Temple Israel

Natalie Adler, Executive Director

Natalie joined Temple Isarel Columbus as its new Executive Director in July 2023.

Before her recent move to Columbus, she served as the Director of Engagement at Isaac M. Wise Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to becoming a Jewish Professional, she worked for Fifth Third Bank’s corporate offices where she focused on engagement, training and development.

Natalie studied at Miami University and has a B.A in Social Psychology and a M.S. in Human Relations and Business. She currently serves on the board of Pride New Albany.

Natalie lives in New Albany with her husband Josh and they are the proud parents of a sweet and spirited toddler, Charlotte. When not at work, Natalie can be found listening to music, taking nature walks with family, petting random dogs and trying new restaurants.

Email her at nadler@templeisrael.org or call 614-866-0010 ext. 115

Ruth Silverman, Program Director

Ruth Klarin Silverman has worked at Temple Israel Columbus for over 16 years.

Ruth came to Temple Israel after a eclectic career in Columbus in Special Event planning; in retail - she owned a gift shop; in non-profit management (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National office); and in politics - legislative aide at the Statehouse, and as an investigator at the Ohio Attorney General's Office. 

Born in Dayton, Ruth moved a little further East to Columbus for college.  She holds a dual degree from The Ohio State University in Political Science & English.  Her affiliation with Temple Israel is very important to her, as are the many friends she has made through the years!

When not at Temple Israel, Ruth can be found in her garden, weeding; in her kitchen, cooking; or in her den, sewing, or walking a dog! She and her husband have 2 married children, a son, who lives nearby & a daughter, who lives in New York City. Each of those children has two young children.  Being a local and long-distance Nana, keeps Ruth on the go - and very familiar with LaGuardia Airport!

Email Ruth at rsilverman@templeisrael.org or by phone at 614-866-0010 ext. 102.

Zachary Looper-Friedman, Director of Operations

(Accounting & Building)

Zach, or Zachary if you’re upset with him, was born and reared in Columbus, Ohio, where he became involved with an extended Jewish community through regional and national leadership in a Jewish youth group.  He went on to graduate with honors from Ohio University, Athens, with a focus in economics.  Zach has been working with small business bookkeeping and accounting since 2006 when he started keeping the books for a small Columbus law firm during college and more recently for the better part of a decade with a small business in San Francisco’s financial district.    

Since moving back to the Columbus area, Zach, and his beautiful, talented, Bay-Area raised partner, Jennifer, have enjoyed exploring all the wonderful food the city has to offer, starting, and sometimes even finishing, DIY projects on their home, and entertaining their daughter, Sydney, son, Joss, and puppy, Helo.  There may be a cat, as well.

If you see Zach at Shul, or even out-and-about in Columbus, please don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation about Buckeye football, any Cleveland sports team, your favorite restaurant in the Bay-Area, the most adorable thing your puppy dog did recently, or whether you think Eric Bibb or Keb’ Mo’ has more soul.

Email Zach at  accounting@templeisrael.org or by phone at 614-866-0010 ext. 107.

Jodi Bumgarner, Communications Manager

Jodi is a Columbus, Ohio native and graduated from Ohio           University with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She has had a wide range of careers including librarian, computer tech, retail associate, medical secretary, marketing assistant and auction house associate.

When she isn't working on the  website or creating new graphics for Temple Israel Columbus, you can find Jodi reading a lot of non-fiction, working on a craft project, watching historical dramas on Netflix or PBS, and researching the latest topic that strikes her fancy.

Jodi lives in Central Ohio with her three spoiled dogs, Dilly, Cleo and Bella.

Contact her at communications@templeisrael.org or 614-866-0010 x105