United Hebrew Congregation recently signed new contracts with Cantor Ronald D. Eichaker and Rabbi Roxanne J.S. Shapiro, RJE, according to U.H. President Dan Raskas.

Eichaker has accepted an 11-year contract, effective through June, 2024 that will take him to age 68.  When completed, he will have served 25 years at U.H.

Shapiro, responsible for the oversight of the entire educational area for the large Reform congregation— including preschool, religious school, Hebrew school, and adult education—has signed a new five-year agreement extending through June, 2018.  Her new contract includes a title change from Rabbi-Educator to Rabbi and Director of Life Long Learning.

“Signing this long-term contract with Cantor Eichaker recognizes the magnitude of his contributions to U.H. over these past 14 years and his deep commitment to our congregation,” said Raskas. 

“Not only is he an incredibly talented cantor, musician and spiritual leader, he has also brought many innovations to our worship and learning.  His outgoing and caring personality has allowed him to form close relationships with our congregants of all ages,” he added.

Raskas also praised Shapiro’s work, noting that her new title “reflects the great work she is doing for U.H. and the additional rabbinical responsibilities she has taken on over these past three years,” he said.

Under her leadership, Raskas noted, the congregation successfully integrated a ‘Chai School’ for post b’nai mitzvah students; secured board approval to expand its Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center into a year- round operation certified to care for infants as young as 6 weeks old. The latter resulted in a doubling of the center’s projected enrollment.