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Director of Education and Programming
Jack Mintzer has been with Agudat Achim for six years after serving for three years as the Education Director for Congregation Shaara T’fille in Saratoga Springs, where he is a life long resident. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western New England College and is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose, where he received his Master of Science in Elementary Education. He is also NYS certified as a public school educator for grades PreK - 7 and is a member of the Jewish Educator's Assembly. His duties include the administration of all aspects of the Agudat Achim Religious School, Youth Director, Adult Education, Family programming, publicity, membership recruitment, and he designed our website. Jack is a firm believer in having an "open door policy" and prospective and current families are always welcome to meet with him and observe positive Jewish education in action. To meet with Jack please call the School office directly at 518-381-8983 or email him at the address below.
Email: aguprinc@nycap.rr.com
Jack Mintzer's Profile |
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Ritual Coordinator
Howard Mittleman our Ritual Coordinator was raised in Queens, NY. He is a mostly self-taught woodworker and boatbuilder. He ran a custom boatbuilding shop in Albany for 18 years. He has also worked for contractors and designers doing custom building, furniture and art woodwork. It was while working for designer Jim Lewis that he built the two torah stands that bracket the ark in the main sanctuary. More recently, Howard was the lead shipwright on the Onrust, a replica of an early 17th century Dutch ship being built in Rotterdam Junction, NY. He has a BA in Anthroplogy from SUNY Albany.
Raised in a non-observant Reform household, Howard attended a weekend Shabbaton with Rabbi Zalman Schacter 18 years ago. That experience inspired him to begin attending synagogue, learning the melodies of the various services, studying Hebrew, and in the last few years, learning Torah trope from Marv Garfinkel. Howard is a frustrated musician- he regularly doesn't play his violin, but has been getting a lot of satisfaction from singing, especially leading morning minyan and chanting Torah and haftarah.
Howard provides assistance with the religious affairs of the Congregation in the conduct of daily, Shabbat and Festival services as requested by the Ritual Committee. He maintains and keeps filled the schedule of Torah readings for Shabbat and Festival services, and Monday and Thursday morning minyans, and is responsible for ensuring proper coverage for leadership and attendance for daily minyans. In addition, Howard assigns people to read parts of the Shabbat and Festival Services.
Email: hrmitt@gmail.com
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Administrator
Arleen Brilliant supervises the day to day activities of the synagogue office. She is always happy to meet with congregants and prospective new members, and is committed to keeping the synagogue accessible to everyone. Arleen has a Master's Degree in Business Education from New York University.
Email: aguadmin@nycap.rr.com
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Bookeeper
Glenys Mountford, educated in England became a welcomed member of the synagogue office staff in 2001 as the bookkeeper. Her smiling face makes our office a great place to conduct business.
Email: agubkpr@nycap.rr.com
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