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| [Leadership | Messages - Rabbi, Cantor, Executive, PreSchool/K, President ] |
| Rabbi | Saul Grife |
|---|---|
| Cantor Educational Director | Arlyne Unger |
| Executive Director | Valarie Hurwitz |
| Pre-School/K Director | Marcie Leshner |
| President | Owen Leshner |
Rabbi Saul Grife has served as spiritual leader of BT-BJ since August, 1998. He is
a graduate of Yeshiva University with a BA degree in philosophy and an AA degree
in Jewish Studies, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Study with a MA in Jewish
Education and a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He is married
to Linda and they are proud parents of 3 daughters - Gabriella, Alana, and Shira.
Prior to returning to Philadelphia, he served for 12 years in Greenbelt, MD at
Mishkan Torah Congregation.
Rabbi Grife has lent his talents to supporting many of BT-BJ's successful institutions. He co-teaches the Hay Class and assisted the students in their preparation for graduation. He guides the B'nai Mitzvah students through their Torah, Haftorah, and project presentations. He has taught in the Adult Education program, including classes on Kabballah and Basic Judaism. He was lecturer for the Sisterhood's Luncheon program. He plays on the Men's Club softball team. He directed the confirmation class with their presentation of personal statements and a play about the inspiring Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Saul has endeared himself to the students of the Pre-School at Shabbat celebration gatherings and throughout the week with his story telling, guitar playing, enthusiastic presence, and love for the children and affinity for giving out candy.
Rabbi Grife has also become a presence in the community-at-large. He is a member of the Springfield Clergy Association and has been a guest speaker at ecumenical Thanksgiving services. He taught a uniquely popular class on Judaism and the Grateful Dead at the Buxmont Annual Kallah. He is a frequent teacher for Adult Education at area Jewish study groups and at the Pearlman Day School, where his 3 daughters attend school. Rabbi Grife has co-taught the annual Buxmont Class in Basic Judaism and has helped convert many students.
His wife, Linda, is a teacher at the Perlman Day School and has served as Youth Director for BT-BJ.
Arlyne Unger is both cantor and educational director at Beth Tikvah-B'nai Jeshurun.
She is the first female Cantor/Educator in the Philadelphia area, and is among
the first local female Conservative Cantors. A member of the Cantors Assembly,
Women Cantors' Network and the Jewish Educators Assembly, she has served as
co-President of the Delaware Valley Region JEA and is currently a Vice-President
of the Women Cantors' Network. Cantor Unger has more than 20 years experience
teaching in supplementary religious schools, serving as classroom teacher, music
teacher, Junior Congregation leader, B'nai Mitzvah instructor and youth advisor.
She teaches cantorial skills courses at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
and Gratz College, and has presented various workshops for teachers and lay people
on music, prayer and Torah skills.
Cantor Unger received her graduate training in administration and cantorial studies from Gratz College, from where she graduated with honors. She also received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She loves teaching children as well as adults, and takes pride in her ability to help congregants of all ages develop confidence and comfort in their synagogue skills and experiences.
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| Last modified: June 3, 2007, Alan Fine |