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 at rabbikahn@sinaisrq.org.
- 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 at cliff@sinaisrq.org.
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 at ravgmh@gmail.com.
education leaders
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.
Email Bethany at bleinweber@sinaisrq.org or call her at 941-263-2015.
laura freedman
Laura Freedman, Director of Early 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 at laura@sinaisrq.org or call her at 941-926-9462.
Deb bryan
Deb Bryan, Youth Group Advisor, has been working with children since she began teaching in 1991. In 2001, Deb was the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year and has received numerous other awards, including a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in English Education. Deb also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater, a Master's of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership. She has presented numerous workshops and conducted seminars both locally and throughout Florida. Deb is married with two children, Dylan and Madison.
Email Deb at dbryan@sinaisrq.org.
staff
Tina Baran
Office Administration
tina@sinaisrq.org
