Rabbi Frank Tamburello

Rabbi Frank A. Tamburello has been spiritual leader of MAKOR since 2013, and is also a certified celebrant of the Humanist Society of the American Humanist Association. Born in New York City, He was a teacher of foreign language on Long Island before becoming ordained a rabbi by Rabbi Joseph Gelberman in 2004. Rabbi Frank holds Masters degrees in Spanish, Eastern Religious and Interfaith Studies and has worked primarily in the New York progressive Jewish and interfaith community. In addition, since 2010, Rabbi Frank has served as ceremonial chairperson and rabbi of the Westchester Community for Humanistic Judaism. Frank is a regular contributor to local newspapers in the Westchester area on Judaism from a progressive Jewish perspective. Rabbi Frank has retired from teaching and now resides in midtown Manhattan.

Rabbi Scott Matous

Rabbi Scott Matous was ordained by the Rabbinical Seminary International in 2009.  He comes from a family legacy of teachers and students in the New Thought Movement and is honored to carry on the teachings and legacy of Rabbi Morris and Tehilla Lichtenstein.  Rabbi Scott is passionate about studying and teaching the beauty, spirit, and relevance of Judaism—and its applicability in our daily lives–in both synagogue and interfaith settings. One way Rabbi Scott brings this to life is by sharing the relevance of the Torah and Judaism in our modern times. Rabbi Scott also officiates at Life Cycle events including weddings, baby namings, upsherins, funerals, and bar mitzvahs.

Scott Matous, Executive Director

Rabbi Scott Matous was ordained by the Rabbinical Seminary International in 2009.  Rabbi Scott is also excited to be President of All Faiths Seminary International, faculty of The Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman School of Judaic Studies, and a member of an Interfaith Religious NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications.  Rabbi Scott has served as Assistant Rabbi at the New Synagogue of Manhattan and the Rabbi of the New Synagogue of Long Island. He is honored to carry on the teachings and legacy of Rabbi Morris and Tehilla Lichtenstein and to foster the continuation of the Jewish Science community.

Bonifacio Torres, Facilities Manager

Bonifacio Torres (affectionately known as “B”), first came to Makor in 2006. Self-sufficient since the age of 14, and after a short career on Wall Street, B recognized that his true calling was working with his hands. He learned all major trades, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and steam fitting, which makes him perfectly suited to be the caretaker of Makor’s facilities. B takes pleasure in making Makor a safe and comfortable home for others to receive the peace and tranquility he has enjoyed at Makor—his small contribution toward God’s work. B and his wife Tati have one son in active military service and three grandchildren.

Claudia Morabito, Office Manager

With over 15 years of experience in professional office positions, Claudia skillfully manages MAKOR’s administrative duties. As Office Manager, Claudia provides executive administrative support to the Executive Director, Rabbis, and staff. She also ensures the smooth operation of MAKOR with her efficient handling and compassion for members and staff. Claudia has been with MAKOR since 2012 and has found a great comfort in working with the staff. As she says, “We are all family here and all have God as our foundation.” When Claudia is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Chaine Ramirez, Bookkeeper

Chaine Ramirez has been MAKOR’s bookkeeper since 2014. With her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and experience in medical billing and bookkeeping, Chaine brings an important attention to detail to MAKOR’s operations and finances. She is also passionately committed to other activities at MAKOR, including giving in service and assisting the Executive Director with community programs and interfaith dialogue initiatives and events. As Chaine herself says, “Working at MAKOR is a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else. I wish there were the same sense of team work and unity in other places. We are a real family here.”

Roland Newport, Board Chair

Roland Newport’s spiritual journey began when he toured the Holy Land at age 28. That life-changing trip opened his eyes, mind, and heart to a new perspective on Judaism. It cemented his desire to become a Jew by choice, which became a reality in 2015, when Roland joined the Jewish people under the tutelage of Rabbi Frank Tamburello. For Roland, MAKOR is a place where “you can be Jewish and still be yourself.” Roland brings many talents to the Board as Chair. His career in Human Resources has trained him to see both the big picture and the small details, resolve conflicts, and listen for different points of view. He holds a B.A. in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He and his husband Peter Fair are pet parents to Logan, their Yorkie.

Immanuel Lichtenstein, Board Member Emeritus

Immanuel Lichtenstein was born in 1922, into profound Jewish, Zionist, and secular influences. His maternal grandfather, Chaim Hirschensohn, was one of the four core founders of modern Zionism. His parents, Rabbi Morris and Tehilla Lichtenstein, founded the Society of Jewish Science.  Immanuel was educated at both the Reconstructionist Society for the Advancement of Judaism and the secular Society of Ethical Culture in New York City. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Columbia College and served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII. After a long corporate career, Immanuel founded Agricola Metals Corporation, a consulting firm that focuses on the mining industry. Immanuel has been happily married to his wife Nancy for 65 years. They have two grown married daughters, Alice and Elizabeth, and two grown granddaughters.

Immanuel shares his reflections on family, duty, and the challenges of spiritual leadership, in “A Conversation with Immanuel Lichtenstein.”