In 2007, Dori began working for Matan and in 2009, she was promoted to Executive Director. Matan is an organization devoted to Jewish disability inclusion that ensures all members of the Jewish community are integrated into Jewish life and feel a sense of belonging. Through the training of Jewish communal staff and educators along with her vision, Dori has broadened the reach of Matan from a local entity to a nationwide brand. Under her leadership, Matan has opened portals of opportunity for Jewish people with and without disabilities at every life stage.

As the son and brother of a rabbi, David-Seth came to the rabbinate naturally. While in college at York University in Toronto, Canada, David-Seth taught at three different afternoon and Jewish high schools and was a full-time substitute teacher at a local Jewish day school. When entering JTS, he dreamt of being the head of a Jewish day school.

Looking for a change of pace and routine when entering rabbinical school, David-Seth volunteered at the local Jewish funeral home, Riverside Chapels. He quickly became engaged in the machinations and operations of Jewish death and burial. He spoke regularly about the Chevra Kaddisha, Jewish burial society, as well as the rules and laws concerning Jewish burial.

One year before ordination, David-Seth was offered a job at JTS, in the Office of Institutional Advancement. Over the course of eight years, David-Seth traveled the country learning about Conservative Jewish communities and their leadership. During that time, Rabbi Kirshner was instrumental in JTS’s capital campaign which successfully raised $250 million over four years, in addition to the annual programmatic and operational fundraising.

Since coming to Temple Emanu-El in 2007, Rabbi Kirshner has officiated at close to 1000 B’nai Mitzvah, hundreds of weddings and countless other life cycle milestones. He has engaged our community in Israel advocacy and social action. Rabbi Kirshner has led countless missions to explore Jewish heritage around the globe. He has raised the profile of our congregation by bringing renowned and sought-after lecturers and speakers. He has taught all temple demographics and oversaw the expansion of our staff, campus and membership. Rabbi Kirshner inspires all of us to reach higher, dig deeper, ask more questions and perfect gratitude.

The Kirshner Family has modeled the Jewish dictum of hospitality by opening their home to countless guests for Shabbat and holiday meals, youth gatherings and celebratory events and programs.

Dori and David-Seth said “We knew we were taking a job but had no idea we would gain a community and extended family. Joining Temple Emanu-El is the greatest professional choice we have made. We are honored to have raised our children in this community and are beyond thankful to be a part of your lives. Each of you has played a significant role in our lives. For that and much more we are eternally blessed and grateful. May this milestone be one that launches us all onward and upward in our never-ending pursuit of becoming closer to one another and to God.”