Youth & Teens

Youth and Teens

Temple Sinai strives to provide quality, Jewishly-rich social opportunities for our young congregants. As a congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, we are also affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY).

We are committed to the following:

• To help strengthen Jewish identity and connections,
• To create an environment that is accepting and open,
• To build strong relationships among our youth and teens, and
• To provide opportunities for leadership development.

SAFETY (Sarasota Area Federation of Exemplary Temple Youth)

8th grade to High school students meet once a month for student-organized and student-led programs. SAFETY members may participate in NFTY-STR events called Kallahs, attend Camp Jenny, and have opportunities to run for board positions and take on leadership roles. Download the SAFETY Constitution here. 

Youth group members always join in and help with synagogue and community-wide events. Whether it is Temple Sinai’s Annual Food Festival or Temple Sinai’s Annual Mitzvah Day, youth group members pitch in – but ALWAYS have fun!

Whether it is other gatherings, such as Escape Rooms or going bowling, Temple Sinai’s SAFETY youth groups welcome all Jewish teens in grades 8 – 12. Come check us out!

SAFETY Board - 2024-2025 School Year 

President Alix Leinweber

Programming VP Jackson Mitchell

Social Action VP David Livshutz

Religious & Cultural VP Ben Yodfat

Communications VP Sadie Schwartz

Membership VP Ella Collier

Historian Maddi Gersh

Song Leader Jack Fletcher

8^th Grade Rep. Gideon Hirsch

8^th Grade Rep (alt.) Ethan Freedman

Joshua Leinweber | Youth Group Advisor| B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator 

Joshua Leinweber has years of experience with all aspects of education. He has taught 4th grade at Temple Sinai’s Religious School and confirmation class. Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Nova Southeastern located in Davie, Florida. Joshua has served as the Assistant Principal at Booker High School. His three children, Noah, Sage and Alix, have gone through Temple Sinai’s religious school and are active in the youth group. His wife, Bethany, serves as Director of Youth Education, Outreach & Engagement at Temple Sinai.