Clergy

Rabbi Michael G. Cohen
rabbimichael@csbeli.org

Rabbi Michael G. Cohen grew up in Nashville, TN.  He received his B.A. in Comparative History from Brandeis University.  He received an M.A. in Hebrew Letters, a Certificate in Jewish Nonprofit Management, and his ordination (smicha) from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.  Rabbi Michael served 13 years in the U.S. Army as a Psychological Operations Sergeant, and later as a Jewish Chaplain.  During his time in the service, he was deployed to Haiti, Korea, and Afghanistan.  He is a board member of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.  He has served Reform congregations in Arizona, California, Tennessee, and British Columbia.  He has an adorable son, named Neil, and 2 attention-loving dogs, named Smoky and Lobo.  Rabbi Michael’s passion is on Mussar (Jewish Ethics), and cites the famous civil rights leader and Jewish scholar, Rabbi Richard N. Levy (z”l), as his inspiration.

Eryka Velazquez
Cantorial Student 
erykavelazquez@csbeli.org

Originally from Southern California, Cantor Velazquez swapped coasts to pursue her dream of becoming a cantor. Music and singing have always played a major role in her life and she utilizes the power of prayer and song to connect present-day Jews with ancient Jewish traditions. Also having a deep love for teaching, Cantor Velazquez recently graduated from the William Davidson School of Jewish Education. During her time at the Jewish Theological Seminary, she has taught music, liturgy, b’nei mitzvah, and Judaica at Camp Ramah Wisconsin, Park Avenue Synagogue, South Huntington Jewish Center, and Women’s League of Conservative Judaism. 

She feels blessed to call Central Synagogue - Beth Emeth, home as their cantor. 

עִבְדוּ אֶת-ה׳ בְּשִׂמְחָה בֹּאוּ לְפָנָיו בִּרְנָנָה 

Worship Adonai in gladness; come before God with joyous song. -Psalm 100