienced teacher and synagogue nursery school director. Before coming to Oheb Shalom in 1998, Iris was Director of the nursery school at White Meadow Temple in New Jersey. She lives with her husband in Westfield.

I am proud to be the Director of the Mickey Fried Nursery School of Oheb Shalom Congregation. I have spent most of my adult life working with children, something that brings me a feeling of joy and fulfillment. At the Mickey Fried Nursery School, the safety and well being of our children is our highest priority. But it is not the only priority. We are committed to creating an environment where each child can flourish. We guide children in developing their creative talents, social skills, and cognitive abilities. And at the Mickey Fried Nursery School, children are encouraged to develop a love for Judaism through the celebration of Shabbat and holidays, Torah stories and regular visits by our Rabbi and Cantor. Our staff of teachers and assistants is highly trained and extremely dedicated to the needs of each child. I invite you to stop by our school and see for yourself.