Rabbi Asher Lopatin, Executive Director
Rabbi Asher Lopatin is the founding director of the Detroit Center for Civil Discourse, a nonprofit designed to bring diverse people together in enriching dialogue, as well as the founding rabbi of Kehillat Etz Chayim, a new, Modern Orthodox synagogue in metropolitan Detroit. Prior to serving in these roles, he was president of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School in New York and the senior rabbi of Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation in Chicago. While in Chicago, he and his wife, Rachel, helped found the pluralistic Chicago Jewish Day School and he co-chaired the Jewish Muslim Community Building Initiative of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs.
A Rhodes Scholar and Truman Fellow with an M. Phil in Medieval Arabic Thought from Oxford University, Rabbi Lopatin also has done doctoral work at St. Antony’s College, Oxford, in Islamic Fundamentalist attitudes towards Jews and Israel. He received ordination from Rav Ahron Soloveichik and Yeshivas Brisk in Chicago, and from Yeshiva University, as a Wexner Graduate Fellow. In 2011, Rabbi Lopatin became a permanent member of The Council on Foreign Relations.
In addition to being a nationally sought-after teacher and lecturer, Rabbi Lopatin has written numerous articles and chapters in more than 20 books.
Email Rabbi Lopatin at alopatin@jcrcajc.org or call (248) 642-2640.
Sam Dubin, Assistant Director/ Director of Media Relations
Sam Dubin is Assistant Director/ Director of Media Relations where he is tasked with media relations, building relationships with political leaders, and messaging to the broader metro Detroit community.
He also serves as a vice president of NEXTGen Detroit and is the creator/ co-host of the FedRadioDetroit podcast series. Dubin established NEXTGen Detroit Pride – a welcoming gateway into the Jewish community for LGBT young adults looking for connection.
Dubin is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, and Political Science. He joined Dubin Cleaners & Laundry as director of sales and marketing, as he spent years as a lay leader in Jewish Detroit serving on a variety of boards.
Email Sam at dubin@jcrcajc.org or call (248) 642-2641.
Michael Kuper, Advocacy Associate
Michael Kuper joined JCRC/AJC as its Advocacy Associate in December 2020. In this position, he focuses on promoting the advocacy initiatives designed to advance the policy goals of the organization. In particular, his work includes setting and implementing JCRC/AJC’s policy agenda, developing strategies for policy issues, fostering relationships with local, state and federal legislators in order to build support to advance goals and forming coalitions to, also, support these goals.
A former attorney in private practice, Kuper has worked in a multitude of legal fields including insurance defense, real estate and corporate law.
Kuper received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and obtained his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
Email Michael at kuper@jcrcajc.org or call 248-642-5393.
Melissa Gould, Executive Assistant/ Special Projects Coordinator
Melissa Gould joined JCRC/AJC as its Executive Assistant in February 2022. Serving as executive assistant to the Executive Director, she also manages the office and supports other staff.
Melissa has an extensive background in marketing, sales and business administration. Most recently, she wore many hats for a busy medical practice where she oversaw all marketing, LASIK services and assisted with managing the office.
She received her B.A. in Art History from the University of Vermont, Phi Beta Kappa and has sat on the boards of the Detroit Institute of Arts and Kadima.
Email Melissa at gould@jcrcajc.org or call 248-205-2546.
Tamara Lopes, Community Associate
Tamara Lopes joined JCRC/AJC as its Community Associate in December 2022. In this position, she focuses on building relationships with the Black and Jewish communities by working with the Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity. She also works on a variety of interfaith initiatives, such as Student-to-Student, and Project Understanding.
Tamara has a broad background in the medical industry, ranging from Certified Medical Assistant, Licensed Phlebotomist, and Human Resources Coordinator for a critical care hospital.
Email Tamara at lopes@jcrcajc.org or call 248-203-1527 EXT. 103.