Leaders of Temple Israel
Temple Israel is a congregation-led, Conservative synagogue guided by the leaders who make up the Board of Trustees and various committees.
“A leader may not be appointed without consulting the community.” - Talmud, B’Rachot 55A
Congregation members are recruited and volunteer to serve on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. The leaders listed below are members of our community whose mission is to further the best interest of Temple Israel. We understand that we must continue to evolve while maintaining our traditions and heritage of being a center for worship, communal life, education, social action, and social service. They are drawn from our diverse membership and represent the breadth of our views, skills, and passions. Trustees and officers are elected at our annual meeting in December by our members.
We extend heartfelt appreciation to all of our current and past leaders who have dedicated their time and expertise to help Temple Israel and its congregation fulfill its mission.
Executive Committee
President Vice President VP Membership VP Education Secretary Comptroller Rabbi
Mark Kluger Sarah Landerman Tanna Harris Emily Raij Gary Berg Michael Danoff Rabbi Joshua Neely
Trustee Board Members
Eve Gassman Yaela Marks Andrea Ravinoff Harry Rein - Emeritus
Noelle Rivers Geanne Share - Past President Stefanie Cedar Shames - Sisterhood President
Committee Chairs
Getting involved with one of our Temple Israel committees is a way to become a part of this community. Providing a valuable service to our synagogue is beneficial as Temple Israel will grow as a result of your special skills and abilities. Please look over this list and contact the Office at manager@tiflorida.org for more information or how to arrange contact with the appropriate committee chair.
Adult Education Budget & Finance Building & Grounds Cemetery Cemetery Liaison Education (School) Endowment Kitchen Ma’asim Tovim Marketing Membership Men's Club President Ritual Personnel Safety & Security Strategic Planning Ways & Means Website Youth
Andrea Ravinoff & Yaela Marks Michael Danoff Ed Calish Bernie Kahn Daniel Wise Mollie Savage Andrew Feinberg Carol Albert Emily Raij Geanne Share, Emily Raij & Penelope Neely Tanna Harris Greg Alman David Fruchter Monique Aristizabal Geanne Share Emily Raij Daniel Wise Lori Pearson Wise Rabbi Joshua Neely
Ritual Committee
The Ritual Committee, with the advice and approval of the Rabbi, formulates and implements rules and regulations for Temple Israel religious services consistent with Jewish Law (Halacha) and the precedents and principles of Conservative Judaism. We also recruit, select and train service managers (Gabbaim) and prayer leaders for the religious services.
In addition, the Ritual Committee continuously evaluates and enhances the quality of the religious services, represents Temple Israel in community religious programs, and prepares the religious program budget.
We are currently involved in a number of activities designed to enhance the religious life of our congregation. These projects include:
- Volunteer support to Shiva prayer services during Rabbi’s absence
- Support to the recruitment and retention of members
- The Friday night siddur project
- Development of a Yizkor/Mourning Guide Book
- Planning a Shabbaton for the community
- Collection of demographic data from membership to help tailor and target our service offerings
- Planning for the annual Mitzvah Fair (click here for resources from past Fairs)
- Establishing a Sunday and weekday minyan sign up sheet to support participation