Administration

Paul Stouber
Executive Director 

Paul has served as Temple Emanu-El's Executive Director since 2016.  Born and raised in Flushing, New York, Paul has always been active in the Jewish community, particularly in synagogue life. Throughout his teenage and early adult years, Paul sang in his temple's High Holiday choir and led its youth services. Upon moving to Providence in 1989, Paul brought his skills to Temple Emanu-El, where he became a service leader and Torah reader, an active participant in the temple Choral Club, and a long-time songwriter and performer in its hallmark Purim Spiel. Paul formerly served as Temple Emanu-El's Ritual Director and on its Board of Directors, with stints as Treasurer and Vice President for Financial Development. Community-wide, Paul has taught at the Jewish Community Day School and has served on the Boards of Jewish Family Service and Harry Elkin Midrasha.

Prior to assuming his administrative roles at Temple Emanu-El, Paul was the executive director and owner of The Princeton Review of Rhode Island. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Rhode Island College and MS in Finance from Boston College.

Paul is blessed with the love and support of his wife, Donna, and their daughters, Abby and Zmira.

Ask Me About:
>>Temple finances
>>Gift of the Heart
>>Endowments

Email Paul Stouber

Rachel Cohn
Director of Youth Education and Engagement

Born in Skokie, IL, Rachel grew up attending Tot Shabbat services and listening to the music of Debbie Friedman.  During her undergraduate studies at Brown University, Rachel discovered the joys of Providence and went on to complete a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education.  Rachel taught middle school history and science at the Pacific Boychoir Academy in Oakland, CA, where she realized that teaching about religion, values, and being a mensch (good person) were central to her work.

After jump-starting a love of Jewish text learning at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem, Rachel's interest in experiential Jewish education continued to grow through organizations such as Wilderness Torah and the Adamah Farm in Connecticut.  Inspired by a vision of inclusive, creative Jewish education, Rachel joined the staff at Mishkan Chicago, where she coordinated youth and family events.

While in California, Rachel began Rabbinical Studies at the Ziegler School in Los Angeles, and is now continuing them through the Academy for Jewish Religion.   Rachel brings her love of Torah wisdom, social justice, and a desire for each student to feel seen and valued in our community.

She lives in Providence with her husband, Andrew, and children Aryeh and Meira.

Ask Me About:
>> Religious School
>>Family engagement
>>Teen involvement

Email Rachel Cohn

Shoshana Jacob
Program Director

Shoshana Jacob, nee Shoshie Miller, was born, bred, and raised at Temple Emanu-El in Providence. She credits her time spent at both the Alperin Schechter Day School and Temple Emanu-El for her deep love of Judaism and Jewish education. Shosh was part of Providence USY, as both a member and eventually a board member and present when they won International Chapter of the Year.

Her time in Providence USY helped shape her life and put her on the path towards Jewish informal education. Upon leaving Providence, she went on to get her BA in Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford. Shosh has been working in the Jewish community as an educator, Youth Director, and Family Programmer since graduating in 2006. Shosh is truly honored to be back at Temple Emanu-El and hopes to be able to give to the youth, young families and general temple membership what Temple Emanu-El gave to her and  her family. 

She lives in Providence with her husband, Josh, two children, Meital and Avi, and dog Bailey. 

Ask Me About:
>>Programs and celebration logistics
>>Affinity groups
>>Facility rentals

Email Shoshana Jacob

Sharon Sock
Congregant Relationship Specialist

Sharon Sock has been an active member of the Rhode Island Jewish Community for most of her life. Sharon grew up at Temple Am David in Warwick, attended the Providence Hebrew Day School and the Harry Elkin Midrasha. She was very active in USY both on a local and regional level. Sharon has dedicated herself to engaging families in Jewish life and helping them create happy Jewish memories. She is the co-creator of the long-running Shalom Friends early childhood program, and has volunteered for a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish community organizations. Sharon has organized countless events, coordinated community outreach efforts, and designed promotional materials for print, social medial and the web.

Sharon lives in Providence with her husband, Garrett, and is a mother of three boys, Kevin, Reese, and Cooper. 

Ask Me About:
>>Membership
>>Finding your niche at Emanu-El
>>Connecting with congregants

Email Sharon Sock
 

Professional Staff: