
Before coming to Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi Zerwekh led Temple B’nai Israel in Kalamazoo. While in Kalamazoo Rabbi Zerwekh taught as adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University and served as an executive board member of ISAAC, the largest interfaith organizing group in Southwest Michigan. During his time in Kalamazoo, Rabbi Zerwekh distinguished himself in the community as a voice for positive change and cooperation in the faith community. Rabbi’s work was recognized by the Kalamazoo City Commission when he was appointed to represent the faith community on the board of directors of the Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence.
As Temple Emanu-El’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Zerwekh works to help connect the values that make Temple Emanu-El such a special place, to Judaism and to the outside world. It is in this place that Rabbi Zerwekh is most passionate: he continuously strives to make connections, to find common ground between people, communities, and communities of faith as he understands that the strength of a community is only helped through relationship and dialogue with our neighbors. Rabbi Zerwekh has delivered an opening invocation for the Michigan State Senate, serves on the CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbi’s) Ethics Process Review panel and was recognized by the Detroit Jewish News as one of the 36 under 36, and is proud to represent Temple Emanu-El through his various efforts to “pray with his feet”.



Gail’s roles in Jewish education have included being the Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Kol Ami, Director of PJ Library Detroit, a member of the JFamily team, and Assistant Director of FedEd and Melton in Metropolitan Detroit. She has been a religious school teacher and in school leadership at local congregations and prides herself on creating connections with Judaism, congregations, and individuals. Her belief that the student’s voice matters is a key focus when planning curriculum and programs. She looks forward to partnering with leadership, teachers, and families!
Gail received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from Wayne State University and worked in the geriatrics field for many years before moving into the educational world. She earned her Master’s Degree in Jewish Educational Leadership from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and has been granted the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) which is based on established academic and professional standards.
In her free time, Gail enjoys making and listening to music, being outdoors, trying new foods, and Jewish life. She lives in Oak Park with her husband, Howard, and dog Savannah. Her son, Seth, lives locally, and her daughter, Tami, made Aliyah and lives in Israel.
Please consider this an open invitation to reach out to Gail with thoughts and ideas or just to say hi! She looks forward to meeting you!

President
David Gubow
Vice-Presidents
Erica Salomon
Steven Permut
Robert Olender
Stuart Trager
Treasurer
Daniel Steinhardt
Secretary
Sarah Cherluck
President-Elect
Immediate Past President
Ruthanne Okun
Board of Trustees
Jackie Bean
Kate Bush
Stacy Conwell-Leigh
Scott Cooper
Sandra Goldberg
Robert Gutman
David Hart
Robert Kahn
Linda Kayes
Robert Levitt
Daniel Medow
Ashley Moser
Aric Parr
Debora Renner
Susan Stettner
Erica Salomon
Temple Arms
Brotherhood President
Rabbi Joe Klein
Sisterhood President
Jessica Blake