Staff

Eric was born and raised in southern California. He attended University of California Santa Barbara, where he earned a degree in Theater Arts. After graduation, Eric simultaneously worked in film production and taught Hebrew School. He realized that his time working with the Jewish community was far more gratifying than days spent in the entertainment industry. Eric switched career paths to focus on Jewish education and programming. He worked as a teacher for a wide range of grades; directed a youth group; and served as regional program coordinator for United Synagogue Youth, the movement for Conservative Jewish teens across North America. To further his career, Eric enrolled in the MBA program at San Diego State University. During graduate school, Eric’s work with the San Diego Unified School District was recognized with a  Qualcomm Social Entrepreneurship Award. After completing his thesis project—a five-year feasibility study for the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla—Eric graduated from San Diego State University in 2001. Eric has been proud to serve in the role of synagogue executive director ever since, including at Temple Israel since 2010. Eric is a leader among synagogue administrators and executive directors in southern California. He was appointed to the Pacific Association of Temple Administrators (PATA) board in 2013, and served as president from 2017-2019. Eric met his wife, Melissa, while studying in San Diego. They currently live in Long Beach with their vivacious children, Max and Harlin.