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Posts by Emily Shefer

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Ainat Kiewe


My name is Ainat Kiewe and I have the privilege of teaching the 6th grade at Sinai Temple Religious School. The date which I chose as being special for me is the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the establishment of the State of Israel. This was the day the Declaration of Independence was signed in Tel Aviv. The original Hebrew date corresponded to May 14, 1948. Even though I was not physically present at the signing of Israel’s Declaration of Independence celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day in Hebrew) is a fun way…

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Chris Friedman


My name is Christine Friedman.  I was born on August 8, 1964 at 8:08! The date can be written as 8/8/64: 8 times 8 equals 64! The number 8 has been lucky throughout my life.  On August 8, 1988 (8/8/88) I played the lottery numbers 888 for the week, and guess what? The numbers came up—on 8/9/88!  The number 8 can be found in many places in Judaism.  There are 8 days of Hanukah.  Hanukah which symbolizes light-something I always strive to bring to myself and others. Light is hope.  There are 8 days of Passover.  Passover is about freedom…

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Rachel Lipman


Though it has been months now since I have physically stepped foot in Sinai Temple, since I’ve gotten to exchange a real “hello” with colleagues or gotten to link arms and sway with students during Tefillah, I feel as though our Sinai community has become closer than ever. My silver lining has been the beautiful collaboration that has resulted from our move to virtual learning. I think we have really embraced the meaning of Kehillah and come together as a strong community of educators to deliver knowledge to our students. I think I have had more phone calls, emails, and…

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Mitra Simanian


Dr. Mitra Simanian and her husband Mayer have been members of Sinai Temple for the past 24 Years and their four sons all had their Bar Mitzvahs at Sinai Temple. She got her Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and Immunology and her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from UCLA and is the immediate past president of UCLA School of Dentistry Board of Alumni and a Part time Faculty there. She has been involved and very active in several philanthropic and charitable organizations and believes in giving back to the society and the community that has supported us all. She practices Dentistry along with…

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Sindy Paikal


Sindy Paikal has been a member of Sinai Temple since 2010 and a board member since 2016. She has always been an active member at the Temple and is currently the Chair of the Social Action Committee. In 2015 she was a recipient of the Young Leaders Award. Sindy and her family are proud members of both Sinai Temple and Sinai Akiba Academy.

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CELINE EMEIN


As an educator, a silver lining for me during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the more personal student-teacher connections formed. Through scavenger hunts on Zoom and photos of Jewish items within students’ homes, I am able to see a side of the student that I would not have before. These activities also bring Judaism into students’ homes in a more special way, because they can learn from each other and gain insight into each families’ unique Jewish traditions and items. I am so excited to create meaningful memories and connections to students this year at the Religious School!

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Andrew Gerson


A silver lining of the pandemic has been my ability to see into my students’ lives more.  I have virtually met dogs, cats, siblings, and family members that I would not have met in normal times. This has extended the Sinai Temple community from one building to the homes of all its members.

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Aaron Faraj


My name is Aaron Faraj, and this will be my second year at Sinai Temple! I am a 5th grade Hebrew school teacher at Sinai Temple and I work along side our Shin-shin Hili. My date of choice is July 22, 1969, which is my Mom, Nooshin’s birthday. (Sorry Mom I called you out! I swear your not old!) My Mom is my biggest inspiration in the world and is the person I strive to be. She has always been dedicated to her work and I hope that one day I can be even 1% of the person she is….

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GILAD KRAUS


My name is Gilad Kraus and this will be the third year that I will be the working at Sinai Temple Religious School. The date that stands out most to me, is the day that my little sister was born, May 23, 1995 (23rd of Iyyar, 5755). I remember walking into my mother’s room and on the right-hand side between the dresser and the bed was a little bassinet. Upon peering down and seeing her sleeping ever so peacefully, I couldn’t help but feel overcome with this sense of joy, comfort, and in a way purpose. After all, it was…

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RON VOLKMAR


My silver lining has been that I’ve been able to focus more on what I do on my daily routine. I’ve been finding more time to exercise and read more books. The Rambam tells us that we need to keep our bodies whole and strong. We need to be thankful for everything Hashem gives us. I will use my new found strength and share my education and joy of Judaism and its values with the students.

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