Our Staff & Volunteers

Jane Mahler

President

Jane has been involved with the Jewish Cemetery Association since its inception under the direction of Leo Goldberg. A member of the Waterbury community since 1980, she recognizes the importance of bringing all nine cemeteries together under one unified organization. She is committed to preserving each cemetery's traditions and rituals while responsibly stewarding their financial needs and obligations. Jane considers it a privilege to serve in this leadership role.

Abby Rose

Executive Director

Abby serves as the Executive Director of the Jewish Cemetery Association. She has been actively involved in the Greater Waterbury Jewish community for more than 35 years and has served on various boards and staffs of local Jewish organizations. She is an active member of B'nai Israel in Southbury. Abby lives in Southbury with Bella, her Newfoundland, and is mom to two grown children.

Contact: [email protected]

Sid Frenkel

Treasurer

Sid is a lifelong resident of greater Waterbury. He has served as Treasurer of the JCA since its inception.  Sid graduated from Bently University and enjoyed a career spanning more than 50 years in the meat industry.  He and his wife Rose are parents to Bob, Jen, and Lindsay.  Sid is a huge sports fan and avid golfer.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff

Rabbi

Rabbi Eric is B'nai Israel of Southbury's founding rabbi, serving the congregation since 1997. He gives great attention to his roles as a teacher, pastor, speaker, and community leader. His interests and activities begin locally and extend beyond the community.

Chaim Gewirtzman

Board Member

Chaim has called Waterbury home for the past 22 years, where he and his family are active members of the Jewish community. He is a founding member of the Chesed Shel Emes Connecticut burial society, dedicated to ensuring that every Jew has the opportunity to receive a dignified Jewish burial.  A licensed paramedic, Chaim serves as a volunteer Deputy Chief of Hatzalah of Waterbury and personally responded to more than 400 emergency calls last year across the greater Waterbury area. He is also a SWAT paramedic with the Waterbury Regional SWAT Team and has been serving for 18 years as a chaplain for the Connecticut State Police. Professionally, Chaim is the CEO of NCE Homecare, a non-medical home care agency.

Sharon Goldman

Board Member

Sharon lives in Watertown, grew up in Waterbury, and has been active in Jewish communal life for more than 40 years. She has served on the boards of Temple Israel, Beth El Synagogue, B'nai Israel, the Federation and JCA. She also serves as board secretary for GWIM (Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries), a soup kitchen and food pantry in Waterbury, and is currently the Memorials and Dedications Chair at B'nai Israel, Southbury. Sharon has two sons who are also involved in their communities.

Brad Mahler

Board Member

Brad Mahler

Roland Perreault

Board Member

Dr. Roland Perreault serves as President of the Sons of Jacob Cemetery in Torrington. He previously served as a sexton for Hebrew Benefit and as President of B'nai Shalom Synagogue. Now semi-retired, he remains active as adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut and continues to practice physical therapy. His longstanding involvement in Jewish communal life, together with his experience in healthcare, education, and leadership, reflects his commitment to service and to preserving Jewish cemeteries, history, and traditions for future generations.

Cynthia Rabinowitz

Board Member

Cynthia worked as a soil and wetland scientist since 1980 and is a Certified Permaculture Design Consultant and environmental horticulturist.  A founding director of the Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association (CTNOFA), she served as New Haven County Agriculture and Community Resource Development Agent for UConn Cooperative Extension from 1980 to 1986, after which she operated a private soil science consulting practice until 2017. She is a founding member and former President of the Bethlehem Land Trust and serves on the board of Bethwood Volunteer Rides. Her writing appeared in Connecticut Gardener, Fine Gardening, Edible Nutmeg, and other publications. Cynthia taught graduate programs at Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven, and guest lectured at The Graduate Institute.

Steven Reps

Technical Director

Steven is a relative newcomer to the JCA. He is a certified IT Architect with over 35 years experience in the corporate sector. He maintains the JCA's website, internal databases, and all technical requirements. He is also the Technical Coordinator for B'nai Israel in Southbury and the Director of Technology for the Jewish Federation of Western CT. Steven lives in the neighboring town of Sandy Hook and has 1 daughter attending the University of New Hampshire.

Contact: [email protected]

Marcia Tishman

Board Member

Marcia held the position of Executive Director of the Jewish Cemetery Association from 2005 - 2025.  She took over this role from Leo Goldberg, who founded JCA in 2003, having consolidated all nine area Jewish cemeteries under one umbrella.  Her greatest feeling of accomplishment was assisting grieving families bury their loved ones with dignity, professionalism, and compassion. In addition to her role at JCA, she is a licensed realtor and Admissions Coordinator at Naugatuck Valley Surgical Center.  Marcia lives locally with her husband Eric, and is mother to Lisa and nana to Rebecca and Jackson (pictured).