OUR STAFF

Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum

Rabbi Rosenbaum was born in Winnipeg, Canada and grew up in Denver, Colorado. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. He was ordained as a conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2005, where he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Bible and Semitic Languages. While at JTS he served as a Student Rabbi at Degel Israel Synagogue in Watertown, NY, and as Rabbinic Intern at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, NJ. Upon ordination, he served as Temple Beth Shalom's assistant rabbi for four years.

Rabbi Rosenbaum and his wife, Ellen Miriam Brandwein, and their children, Shoshana and Jonathan, are thrilled to be living in Charleston and to be a part of the Synagogue Emanu-El community. Rabbi Rosenbaum feels privileged to serve this congregation and is committed to helping foster a synagogue of learning and caring.

Abby Levine
Executive & Education Director

Abby Levine is originally from Chicago. She has a BA in Education from Purdue University and an MA in Special Education from Bowling Green State University. Abby served as the Midwest Regional Director of Young Judaea and then director of Camp Youth Judaea Midwest for seven years. While living in Toledo, Ohio Abby was also the Education and Youth Director at Congregation B'nai Israel, another conservative synagogue. Abby and her husband Norman have three children, Ari, Aaron and Elan.

Jane Turner, Bookkeeper

Jane Turner is a graduate of Trident Technical College with an Associate Degree in Accounting. She is a native Charlestonian and has been working for Synagogue Emanu-El since 1988. She manages the Synagogue's finances and accounting, including receivables, payables, payroll and financial reports. She is married to Gene Turner and has three grown children, Joy, Allison, and Paul Turner.

Leah Spear, Administrative Assistant

Leah Spear is originally from New Hampshire and moved to Charleston in 1993 where she graduated from Johnson & Wales University. Leah is the Administrative Assistant here at Synagogue Emanu-El. Leah has two children Kyle and Ella.

James Dessaure, Support Staff

James Dessaure started working at Synagogue Emanu-El over twenty years ago. James oversees all of our building's maintenance needs and at times our food service. It is James who has the ability to turn our social hall around, as events unfold, many times twice in one night, not an easy feat. James is married to Evelyn Dessaure, they are parents of three grown children and have one grandchild.

Evelyn Dessaure, Support Staff

Evelyn Dessaure began working for Synagogue Emanu-El in 1990 as a part-time custodian/cook. Evelyn, when she isn't making sure the Synagogue looks spic and span, spends her time cooking for many of our events. Evelyn's homemade noodle kugel and baked blintzes get rave reviews from our most discerning diners.
An "Evelyn Catered Kiddush" is always a treat.