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

Bethany Leinweber | Student Rabbi

Director of Youth Education And Family Engagement

Bethany Leinweber has been a member, educator and leader at Temple Sinai and in the local Jewish community for many years. She founded and launched the Gan at Temple Sinai preschool and has re-envisioned the religious school “Jquest” program engaging the congregation’s children and teens through a variety of programs and creative curriculum. Bethany earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Jewish Studies and Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Miami. She is continuing her Jewish journey as a student rabbi taking classes at the Aleph Ordination Program and by assuming the role of Temple Sinai’s student rabbi. Bethany feels privileged to work alongside Chazzan Abramson and for the opportunity to help lead services as she pursues her studies. Bethany and her husband Josh have three children: Noah, Sage and Alix who are all deeply involved in the Temple Sinai community.

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

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 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

Staff

Amy Goodson | 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.

Amy is part-time and her office hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm.

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

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.

Email Josh Leinweber