Michael Danziger, Senior Rabbi

Our Senior Rabbi, Michael Danziger, came to The Temple on July 1, 2022, from Isaac M. Wise. Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He served there as Assistant and Associate Rabbi following his ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Danziger creates and celebrates personal connection, moments of learning, and Judaism’s ongoing relevance with congregants of all ages. He is energized by the unique work he has done with the 20s/30s community, youth and families, seniors, and lifelong learning, and by the chance to engage and inspire worshipers in sermon and song.

Rabbi Danziger experienced deep Jewish relationships as an active participant in his home congregation in Memphis, Tennessee, as a camper at URJ Jacobs Camp, and as a leader in NFTY. Known to many as “Ziggy,” he assumed a central role in building those connections as a Hillel leader at The University of Texas, as a long-time staff member and Assistant Director at Jacobs Camp, and as the first Youth and Family Life Director at Temple Israel in Memphis.

Before enrolling at HUC-JIR and beginning his rabbinate, Rabbi Danziger worked in commercial real estate and grew as a leader in the broader Memphis community. At the same time, he began his career as an award-winning stand-up comic and has entertained thousands in clubs, conventions, corporate, and other settings.  He brings unique skills from both of these experiences, along with his knowledge and passion for Jewish life, to his work as a rabbi.  

Rabbi Danziger enjoys playing and watching sports, playing guitar and piano, movies, comedy, the Texas Longhorns, and spending time with his family.  He and his wife, Rabbi Lindsey Danziger, are parents to three young children.

E-mail Rabbi Danziger at rabbidanziger@templenashville.org

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Shana Goldstein Mackler, Rabbi & Senior Scholar

Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler has been serving as a Rabbi at The Temple, Congregation Ohabai Sholom in Nashville since her ordination at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, June 2004.  In 2022, Rabbi was promoted to Rabbi & Senior Scholar affective July 1.

Prior to joining The Temple, she earned her Masters of Arts in Hebrew Letters from HUC in 2003, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida in 1998, and was a teacher at the Hebrew Day School of Central Florida.

While in seminary, Rabbi Mackler served congregations in Ishpeming, Michigan; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; and Natchez, Mississippi.  

As a Rabbi, she combines her love of Judaism with her passion for lifelong education, social justice, and interfaith work.  Rabbi Mackler is proud of the legacy of Social Justice at The Temple and is honored to be a representative in the larger community, building a strong foundation as a partner with other communities of difference to bring about greater understanding, inclusion, and cooperation.

She is a graduate of Leadership Nashville class of 2015 and was voted one of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis in 2016.  Rabbi Mackler recently completed the Brickner Rabbinic Fellowship for Social Justice, 2017-2019. She is a founding member of the West Nashville Interfaith Clergy Group and is also president of the Nashville Board of Rabbis.  She has served on many community boards including Akiva School and Interfaith Dental Clinic.

Rabbi Mackler is married to attorney and Army veteran Lt. Col. James Mackler, who is currently serving in the Air National Guard. they are the proud parents of their daughters, Hannah and Sylvie.

E-mail Rabbi Mackler at rabbisgmackler@templenashville.org

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Rabbi Michael Shulman, RJE

Rabbi Michael Shulman joined The Temple as the Director of Education and Next Generation Programming in 2014. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, where he developed his love for Judaism early on while attending religious school through confirmation and graduation.

Rabbi Shulman received a degree in history at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. While in college, he also studied such diverse subjects as Arabic and Hebrew, Middle Eastern studies, and biology. Rabbi Shulman also taught religious school for four years at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia.

After a year of study in Israel, Rabbi Shulman moved to Cincinnati to continue his rabbinic studies at HUC-JIR. While in Cincinnati, he served two years as a student rabbi at Temple Israel in Marion, Ohio, and as a counseling intern at the University of Cincinnati Psychological Counseling Services. He also served two years as a rabbinic intern at Wise Temple before joining the staff full time.

Rabbi Shulman also earned a Master’s in Education from Xavier University. Blending his rabbinical and educational studies, he wrote his rabbinical thesis on the subject of tzedakah, (the Jewish obligation to give to those in need) in religious school and in the classroom. He earned the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) in 2011. 

Previously, Rabbi Shulman served two years in Atlanta, Georgia as Temple Sinai’s first Director of Lifelong Learning, overseeing the entire congregation’s educational program from early childhood to adult learning. Before that, Rabbi Shulman served nine years as the associate rabbi at the Isaac M. Wise Temple in Cincinnati. 

In 2021, Rabbi Shulman became a Rukin Rabbinic Fellow with 18Doors, a national organization that empowers people in interfaith relationships — individuals, couples, families and their children—to engage in Jewish life and make Jewish choices, and encourages Jewish communities to welcome them.

When not at The Temple, Rabbi Shulman enjoys building Lego and trying dishes from around the world.  He is also a Certified Bourbon Steward and avid photographer.

E-mail Rabbi Shulman at rabbishulman@templenashville.org

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Cantor Tracy Fishbein

Cantor Tracy Fishbein joined The Temple family as Cantor on June 29, 2012. Prior to her appointment at The Temple, she was ordained from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. She grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri, where she was an active member and participant in the music programs of Congregation Temple Israel. In 2005, Cantor Fishbein graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou).

Upon entering HUC-JIR in June 2007, Cantor Fishbein enjoyed many meaningful learning experiences in Jerusalem and New York City, including a summer of Clinical Pastoral Education at Beth Israel Medical Center. In addition, she enjoyed facilitating programs and leading services for the Wandering Jews of Astoria, an independent minyan for 20-30s Jews in her former neighborhood of Astoria, Queens. Professionally, Cantor Fishbein has been blessed to work as the Student Cantor of congregations in Saint Louis, Missouri, South Bend, Indiana, and York, Pennsylvania. As part of her student pulpit duties, Cantor Fishbein created both adult and youth choral ensembles, developed, and taught a B’nai Mitzvah preparation course for seventh-grade students, and created a religious school music curriculum for grades K-8.

Since arriving at The Temple in 2012, Cantor Fishbein has actively refreshed the musical landscape of our congregation. She loves working alongside the Rabbis to create meaningful moments of music and prayer within worship and lifecycle events. In addition, Cantor Fishbein has revitalized the Mazel Tones youth choir, growing the group into 20-plus enthusiastic young singers from kindergarten through fifth grade who sing for Family Services, Religious School assemblies, and Mitzvah concerts at various senior living facilities. She has also developed a band of volunteer adult musicians who play for many of our Blue Jeans Shabbat services.

One of Cantor Fishbein’s greatest joys is to involve musicians of all ages to participate on the pulpit, whether by singing, playing instruments, or writing music. As a singer, Cantor Fishbein has served as a guest clergy person at local churches, performed as a soloist with local GLBTQIA+ choir Nashville in Harmony, and has worked with guest clinicians and cantors from across the country. She has created many beloved concert events for our community, including an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Concert and Nashville Cantor’s Concert.

In addition, Cantor Fishbein has worked to revitalize our B’nai Mitzvah learning process. She enjoys teaching a sixth-grade group “B’nai Mitzvah Boot Camp” class, and works one-on-one with each of our B’nai Mitzvah students and their families as they prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Cantor Fishbein also helped to transition our program to an online platform, where students and families can access important information to prepare for this important milestone through Google Drive. Guiding our families through this process and standing beside each student on this important day brings Cantor Fishbein tremendous honor and pride.

Cantor Fishbein is married to Glenn Turtel, and together they have two wonderful children, Anna and Joshua.

Email Cantor Fishbein at cantorfishbein@templenashville.org

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Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Rabbi Emeritus

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Bernard Gutcheon, Cantor Emeritus

Cantor Gutcheon served as Cantor at The Temple from 1983-2013.

He has a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree, Cantorial Investiture and Certification, a teaching certificate and is a certified Reform Jewish Educator.

He studied at the Hebrew Union College for Sacred Music, the Chayim Greenberg College, and Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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Candice Bouton, Director of Temple Preschool

Candice Bouton has been an early childhood educator for nineteen years. Her journey with The Temple began in 2017 as a classroom teacher. In 2019 she then moved into administration first as Curriculum Director, then Assistant Director, and finally as our current Acting Director. In addition to being a dedicated educator of young children Candice loves sharing her expertise with other educators and offers trainings to preschools in the area and has presented at local and state conferences. A lifelong learner herself, Candice is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at American Jewish University.

Candice's dream from childhood was to be a teacher. She first thought she wanted to work with older children but once she began working with young children she knew that was what she wanted to do the rest of her life. Candice also has a passion for working with diverse communities and has a background with special needs children. Her philosophy is that every child has a right to safe and supportive environment in which to learn.

When she isn't working Candice loves to explore nature trails by hiking and foraging. Additionally, she can't resist cuddling up with a good book, hot tea, and her two cats.

Email Candice at candice@templenashville.org

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Sheri Rosenberg, Director of Membership and Inclusion

Sheri Rosenberg has spent her professional career working at various Jewish non-profit organizations around the country.

After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2006, Sheri spent a year in Israel volunteering in small development towns teaching English and immersing herself in the culture.

She most recently worked for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity as the Director of Hate Prevention and Jewish Enrichment, where she worked with the 83 chapters nationally to enhance their heritage and philanthropy events and facilitated programs on discrimination.

Sheri received her master’s degree in Jewish Communal Services and Non-Profit Management from Gratz College, and in 2020, Sheri received a certificate in Jewish Leadership from the Spertus Institute.

She serves as the president of the Alpha Epsilon Phi Nashville alumni group, is a member of the Inclusion Committee at the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and recently participated in the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute.

In her spare time, Sheri enjoys spending time with her husband John (a fellow Buckeye!), reading, watching reality television, cheering on the Buckeyes, and missing her home state of New Jersey.

Email Sheri at sheri@templenashville.org

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Mark Shepard, Director of Hospitality & Facility Management

Mark Shepard has been with The Temple since 2010 when he joined the staff as Facility Manager.  In late August 2022, he was promoted to the new title of Director of Hospitality & Facility Management.  Before coming to work at The Temple, Mark had worked in the family plumbing supply business for 31 years.

Growing up in Lebanon, Tennessee, he made the trip to Nashville every weekend to attend Religious School at The Temple where his family has worshiped for five generations.  Mark graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in 1970.  He then attended Memphis State University where he pursued a BS degree in communication & advertising.  He was a member of the ZBT Fraternity and participated in all activities throughout his stay in Memphis.

Shortly after he began working for The Temple, Mark joined the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA) and has been an active member for over 12 years.  He presently serves on the Engagement & Finance Committees and was appointed in February 2023 to the Board of Directors for NATA.  Mark has also taken an active role in all areas of The Temple’s security.  In August 2022, he had the opportunity to participate in the Citizens Academy sponsored by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This opened up the discussion on ways to enhance the security procedures at The Temple.

In his downtime, Mark enjoys watching Titans and Alabama football and spending time with his five grandchildren all living here in Nashville.

Email Mark at marks@templenashville.org

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Erin Hirsch Zagnoev, Director of Administration & Advancement

Erin Hirsch Zagnoev was named the first Development Director of The Temple in 2010. In 2013, Erin took on the role of Director of Membership & Development. In 2020, her duties changed again as Director of Administration & Advancement.

Erin has the privilege of meeting and welcoming all new members to the congregation and helping them to make The Temple feel like home. She is also responsible for coordinating all fund-raising activities, including endowment and planned giving, the annual giving campaign, resource development, and volunteer training.

Erin had the pleasure of working with an incredible leadership team to build a strong future through the Securing Tomorrow Today Endowment Campaign. This campaign raised over $9.4 million to support the long-term needs of our Temple.

Prior to joining The Temple, Erin served as Vice President of Donor Services and Manager of Women’s Philanthropy for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. As the leader of Donor Services, she created and was the primary implementer of the new Donor Services efforts, enhancing positive donor relations. She also worked in partnership with the annual giving campaign team in achieving an annual goal of $15.4 million. Erin was with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for six years where she began as Campaign Associate and received several honors and awards, including the Extra Mile Award, the Pinnacle Award, and Employee of the Month.

Erin holds a master’s of business administration in non-profit management from the University of Judaism, Lieber School of Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, California, with a bachelor’s of arts degree in communications from the University of Arizona. Erin grew up at the Temple. She and her husband Greg love watching their three daughters grow up as part of The Temple family.

Email Erin at erin@templenashville.org

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Staff

Susan Good, Executive Assistant to the Clergy
Email Susan at susan@templenashville.org

Connie Barnes, Graphic Designer
Email Connie at connie@templenashville.org

Jill Ellen, Preschool Assistant Director 
Email Jill at jill@templenashville.org

Rae Kraft, Receptionist & Religious School Assistant
Email Rae at rae@templenashville.org

Mitzie Russell, Special Projects
Email Mitzie at mitzie@templenashville.org

Bridget Pounds, Bookkeeper
Email Bridget at bridget@templenashville.org

Doris Shacklett, Receptionist & Office Assistant
Email Doris at doris@templenashville.org

Lindy Hood, Staff Accountant
Email Lindy at lindy@templenashville.org

Mark Presley, Maintenance Staff

Zorica Stupar, Maintenance Staff