Two Leadership Positions Filled at Congregation Shir Shalom

Two pivotal leadership roles have been filled at Congregation Shir Shalom (CSS) of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, led by the naming of Mark Block to the newly-created position of Executive Director. He joins CSS from UConn Hillel, where he was Director of Development.

In addition, Cathy Deutchman has been named Education Director of CSS. She comes to Shir Shalom from Temple Israel Center in White Plains (N.Y.), where she was Assistant Director for learning and engagement.

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Mark Block has more than 30 years of professional and volunteer experience in Jewish communal affairs, including executive leadership positions, marketing communications, and development.

Prior to UConn Hillel, Block spent a decade at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Bridgeport (Conn.), where he received the Shem Tov (“Good Name”) Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

He has served on the Board of Governors of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE), and is a Fellow in Synagogue Administration, as well as a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). In addition, he is a 20-year veteran of marketing communications, mostly at Union Carbide Corp. in Danbury (Conn.).

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Block’s responsibilities at CSS include “all aspects of synagogue operations in support of our mission to inspire all with our traditions of enriching spiritual and cultural experiences,” said Congregation Shir Shalom President Larry Hoffman.

“I look forward to working with an extremely dedicated group of volunteers and professionals to advance the synagogue’s mission and vision,” said Block.

He added, “As a team, we will grow Shir Shalom in ways that will enhance our community, as well as ensure that congregants and guests have an inviting, welcoming and safe space to gather in worship, to socialize, and to explore their Judaism, while creating lasting memories for years to come.” He lives in Trumbull (Conn.) with wife Anne and daughter Emily.

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Cathy Deutchman has developed and led programs as Director of Jewish Life at Rosenthal JCC in Pleasantville (N.Y.), and for many years was Director of Sprout Westchester Day Camp in Croton-on-Hudson (N.Y.).

In the part-time position of Education Director at Congregation Shir Shalom, she will manage all aspects of the religious school to advance the Jewish education of the next generation and, in her words, “create meaningful and joyous Jewish experiences.” Cathy and husband Josh live in Croton-on-Hudson with children Ella, Maya, and Zev.

In her new position, Deutchman succeeds Leslie Gottlieb, who will serve as director emerita of the CSS religious school.