Our Professional Staff

Executive Director
Sarabeth Salzman, MSW
Sarabeth Salzman serves as the Executive Director of Emanuel Congregation. She comes from a professional career within the Jewish community for over 15 years, including Federations, Synagogues and Overnight Camps. Sarabeth has a Masters in Social Work, focusing on Nonprofit Management and Child and Youth Development, as well as a graduate certificate in Jewish Communal Service. She loves being part of Emanuel Community and welcomes anyone to reach out if they have questions or needs anything.
Contact Sarabeth at
Email: sarabeth@emanuelcong.org, Phone: 773-561-5173 ext. 109

Director of Emanuel Congregation Religious School (ECRS)
Mandy Herlich, RJE
Mandy is thrilled to be a part of the Emanuel team! Mandy is a proud alumna of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Prior to coming to Emanuel, Mandy served for five years as the Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Beth-El in Northbrook, Illinois. Before that, she lived in Miami, FL; New York City; Jerusalem; Atlanta, GA; Jackson, MS; New Orleans, LA; and St. Louis, MO. Feel free to ask her what she was doing in any of those places - she loves playing Jewish geography! And, speaking of games, she also loves playing and teaching mahjong. In addition to her professional work, Mandy serves on the leadership of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators. She always looks forward to spending time over the summer in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, serving on faculty at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute. Mandy lives in Skokie with her husband, Dustin, their dog, Niky, and their chinchilla, Hamantaschen.
Contact Mandy with question about Emanuel Congregation's Religious School

Senior Event Planner
Amy Guth
As part of the “5959” at Emanuel Congregation Initiative, a Jewish based cultural and community destination to serve Chicago, Amy will be working to bring high quality programming, speakers, panels and authors to the Emanuel and general community. Amy most recently produced Emanuel’s incredible and high-quality 5781 High Holy Day virtual experience. You may also know Amy from around Emanuel, as a long-time congregant and engaged member.
Contact Amy with question about Programming at Emanuel Congregation

Administrative Assistant
Vivian Caniglia
Vivian works as the administrative assistant for Emanuel Congregation as a joint role with Sacred Heart Schools. She works as the assistant to Sarabeth Salzman and in a supportive role for the entire team of the Emanuel Congregation Office.
Contact Vivian at
email: info@emanuelcong.org


Marketing Coordinator
Stephanie McCullough
Stephanie works part time to create and schedule email marketing efforts including Emanuel's weekly eBulletin, social media posts and events, flyers for Emanuel's engagement opportunities and events, and other publicizing needs at Emanuel.
Contact Stephanie with publicity needs for your upcoming Emanuel Congregation event.

Bookkeeper
Lorraine Fogarty
Lorraine is Emanuel's part-time bookkeeper and is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable and questions concerning members' payments and accounts.
Contact Lorraine with questions about membership renewals, outstanding payments, and other financial or billing topics.
Email: LFogarty@emanuelcong.org, Phone: 773-561-5173 ext. 108

Music Director
Ruth Seidner
Ruthie teaches music in the Religious School, leads our Adult and Junior Choirs, assists in worship, and touches all with her song leading and spirit. Her talents and enthusiasm brighten Share Shabbat, Sunday morning services and so many other events.
Contact Ruthie at
Email: RSeidner@emanuelcong.org

Sound and Livestream Technician
Jack Mecherle
Jack is responsible for managing sound and live-streaming during our Shabbat services, and anything else that would interest an audiophile. He has been a professional in the audiovisual industry for over a decade, and is excited to use his skills to serve Emanuel!
Contact Jack at
Email: info@emanuelcong.org