OUR TEAM

CLERGy

CHAZZAN CLIFF ABRAMSON | Senior clergy

Chazzan Cliff Abramson received his ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York, in 2006 after completing a master's degree in Sacred Music in 2005. He earned his first degree in theater from New York University in 1985 and has performed on stage, film and television. In addition to Jewish music, he is trained in classical music as a tenor and classical guitarist. His bar/bat mitzvah training program, recitals, original synagogue music, and lecture programs on Jewish music are all a result of his eclectic background. Chazzan Abramson came to Temple Sinai in 2006 infusing his wit and beautiful music into temple services and programs. He is married to Jamie Abramson.

Chazzan Abramson, who has often been responsible for rabbinic duties during his tenure and was mentored by Rabbi Emeritus, Geoff Huntting, believes the connection between music and the spiritual leadership of a synagogue is literally and symbolically the key to congregational wellbeing. He says, “Whether I am teaching cantillation, synagogue ritual practice, prayer book Hebrew or many other areas of interest to our congregants, I realize that everyone’s individual needs must
be addressed with completeness and thoughtfulness. Teaching, community, celebrations, and crises alike, I see through a lens of care.”

RABBI GEOFFREY HUNTTING | EMERITUS

Born and raised in Connecticut, Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University. After serving in Vietnam, Rabbi Huntting moved to California, where he received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. Rabbi Huntting was ordained by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in June 1991, after five years of study in Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and Cincinnati. He became Rabbi at Temple Sinai in December, 1993. Rabbi Huntting has been involved with the American Jewish Committee and has served on the advisory board of ALSO. Rabbi Huntting and his wife, Susan, have two children who grew up at Temple Sinai, Gabriel and Rebecca.

Email Rabbi Huntting

SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS

ANDREA EIFFERT | DIRECTOR of communications and programming

Andrea Eiffert is Temple Sinai's Director of Communication and Programming. Andrea heads up both the communications team of staff, consultants and volunteers while also working with leadership and volunteers to create innovative and exciting programs for our synagogue. Andrea has over sixteen years’ experience in the Jewish nonprofit world, many of those years spent launching and developing new programs. Andrea received her BA degree in psychology from SUNY Cortland and a certificate in nonprofit management from University of Illinois, Chicago. She is a member of PEP-RJ, the Reform movement’s synagogue program professional organization, and is a Generation Now Fellow alumna. She has been a member of Temple Sinai for over twenty years, deeply cares about curating exceptional programs as foundations for connecting people to each other and meaningful Jewish experiences, and is thrilled to be part of Temple Sinai’s senior staff. Andrea and her husband, Eric, have two children, Haley and Alex.

Email Andrea Eiffert or call her at (941) 924-1802, option 6

laura freedman | Director of Early childhood education

Laura Freedman received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. Her master’s degree included a specialization in Reading and a minor in Psychology. She has extensive experience in the classroom and in mentoring other teachers. She grew up in a Reform synagogue and attended URJ Camp Coleman as a camper, as did both her daughters. When her daughters attended a synagogue preschool, she served as chair of the lay committee that interfaced with the synagogue’s board of trustees. The Freedmans joined Temple Sinai when they moved to Sarasota. She understands schools and synagogues, and is a valuable asset to the professional staff.

Contact Laura Freedman or call her at (941) 926-9462

BETHANY leinweber | Director of Youth Education And family Engagement

Bethany Leinweber has been a dynamic Temple Sinai religious school teacher since 2006 and is well-known as the founding director of The Gan at Temple Sinai. Bethany has held a wide range of teaching positions and has taught various grades and Hebrew classes at Temple Sinai. Her strong educational background, with a degree in Judaic Studies and Elementary Education and a master's degree in Special Education add to her outstanding qualifications. Bethany's enthusiasm can be felt in her outlook, "Temple Sinai has always held a special place in my heart." Bethany and her husband, Joshua, have three children, sons Noah and Sage and daughter Alix. Josh is Temple Sinai's youth group advisor.

Email Bethany or call her at (941) 263-2015

Marian Siegel | controller/administrator

Marian Siegel became the Controller/Administrator of Temple Sinai in January 2020. She handles all the accounting and building issues and supervises the Office Manager and custodians. Marian has a bachelor's degree in both accounting and management. She worked for IBM for 12 years before transitioning to the non-profit sector. She has worked for numerous non-profits in both New York and the Sarasota areas before coming to Temple Sinai. Marian grew up at a Reform synagogue and attended and worked at the Union for Reform Judaism's Kutz Camp. She is happy to be here and welcomes your calls.

Contact Marian Siegel or call her at (941) 924-1802, option 4

staff

Josh leinweber | Youth Group Advisor

Joshua Leinweber, Youth Group Advisor, has years of experience with all aspects of education. He taught 4th grade at Temple Sinai’s Religious School and confirmation class, holds a BA from University of Miami, FL and an MA in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern, Davie, FL, and has been 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 Youth Group. His wife, Bethany, is Director of Youth Education, Outreach & Engagement at Temple Sinai.