
Meet the Leadership Team of Congregation B'nai Israel
In an intimate congregation, everyone has a chance to take on a leadership role, investing themselves in the betterment of our Congregation and our community. Presently, this is the leadership team of CBI, including our Executive Committee and our Board of Trustees.
Please get to know us, as we are eager to get to know you:

Rabbi Peter Kessler
Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi - rabbi@cbigalveston.org
Rabbi Peter Kessler was born and raised in Chicago and received his B.S. degree in Business Management from the University of Illinois. He received his Master’s Degree and Ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Rabbi Kessler received his Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) in May of 2021. Rabbi Kessler is the proud father of his son Floyd, an artist living in Washington, DC.
Rabbi Kessler is proud of his extensive work in interfaith and community outreach and serves as the president of the Galveston Ministerial Alliance. His vision is for a congregation that is open and welcoming to all types of Jewish families. Rabbi Kessler loves our older members, and delights in monthly Tot Shabbat experiences with our "little ones". He serves as our Educator; teaching adult education classes and directs our Religious School faculty.
Congregation B'nai Israel Executive Committee

Benjy Shabot
President

Ann Masel
Treasurer

Joseph Sonstein
1st Vice President

Randi Betts
Secretary

Allison Cowan
2nd Vice President

Todd Masel
Past President (ex officio)
Congregation B'nai Israel Board of Trustees

Sasha Clark
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Shelley Kessler
Heidi Seigel

Jason Goldberg
Bruce Leipzig

Brent Richbook

Sarah Shabot
Hal Rochkind

Susan Steinberg