Our Team

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Clergy

Rabbi Michael Cohen | Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Michael G. Cohen grew up in Nashville, TN, and received his Bachelors degree from Brandeis University. He received a Masters degree in Hebrew Letters and his ordination (Smicha) from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He also received a Masters degree in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the University of Southern California and the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management.

Rabbi Michael served in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command as a Psychological Operations Sergeant, and in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division as a Jewish Chaplain. During his time in the military, he deployed to Haiti, Korea, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan.

He has served other Reform congregations in Arizona, British Columbia, California, and New York.

Rabbi Michael is married to Dr. Sharon Poczter, a world-renowned economist and professor at Yeshiva University, where she serves as the founding director of the Senator Joseph Lieberman - Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy.

Rabbi Michael has two amazing children, named Neil and Golda, and two attention-loving dogs, named Cooper and Lobo. Rabbi Michael’s passion is Mussar (Jewish Ethics), and cites the famous civil rights leader and Jewish scholar, Rabbi Richard N. Levy (z”l), as his teacher and inspiration.

Rabbi Michael is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform Judaism), and a founding board member of Beit Kaplan: The Rabbinic Partnership for Jewish Peoplehood (Reconstructionist Judaism).

Email Rabbi Michael Cohen or call him at (941) 924-1802

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.”

Senior Staff

Laura Freedman | Director of Early Childhood Education| JQuest Program Coordinator

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 reading specialization and a psychology minor. 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

Michele Read | Director of Youth Education

Michele is honored to serve as the Religious School Director at Temple Sinai. She is a proud mother of two sons, Julian and Elijah. Her journey in Jewish education began at Hillel Day School, where she attended from first through seventh grade. There, she built lasting friendships, became part of a vibrant school community, and was immersed in Jewish learning—including Hebrew, prayers, Torah, Mishnah, and Jewish history.

With over a decade of experience teaching Hebrew School from Pre-K through seventh grade, she also served as a Religious School Director and taught fourth grade Hebrew at Temple Sinai’s original location. During that time, she guided students in creating a mural inspired by their favorite Torah stories.

She brings creativity, warmth, and a deep commitment to Jewish education, and she is excited to help nurture the next generation of Jewish learners at Temple Sinai.

Contact Michele Read or call her at (941) 924-1802

Staff

Amy Goodson | Executive Administrator | Bookkeeper

Amy Goodson earned an Associate's Degree in Business and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She has close to a decade of experience as a bookkeeper and in administrative roles. Amy and her husband have four grown children and have lived in Sarasota since 1983. When she is not working, Amy spends her time volunteering for community events and with many nonprofit organizations.

Contact A my Goodson or call her at (941) 924-1802, option 4

Amy Cassell | B'Nai Mitzvah Coordinator

Amy grew up in Orlando, Florida, and moved to Sarasota in 2007. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children who have grown up at Temple Sinai—both attended The Gan at Temple Sinai, J-Quest, and each celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah at the Temple. Amy has a deep understanding of the B’nai Mitzvah process, which enables her to support families in creating a smooth, meaningful, and successful experience.

Email Amy Cassell

Lucy Thomas | Youth Group Advisor

Lucy is a college student at the University of South Florida in the pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Animal Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She has a proud history of being involved in her Jewish youth, beginning at The Gan and then attending Religious School at Temple Sinai. She attended URJ Camp Coleman Summer Camp in Cleveland Georgia for 10+ years followed by serving on Staff as a machon & counselor. She was Bat Mitzvahed, confirmed, and has tutored other students at Temple Sinai Sarasota where she also participated in the SAFETY youth group for 5 years and even achieved roles such as Social Action VP, Religious & Cultural VP, and eventually President two years in a row. Finally, she has been heavily involved in NFTY since middle school taking a role on the NFTY STR board and contributed to planning events such as Kallahs and the Collab. "Judaism has done so much for me, and I love that I get to help pass that on to the next generation."

Email Lucy Thomas