OUR TEAM
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RABBI SAMANTHA KAHN
Rabbi Samantha Kahn received a BA, cum laude, from the University of Florida, majoring in Political Science and Religion. She earned her Rabbinic Ordination and master's degree in Hebrew Letters and Jewish non-profit management from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, Los Angeles. At the University of Miami's Hillel, she developed programs for Jewish students to engage with Israel. Her background includes student rabbi at Temple Shalom, Yakima, WA, intern at Ronald Regan Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Temple Emanuel, Beverly Hills, and Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Emanu El, Houston, TX. With her warm and vibrant manner, she brings a love of all things Jewish to Temple Sinai. Rabbi Kahn and her husband, Matt, have two children, Roey and Stella Mae.
- Email Rabbi Kahn.
- Schedule a meeting with Rabbi Kahn.
CHAZZAN CLIFF ABRAMSON
Chazzan Cliff Abramson received his investiture from Hebrew Union College, 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 also trained in classical music as a tenor and classical guitarist. His Bar/Bat Mitzvah training program, recitals, original synagogue music 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.
- Email Chazzan Abramson.
RABBI EMERITUS GEOFFREY HUNTTING
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 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
BETHANY leinweber
Bethany Leinweber, Director of Youth Education, Outreach & Engagement, 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, 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 new Youth Group Advisor.
- Email Bethany or call her at 941-263-2015.
laura freedman
Laura Freedman, Director of Early Childhood Education, received her B.A. and M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. Her Masters 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 temple preschool she was the chair of the lay committee that interfaced with the temple’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 temple’s professional staff.
- Contact Laura Freedman or call her at 941-926-9462.
ANDREA EIFFERT
Andrea Eiffert is Temple Sinai's new Program Director. Andrea has an extensive career in program and event planning, launching Temple Sinai’s youth program in 2006 as temple’s first Youth Director. She continued to grow that program for seven years until joining The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in 2014 as their Development Manager and later as Teen and Family Program Coordinator. Andrea has returned to Temple Sinai once again, this time as temple’s first Program Director, working with clergy, staff, and volunteers to create engaging adult and Israel education, as well as, congregational holiday programs and events. Andrea received her BA in Psychology from SUNY Cortland, a certificate in nonprofit management from University of Illinois, Chicago, and is a Generation Now Fellow. She has been a member of Temple Sinai for over twenty years, cares deeply 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, opt 6.
Josh leinweber
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.
- Email Josh Leinweber.
staff
Tina Baran
Office Administration
tina@sinaisrq.org
