Rabbi Richard Schechter

Rabbi Richard Schechter became our rabbi on August 1, 2005.

A passionate teacher, speaker, writer, and storyteller, Rabbi Schechter brings a unique blend ofwisdom, warmth, and sense of humor to the congregation and the community.

Before Temple Sinai, Rabbi Schechter served for five years as the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Knesset Bamidbar in Lancaster, and for three years as a rabbi of Temple Shalom in Dallas. He was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1997.

Rabbi Schechter is active in spiritual development, interreligious dialogue, and creating vibrant and joyful Jewish living. His articles and award-winning sermons have appeared in national publications.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in writing and literature at Webster University. He is April’s husband and Evan and Nina’s father. He enjoys tennis, movies, and being on sailboats.

Mariana Gindlin was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With a degree in psychology and a passion for Judaic music, she has devoted her career to teaching, performing and leading liturgical and popular Jewish music. She studied at the Latin-American Rabbinical Seminary and at the National Conservatory of Music in Argentina.

Prior to joining Temple Sinai, Mariana served as Cantor of Temple Beth-El in Ormond Beach, Florida. Before coming to the US, Mariana was a Cantor at congregations in Buenos Aires, and served as a music teacher and choir director for several prominent Jewish institutions.

A skilled guitarist with a phenomenal voice, Cantor Gindlin combines traditional Hebrew music with her South American cultural roots, creating a moving and heartfelt musical hybrid.