Congregation Beth Israel Announces New Executive Director and New Director of Education

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains welcomes Lesley Lewkowicz as its new Executive Director and Suzan Chaiklin as its new Director of Education. Their tenures began this summer, in advance of the Jewish High Holidays and the start of Religious School.

Lesley Lewkowicz is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with deep experience in synagogue administration, Jewish communal engagement, and organizational operations. She brings more than a decade of hands-on leadership across synagogues, educational programs, and community focused organizations, along with a proven track record of strengthening partnerships, improving processes, and supporting meaningful growth.

Lesley previously served as the Executive Director of Congregation B’nai Tikvah for six years, where she modernized systems, increased revenue, expanded community outreach, and enhanced member engagement.

Suzan Chaiklin brings many years of Jewish education experience, ranging from teaching Hebrew language to leadership roles at religious schools. Suzan previously served as the Director of Education and Religious School Director at Morristown Jewish Center. Along with that role, she also served as the Director of Lifelong Learning. Prior to that, Suzan was the Head Teacher at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston and Adath Shalom in Morris Plains, where she spent ten years developing curriculum and teaching Jewish studies, Hebrew reading, prayers, Jewish traditions, and holiday learning. Throughout her career, Suzan has been passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment for every child and has extensive experience working with students with special needs and diverse learning styles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lesley and Suzan into our close-knit CBI family,” said Marcia Wiener, President of Congregation Beth Israel. “We were able to take advantage of some recent staff changes to bring on two strong professionals who will work collaboratively to help CBI continue to grow, evolve and thrive.”

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, educational, cultural, and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. It has an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club and youth group, plus a wide array of programs, ranging from adult education courses to social action opportunities.

Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).For questions, call the synagogue office at (908) 889-1830 or email Lesley Lewkowicz, Executive Director, at lesleyl@cbisp.org . Additional information can be found on CBI's website at www.cbinj.org .