Sharon Lerman

Bio

Congregation B’nai Israel has been like another home to me since I moved to Northampton three and a half years ago. Being part of our community brings me great joy and spiritual connection. Before moving to Northampton, I was a founder, in 1989, of a still-thriving Milwaukee-based Reconstructionist synagogue, named Shir Hadash. There, I was a board member and Vice President, serving on the Social Justice and Ritual committees. In 2022, when I moved to Northampton to live with my partner, Larry Hott, a longtime member of CBI, I immediately became a CBI member. Now, two of my three children are members at CBI. I am a regular at services, participate in Tikun Olam and Abundance Farm events and enjoy volunteering. Professionally, I have degrees in education, psychotherapy and business. I’ve worked as a consultant, facilitator and trainer with schools, police and non-profits in Restorative Practices/Restorative Justice, which focuses on building community and resolving conflict through a collaborative group process. At CBI’s request, I facilitated discussions about Israel/Palestine with four different groups of CBI members, who were all working towards collaboration. As part of the CBI board, I hope to support respectful and productive dialogue and consensus building. I’m also open to learning new ways I can serve our beloved community.