Our Staff
Executive Director - Bob Greenberg
Bob Greenberg joined the leadership team of Congregation Mickve Israel as Executive Director in May, 2023. Bob has a wide range of experience in the Jewish Communal world. He has served 11 years as a Synagogue Executive Director, most recently at Synagogue Emanu-El in Charleston, SC. As an educator, he has served as Head of School at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School in Birmingham, AL and as Assistant Principal at Greene Street Friends School in Philadelphia. Bob began his career as a Middle School Social Studies teacher. Today, Bob’s passions lie in congregational and community engagement, as well as fundraising and management. When not at work, Bob enjoys live music, hiking and spending time with his wife Cherie, traveling in a Winnebago RV with their two moderately well-behaved retrievers, Isabel and Kallie.
(912) 233-1547 extension 313
Financial Director -Debbie Owen
After being born and raised in CA, Debbie and her family (Bob, Robby & April) found their home in the Savannah area in 1996. Debbie’s previous work experience includes asst. manager at McDonalds, communications supervisor at a police department in NE Alabama, accounting assist. for a small business, and a merchandising planner for a large jewelry chain. All of this led her to her position here at Mickve Israel. Debbie enjoys cooking, yard work, cruising and going to concerts (even if they are in the middle of the ocean). Rock on!
(912) 233-1547 extension 303
Executive Assistant & Program Coordinator -KT Celiz
Thanks to the Navy, Kt and her 5 siblings enjoyed growing up along the east coast. She graduated from Summerville High School where she met her late husband, Christopher Celiz. They joined the Mickve Israel community in 2010 which was the same year their daughter, Shannon was born. Kt worked at Rambam Day School as a Teacher Assistant and substitute teacher before joining our fabulous team in August 2022.
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Financial Assistant - Pamela Jerral
Pamela is a native of Savannah. She graduated from Savannah High School where she met her husband, Anthony. After years of working in other areas she found her passion in 1993 when she worked as a bookkeeper, then Office Manager for an architectural firm. She continued mastering her craft, going to school and accounting seminars which after several years she became a Tax Preparer. After taking some time off to take care of her mother, Pamela had the wonderful opportunity of joining the Mickve Israel Staff in November 2019.
(912) 233-1547 extension 308
Gift Shop Manager - Ann Solomon
Ann is a native Savannah and a longtime member of Congregation Mickve Israel. She has been a gift shop volunteer at Mickve Israel for over 20 years. Previously, she was a business owner with husband Steve for 32 years. Ann joined our staff in 2020.
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Technology and Communication Specialist - Jason Rich
Jason, his wife Jennifer and daughter Sophie moved to Savannah in 2005 from Denver, Colorado. He and Jennifer welcomed their second daughter Ellie in 2006. Through their synagogue and JEA memberships (including Mickve Israel), their volunteer work and careers, they have become immersed in the Savannah Jewish community.
With an Electrical Engineering degree, Jason has expanded to being a multidisciplinary Engineer who brings his expertise in Software development, Database development, Network and Security development, as well as audio and video production, to Mickve Israel. His skills and knowledge have enabled Mickve Israel to develop a renowned YouTube channel, technology which supports our growing congregational needs, a thriving museum and gift shop, as well as historical and secure archiving of records, data and photo collections.
(912) 233-1547
Security and Museum Docent Coordinator - Deanna Sorrells
Born and raised in Savannah, Deanna Sorrells has a homegrown passion for her community and its history. Having grown up at Wesley Monumental UMC, she eagerly joined the staff of Mickve Israel in August 2024 as the Security and Museum Docent Coordinator. In 2018, Deanna moved to Milledgeville, Georgia, to pursue a bachelor's degree in History and Museum Studies at Georgia College and State University (2022). She then remained in Milledgeville, working for the university's Department of Historic Museums as the Collections Assistant and earned her master's degree in Library and Information Science online from the University of Alabama (2024). Deanna returned to Savannah in 2024 with her miniature dachshund, Penny, and dedicates her free time to reading every fantasy book possible.
(912) 233-1547
Facilities Manager - Daren Rodriguez
Daren has been keeping Mickve Israel's facilities running smoothly for the past 24 years. He is the most senior member of our staff and is the go to person whenever someone has a question about our historic building.
Facilities - David Anderson
David is our go-to person when something needs attention quickly. He is always there to open up and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Head Chef - Bryan Graves
Bryan has been pushing the limits of amazing southern cooking for the past 16 years at Mickve Israel for every Saturday Shabbat lunch. Our congregants come for the service every week and always stay for Bryan and his team's home cooked Saturday lunches.
Sous Chef - Mitch Rhoda
Mitch has been keeping Mickve Israel's congregants and guests happy for the past 10 years.