Rabbi Robert Judd

Born in the mountains of Pennsylvania, Rabbi Bob spent much of his youth outdoors in the woods. His love of reading took him to Gettysburg College where he majored in English Literature and minored in German. He then made his way to SUNY-Binghamton where he earned his first Master's Degree in English. Always the wanderer, Rabbi Bob then went to Tulsa, OK where he is a PhD candidate in English at the University of Tulsa.

Rabbi Bob made his way to Los Angles and the Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies where he received his rabbinic ordination and a Master's Degree in Rabbinics in 2001.

Rabbi Bob enjoys working out and riding his bicycle, as well as meandering with Schatten, his German Shepherd, throughout the West Ashley neighborhoods.

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.