Leadership
Shir Shalom Staff
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Bess Wohlner, Rabbi
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Cy Stanway, Interim Rabbi 2025/2026
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Gracie Gibson, Office Administrator
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Stella Stanway, Interim Religious School Director 2025/2026
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Jamie Menczer, Communications Director
Officers 2025-2026
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Yale Freeman, President
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Seth Jacobs, 1st Vice President
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Linda Kaplan 2nd Vice President
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Craig Littauer, Secretary
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Neil Littauer, Treasurer
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Henry Luban, Past President
Trustees
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Corin Warinner
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Jonah Zinn
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Adela Beckerman
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Toby Hunter
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Randy Kraft
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Rafaella Leathers
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Jennifer Meiselman Titus
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Nancy Parks
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Sonya Stahl
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Lisa Zumberg
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Mark Zumberg
Mission Statement
Temple Shir Shalom is an inclusive Reform Jewish congregation located in Gainesville, Florida, home of the University of Florida. Our members and friends engage meaningfully with one another and the broader community through social events, worship, study and social action.
Rabbi Bess Wohlner
Rabbi Bess Wohlner is a relational and resilient rabbi with more than a decade of experience guiding individuals and communities through life’s most meaningful moments. She brings a steady pastoral presence, grounded Torah learning, and a warm, expressive style that helps people feel at home.
Known for her ability to receive people with clarity and compassion, Bess accompanies congregants through celebration, grief, and transition. She designs rituals and teaching experiences that reflect the people within them and strengthen connection across ages.
Her rabbinate integrates pastoral care, lifecycle leadership, educational innovation, and a commitment to building communities rooted in honesty and belonging.
Rabbi Cy Stanway, Interim Rabbi 2025/2026
With a career spanning over three decades, Rabbi Stanway brings depth of experience, thoughtful leadership style, and heartfelt dedication to building a vibrant Jewish community.
Rabbi Cy's Last Sermon: On Leaving Gainesville