Leadership
Meet Tamid’s Leaders
Tamid’s innovative spirit has a clergy, staff, and faculty of Jewish professionals who are post-denominational and comfortable in a multi-cultural setting. They believe that Judaism can have a positive effect in the lives of children, families, and the world. We strive to accomplish this through learning, community building, pastoral care, and life-cycle observances (baby naming ceremonies, b’nai mitzvah services, weddings and funerals.
Click here to meet our Va’ad Community Council
Rabbi Darren Levine, D. Min, Founding Rabbi
Darren holds ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a Doctorate in Ministhttps://tamidnyc.org/wp-admin/widgets.phpry from the Post-Graduate Center for Mental Health. Darren is a devoted father, has three sons, and was formerly the Assistant Rabbi at Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City – and was a Chaplain Officer in the US Army. He is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the International Positive Psychology Association and works closely with the Interfaith Community of New York. Reach Rabbi Darren directly: dlevine@tamidnyc.org and read his full bio here.
Rabbi Scott Weiner, Tamid Westchester
Scott Weiner was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 2004. Prior to founding Tamid Westchester, Scott was the Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel of New Rochelle for 11 years and the Rabbi of the Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation in Manhattan for 5 years. He is also a former camp director, youth director, and Israel guide. Rabbi Scott is the immediate Past-President of the Inter-religious Coalition of New Rochelle and is a member of the CCAR. Scott has been married to Limor for 20 years and they are very proud parents of two daughters, Jordan and Carmel, and Latke the dog! Reach Scott via email at rabbiscott@tamidwestchester.org
Rabbi Feivel Strauss, Tamid Palm Beach
Feivel holds ordination from the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. Raised in Boca Raton, Florida, he’s served in the IDF and earned a BA and MA from Bar-Ilan University. Feivel serves on the ethics board of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, is actively engaged in interfaith initiatives, and serves as a hospice chaplain for Trustbridge. He is a member of the Central Council of American Rabbis. Feivel is married to Abbie and is a devoted father to their children, Joe, Eden, and Elijah and is an avid tennis player. You can reach Feivel at rabbifeivel@tamidpalmbeach.org
Cantor Abbie Strauss, Tamid Palm Beach
Abbie is a renowned composer, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist. Abbie is a proud member of the Grammy’s Recording Academy and an advocate for the arts. Abbie graduated from Indiana University and holds a Master’s in Education and is a proud member of the Cantor’s Assembly. Abbie has spent two decades creating musical communities in synagogues, religious schools and Jewish summer camps. She started The Institute of Jewish Rock, is involved in the Healing Arts Project for hospitals. She hosts the shows Sing Your BlesSings on JKids Radio and Shir Chadash through the Cantors Assembly. Abbie has recorded 6 albums available on all streaming platforms. Abbie is married to Feivel and loves making music with her family. Reach Abbie at cantorabbie@tamidpalmbeach.org
Christina Broussard, RJE, Director of Education
Christina is originally from Louisiana and holds a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education and Organizational Management. Prior to her appointment as Tamid’s first Director of Education, Christina served two of the most innovative and well recognized synagogues on the East Coast. She was the Youth Director at Temple Israel in Boston and served as the Associate Director of the Religious School at Temple B’nai Jeshrun in Short Hills, NJ. cbroussard@tamidnyc.org. She is also an incredible chef and shares some of her best Jewish recipes.
Chesney Polis, Family Educator, NYC
Chesney is a native of Philadelphia and coordinates the young family programs at Tamid, serves as full-time educator and coordinates the B’nai Mitzvah program, and is Tamid’s female vocalist. Chesney inspires people with deep love for Judaism and her ability to relate with people of all ages. Her signature program, Chesney and Friends, brings the joy and warmth of Judaism the youngest set. chesney@tamidnyc.org
Tema Cohen, Community Director, Tamid Westchester
Tema Cohen is a proud native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she spent her early days singing and leading at Temple Beth Emeth. She attended Denison University in Ohio, where she graduated with a degree in Psychology. Tema is a national song leader for B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO). She has been a part of the leadership of schools, camps, youth programs, and worship in Jewish communities in Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, and New York City. Tema is an accomplished musician and song-writer. Elle est francophile.
Saul Kaiserman, Musical Director and In-House Scholar, NYC
Saul has been writing and performing music since childhood. He was a finalist in the NFTY song competition in 1985 and has been head songleader at URJ Camp Coleman in Cleveland GA, JCC Camp Sabra in Lake of the Ozarks MO, and Netzer Olami Machaneh in Betty’s Bay, South Africa. He has led jubilant singing at Shabbat and holiday worship for synagogues and communities around the world, from NYC to Jerusalem.
Ayzha Wolf, Accountant and Bookkeeper, NYC
Ayzha is originally from San Francisco and has 30 years experience working with small and medium sized businesses. She specializes in Not for profit accounting and enjoys helping businesses to reach their full potential.