- 516-487-0900
Stuart Botwinick joined Temple Beth-El as executive director in August 2015. He has an extensive background as a Jewish communal professional. Prior to Temple Beth-El, Stu served as assistant executive director for development at the Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills/Roslyn. He previously served the JCC as assistant executive director for programming, senior program director and director of teen services. Many of the JCC’s hallmark programs were developed under his leadership during his 15-year tenure.
Stu grew up in the Reform Movement, where he was active in Long Island Federation of Temple Youth (LIFTY). He participated in the Union for Reform Judaism’s first Kesher College Israel Experience. Stu is a past vice president of Temple Beth Elohim, which later merged with North Shore Synagogue.
Stu received a BA in Mathematics from SUNY Albany, a dual MA in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Studies from Gratz College and completed the Institute for Non-Profit Management program at Columbia University’s Business School.
Stu lives in Plainview with his wife, Dana, a teacher, and his children, Greg and Layna. When not at the synagogue, Stu can be found surfing the Internet, working in his yard, strolling the Jones Beach boardwalk or spending the weekend at an amusement park. An avid fan of ’80s and ’90s pop culture, he welcomes your music, movie and TV trivia questions.
In July of 2023, Karen assumed the position of Director of Early Childhood Education. Since 2005, she has been an Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) teacher, spending most of that time in Pre-K classrooms.
“Engaging our young children in new learning, helping to build resilience and critical thinking, and enhancing social-emotional development are chief among my goals as morah, and as director, I look forward to the opportunity to work with all of the teachers and classrooms, and to support and guide the wonder and beauty that motivates all of us each day,” says Karen.
Karen has always been committed to bringing joy into the lives of children. Prior to teaching, she worked in the toy industry and brand management for children’s intellectual properties. She raised her children here in Great Neck, and they had the privilege of attending E.M. Baker School and graduating from Great Neck North Middle and High Schools. They became Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth-El. She and her husband are also graduates of the Great Neck Public Schools system, and continue to enjoy being part of the Great Neck community.
After a long career in the corporate world, Joy brought her experience to Temple Beth-El in September 2014 to serve as office manager—and has been managing the front office and helping resolve congregants’ needs ever since. She will now be stepping into a new role as Director of Operations and Member Liaison. In addition to her work in the office, her new role will include attending our Erev Shabbat service each week as well as supporting other temple programs and activities.
Larry Michaels joined Temple Beth-El as controller in March 2024. He came to TBE after a long career with the government of Israel’s Ministry of Finance, where he served as controller.
A fun fact to know is that Larry was responsible for setting the rates for the Israel Bonds you may have purchased for a baby or Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift!
Contact Larry at lmichaels@tbegreatneck.org.
Yanira Quiñones is deeply inspired by the concept of kehillah—community—as a vital element in creating holy spaces. She resonates with Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ insight that “Community is the human expression of Divine love. It is where I am valued simply for who I am, how I live and what I give to others. It is the place where they know my name.” This perspective informs her work to make meaningful contributions to the Jewish community and fuels her excitement to join Temple Beth-El. She is passionate in creating sacred spaces and partnerships where individuals can come together and experience holiness.
Her brief time at Temple Beth-El has already confirmed this sense of belonging and connection, as she has felt the presence of community as soon as she walked through the doors. Yanira comes to Beth-El with a wealth of professional experience in the Jewish community, having most recently served as the Director of Jewish Life at the Shames JCC in Tarrytown, New York. Prior to that, she was the Director of Education at Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown. Yanira’s extensive experience also includes roles as a URJ instructor, educational intern, worship service leader, Jewish educator at summer camps and religious school teacher.
Yanira holds a master’s degree in Jewish education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, an advanced certificate in Israel education from The George Washington University and several professional certifications in Jewish education.
516-487-0900
5 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023
Monday-Thursday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, 9:00am - 4:00 pm
