Meet our Professional Staff
Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Larry I. Brandspiegel
Larry I. Brandspiegel officially joined East Brunswick Jewish Center in August 2018 as our Cantor and Director of Education. His wife, Dr. Laura Brandspiegel, and his children, Samantha and Avi, Heather, Jeremy, as well as his granddaughter, Orli, have been a welcome addition to our family. Cantor Larry became Rabbi Larry when he was ordained by Harav Yitzchak Leizerowski of Bet Midrash Harav – B’nai Jacob in Philadelphia, PA. He is now EBJC's Rabbi and Cantor. In addition, Rabbi Larry is currently serving as the President of Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA), as well as the spiritual advisor of the Northern New Jersey Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. We look forward to hearing his melodic voice, as well as his sermons during services! With over 30 years experience as a Cantor, Educator, and clergy, Rabbi Larry is infusing our congregation with a renewed energy and Ruach! Rabbi Larry continues to be available by email at CantorLarry@ebjc.org.
Executive Director: Christine Mahler
Before joining the East Brunswick Jewish Center in 2024, Christine had spent the last four and half years with the Freehold Jewish Center as their Executive Director. Prior to FJC she was the Office Administrator with Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor for eight years.
Christine is married to Christopher (yes, they are both Chris) and have two children, Elizabeth (Lizzie) and their son Tyler, of blessed memory. Christine grew up in Philadelphia (Go Flyers!) and moved to New Jersey in her teenage years. Before she was a mother, Christine worked for various companies doing everything from basic office work to assisting the corporate controllers. Prior to joining Beth El, Christine spent twelve years being a domestic engineer (stay home mom). Being a full-time mom was harder than working for any corporation. The Mahler family has lived in East Windsor for over 23 years. Christopher has worked for Potter Architects in Union, NJ for over 30 years. Lizzie is currently a sophomore at New Jersey City University (NJCU) studying Criminal Law.
Outside of EBJC, Christine has worked with various organizations over the years, including the New Jersey Society of Enrolled Agents (NJSEA), Friday Club, Meals on Wheels, Hightstown Women’s League, and she has sat on the board of Better Beginnings Child Development Center. Christine’s major focus now is the Tyler Hettel Scholarship Fund at Mercer County Technical Schools Diesel Program. The Scholarship Fund is both a yearly scholarship and a financial program to help subsidize the Diesel Program at the Assunpink Center with updated equipment.
Christine is honored to be a part of a community that is welcoming and caring. Christine is looking forward to being part of the EBJC family.
If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to contact her at chrism@ebjc.org or (732) 257-7070
Educational Director: Justin Hirsch
Moreh Justin is excited to be returning as the Education Director for the upcoming school year. Some of you may know him from the two years (2020-2022) that he taught the Kitah Zayin class. He is honored to be back in a leadership position that will help grow EBJC's excellent program. Justin has been tutoring and teaching in Hebrew Schools in NJ and NY since 1998. He holds a BA in English & Psychology, with minors in Judaic Studies and Education, an MS in Adolescent Education, a certificate to teach Students with Disabilities, and an MA in Urban Education-Administration. Additionally, he completed his Certificate in School Management and Leadership in April 2024. He currently serves as the Technology Coordinator at Central High School in Newark, where he previously taught English Language Arts to 10th-12th graders.
Justin can be reached at 732-257-7070 x4 or JustinH@ebjc.org
Early Childhood Learning Center Director: Lynda Perel
Lynda is happy to be the director of our Early Childhood Center and is looking forward to a very bright future for our school and for our children.
She graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Elementary Education and is a certified teacher in the State of New Jersey.
Before joining EBJC as Director our Early Childhood Learning Center, Lynda was an employee of the East Brunswick Public Schools System, the director of Camp Gan B’kayitz, the camp coordinator at Temple B’nai Shalom, and 18 years as a preschool teacher.
Please feel free to call, visit or email Lynda at lperel@ebjc.org