Our Staff

Rabbi Richard Winer

Please call me ‘Rabbi Rick’ I enjoy and appreciate the honor of serving our region’s Jewish community.  My family arrived here in Fresno in 2011 after having served a congregation in the Bay Area since ordination from the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati campus in 1995. My wife, Rabbi Laura Novak Winer and I met at U.C. Santa Barbara where we studied in U.C.S.B.’s highly rated Religious Studies department.  Rabbi Laura currently teaches at the Los Angeles campus of Hebrew Union College, commuting south for a few days a week when classes are in session. We have two sons, Saul and Max. The boys and I earned our black belts in Okinawan Karate and continue to participate in athletics. We all enjoy music as well. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in Jewish folklore and mysticism, Kabbalah, and teach units in a variety of areas of Jewish interest. We’ve been building upon the foundation of interfaith relationships pioneered by Rabbi David Greenberg here many years ago.  I’m honored to serve on the board of Faith in the Valley and work toward stronger interfaith connections in our valley. Here at Temple Beth Israel, we strive to create engaging spiritual moments, nurture educational involvement for all ages and perpetuate the Jewish values that lead us all to taking part in making our world a better place. Please don’t hesitate to discuss with me how you can get involved.

And you can send me an email here: rabbirick@tbifresno.org

Jeanna Gailar-Francis, (M.A., Religious Education) has been the Education Director at Temple Beth Israel since 1992. Prior to that,  Jeanna was Religious School Principal of Congregation Beth Jacob in Fresno and Congregation Beth Israel-Judea in San Francisco. She has had the joy of being a part of the lives of a generation of young Jews in Fresno. Most recently,  Jeanna received her Master of Arts in Religious Education from HUC in New York.  Jeanna brings both years of experience and cutting edge ideas to TBI Religious School. jeannaf@tbifresno.org  

Susanna Grant, Assistant Religious School Director

Susanna Grant has worked for almost 20 years in education, beginning as a high school English teacher and a 7th grade Sunday School teacher at Temple Beth Israel. After living in Israel for three years teaching English as a second language at Kfar Hayarok in Ramat HaSharon, she returned to the US and worked at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, a conservative synagogue, as the Educational Coordinator in the Religious School. Upon returning to Fresno, she accepted a position as Assistant Director in the Temple Beth Israel religious school and is excited to be a member of the community. She is married to her husband Brandon of almost 5 years, is mom to two sons; Xander and Everett, and three cats: Sheva, Gracie and Zelda. You can contact Susanna at SusannaG@tbifresno.org

Renee Godinez, Temple Administrator

Renee has been a temple member for three years and a teacher in the Religious School for two years. She has two sons, Matt and Alex, and her husband Richard is on our Temple Security Committee. Renee is a professional archeologist and a life-long learner. Renee invites you to stop by the temple office, introduce yourself and talk about your favorite sci-fi movies! You can contact Renee at Reneeg@tbifresno.org

Robin Kadet, Temple Accountant

Robin has been a temple member for eight years and is actively involved in TBI Sisterhood. She has one son, Joshua, and two grandchildren, Asher and Maya. She was a revenue audit manager in the casino Industry for 20 years. Robin is an avid Mah Jongg player and is happy to help beginners hone their skills. You can contact Robin at Accounting@tbifresno.org with all of your financial questions.