Rabbi Uri, as he likes to be called, is originally from Argentina. He was born in Buenos Aires (1989) and raised in a traditional Jewish home. As a teenager he started being a madrich (youth leader) in his local synagogue that his parents helped to found. At that stage he started to feel a true passion for Judaism and especially towards teaching others about our shared heritage. Upon finishing high school  he went for a gap year in Israel (Machon LeMadrichim Chutz LaAretz) where he confirmed his calling to be a rabbi.  In 2008 he started rabbinical school (Seminario Rabínico [...]

Cantor Mark Goldman is a descendant of generations of Cantors. Born in London, England, he pursued Cantorial studies as well as a B.A. (honors) degree in Judaic Studies at the London School of Jewish Studies. He is the youngest ever recipient of certification by the Chief Rabbi of The United Kingdom. In a desire to further his professional goals, Cantor Mark Goldman accepted a call to Temple Beth El in Rochester, N.Y. In addition to his cantorial responsibilities, Mark attended the internationally acclaimed Eastman School of Music where he gained a Master of Music Degree in Performance and Literature. Mark [...]

Dr. Sheldon J. Harr has been the senior Rabbi of Temple Kol Ami since 1976, serving the Congregation practically since its inception. He is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Cincinnati, he went on to graduate work at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees in Hebrew Letters, ultimately leading to Rabbinic Ordination. He later earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Emory University in Atlanta, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Hebrew [...]

Dvir has been a member of the Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El family since 2005. A native Israeli, Dvir grew up in Holon. His knowledge of security measures began as a member of a special intelligence unit of the Israel Defense Force. Upon leaving the IDF, Dvir studied electrical engineering and completed his education in the United States, receiving his degree from the University of Miami, College of Engineering. His first position in the U.S. was with a local security firm in a special Israeli unit specializing in the safety and security of Jewish institutions, synagogues and schools. Dvir came to [...]

Valeria grew up in Cordoba, Argentina, and knew from an early age that she wanted to study Jewish education. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Hebrew, Valeria studied at the Shaii Agnon Institute in Argentina, and at the Seminar Ha Kibutzim, in Israel. She has a bachelor’s degree in education, and an executive master’s degree in Jewish education from Hebrew the Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). Prior to moving to the United States, Valeria was an educator in Israel and in Argentina. When she moved to Miami, Florida, she continued her journey as an educator. Valeria came to Temple Kol [...]

Stacey Katz has been working in the Early Childhood Program since 1997.  Stacey has a B.A. in Management with a minor in Child Psychology, a B.S. in Nursing and a Master's Degree in Administration. Stacey has been an active member of the ECE-RJ the (Early Childhood Educators of the Reform Judaism) for the past 15 years and has served on the board for two years.  She is an active board member of JECP (Jewish Early Childhood Professionals) where she served two terms as President and two terms as Treasurer. Stacey also serves on the Jewish Federation of Broward County’s Jewish [...]

Josh Simon joined Kol Ami-Emanuel in 2013 after living for 19 years living in Peoria, Illinois. A native of Denver, Colorado, Josh attended Bradley University and stayed in Peoria after graduation to work at WEEK-TV. Josh has been a sports reporter, photographer, producer and anchor. He's had the opportunity to cover three World Series, an MLB All-Star Game, the NCAA Final Four, Sweet 16, NBA Draft and a Super Bowl. While working at the television station, he also served as the youth program director at Congregation Anshai Emeth for 17 years. Josh enjoys working every day and evenings with the [...]