Professional Staff
Rebecca Simons, Administrative Director
Rebecca began as Emanu-El's Administrative Director in December, 2022. She is a life-long member of Emanu-El, so she is no stranger to many of you. Rebecca and her husband Keating are the proud parents of two beautiful girls. Rebecca has over 10 years of office manager/construction project management/property management/financial analyst experience with all the duties required to hold those positions. For the last year and a half, she was been the building/grounds chairperson for Emanu-El, and you can see all the improvements she has been involved in as well. Please welcome her when you get a chance.
Daphne Hubara, Religious School Principal
Daphne is the proud mother of Jasmine, Noa Leigh, and Gilli. Born in Charleston, she also has lived in Tel Aviv, Maryland, and Philadelphia. Growing up, Daphne was a member of a traveling Israeli Folk Dance Troop and involved in Young Judaea. Daphne oversees our religious school. She has always enjoyed the ru’ach (spirit) of Jewish songs, dances and traditions. She passes this enthusiasm on to our Religious School students and synagogue congregants.
Leah Bowzard, Operations Manager
Leah Bowzard is originally from New Hampshire and moved to Charleston in 1993, where she graduated from Johnson & Wales University. Leah has been the Administrative Assistant at Synagogue Emanu-El since 2002. Leah is married to Allen Bowzard and has two children. She is our hub for information and is prized for her attention to details in all areas of our synagogue's life.
Ruth Swindell, Bookkeeper
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Charleston is Ruth's hometown. She grew up in the West Ashley area, attended Middleton High School and even participated in Girl Scouts at the former JCC. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in German from Furman University, Ruth returned to Charleston. Ruth joined the Synagogue Emanu-El staff in July of 2017 as bookkeeper. She brings with her 29 years of bookkeeping experience with local companies, including Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. Ruth is the person to contact for questions about your membership account. Her hobbies include music, traveling, nature and travel photography. She has shared some of her favorite photographs from her visits to Israel here.