Sarah was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia as well as the Dual Masters Program of the University of Southern California and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. From USC she received her MSW with a concentration in Community Organizing, Planning and Administration, and from HUC-JIR she received an MA in Jewish Communal Service.

After finishing her training, Sarah was the Director of Membership and Community Development at Stephen S. Wise Temple in LA. She was responsible for all administrative and programming functions of the membership department of one of the country’s largest Reform synagogues (over 3000 families and $40 million budget). She also created and managed the programming, leadership structure and vision for a nationally recognized affiliation program for the 20s and 30s community (over 400 members under the age of 32). Sarah then served as the Director of Membership and Community Development at Temple Chai in Phoenix, Arizona before coming to Tampa Bay, where she has worked as the Director of Marketing and Development for Tampa Jewish Family Services.

Growing up, Sarah was an active member of Jewish Youth Groups and summer camps. She attended Anytown Alabama in 1993 which was a life changing event for her. Throughout her professional career she has been involved with the national Reform Jewish organization. She now chairs the online learning for her professional organization for all Temple executive directors from around the country.

Sarah has been with Temple Beth-El since the summer of 2010 and lives in Ruskin with her husband Stewart and their two cats, Goose and Jasmine.

CLICK HERE to contact Sarah Gotlieb, Executive Director.