Meet Our Clergy and Staff
Rabbi Mona Alfi
She/Her/Hers
Rabbi Mona Alfi is fueled by a passion for tikkun olam (repairing the world) and a vision for reaching out to Sacramento’s diverse Jewish community. As the spiritual leader of B’nai Israel, Rabbi Alfi hopes to foster a caring community that is engaged both in the life of the synagogue and in our broader society ... (LEARN MORE)
Email Rabbi Alfi
Cantor Alexandra Kurland
She/Her/Hers
Cantor Alexandra Kurland is thrilled to make Congregation B’nai Israel and Sacramento her new home! She brings with her a passion for Jewish life, lifting up prayer in song, cultivating connection, and finding meaning in our lives through ancient tradition.
Cantor Kurland was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in May 2020. She is also a proud graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned honors in her major of Music, as well as a minor in Italian Studies. (LEARN MORE)
Lauren Silva
Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning
She/Her/Hers
Lauren Silva has always called Congregation B’nai Israel and Sacramento home, from the first days of K’tonton, through Confirmation, and today. She studied Economics and Judaic Studies at The University of Michigan, where she was involved with Michigan Hillel and was inspired to become a Jewish professional. (LEARN MORE)
Pam Herman
Interim Executive Director
She/Her/Hers
A longtime member of the Sacramento Jewish Community, Pam Herman appreciates the opportunity to join CBI’s leadership team as the Interim Executive Director. Pam’s goal is to help CBI grow from strength to strength – providing support, stability, and guidance during a period of transition.
Pam brings with her a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in this capacity, having previously served as the Interim CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region and as Interim Executive Director of the Alumnae Association of Mills College (AAMC); and as Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of the West and of HomeAid Sacramento. Pam looks forward to connecting with the CBI staff and community, and working together to build towards a bright future.
Chime Costello
Director of Engagement
She/Her/Hers
With a background as a Temple Executive Director and extensive experience in member engagement and development, Chime brings valuable expertise to strengthen our community, ensure members feel valued, and support our long-term goals. In this new role, she will focus on meeting members' needs, fostering deeper connections, and leading development and stewardship efforts to secure the financial future of CBI.
Photo: Joan Cusick Photography
Cantor Emerita Julie Steinberg
She/Her/Hers
Cantor Emerita Julie Steinberg has been involved at Congregation B’nai Israel for 30 years. As a young woman, she studied music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and at Indiana University. She also holds a Masters degree in Social Work ... (LEARN MORE)
