Professional Staff
Clergy Administrative Staff
Executive Director - Shai Habosha
Shai is originally from a small town in Israel called Arad (by the Dead Sea). As a child his family moved to Philadelphia and then back to Israel a few years later. He eventually made his way back to the U.S. over 20 years ago as an Executive Chef and lived in Arizona. Shai's career then led him to Miami where he worked in iconic South Beach.
After meeting his wife, Shai decided to change his career and worked for 12 years as the Director of Operations for the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in North Miami Beach. A few years ago he received an incredible opportunity to work as the Executive Director for Temple Beth El of Hollywood.
Shai is humbled and honored to now be a part of the B’nai Aviv family. He and his wife Janel, have two children, Idan and Byanca. They look forward to many years of success and happiness in this kehillah (community) and are excited to meet everyone here at B’nai Aviv!
Ritual Director - Leanna Blacher
Leanna has been a lifelong member of the Conservative movement.
She attended Jewish Day school for elementary school at the Hillel School in Tampa, Florida, learned to read torah and lead services by the age of 9, was active in youth groups, and spent her summers at camp Ramah in New England.
She then went on to participate in the Nativ program, living in Israel for her first year of college.
While at University of Florida, Leanna was active in Hillel and was the regular service leader for the conservative services on Friday nights. She attended the conservative synagogue in Gainesville, Florida, and was a regular torah reader there, and also tutored privately for bnai mitzvot.
Leanna has a bachelors degree in agriculture and a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida. She also has a culinary degree from the French Culinary Institute.
Leanna and Abie and their 3 children have been members of Bnai Aviv for over a decade. Her children attended ECEC and are continuing their Jewish education with religious school. Leanna has been an executive board member, a member of multiple search committees, and a regular torah reader. You can find Leanna, Abie, Noah, Boaz, and Esther nearly every Shabbat in services. They currently live with their 2 rescue dogs, Ginger and Pepper, in Cooper City
Interim Religious School Director - Bruce Klasner
Early Childhood Education Center Director - Mindy Bernstein
Mindy has been working in the Early Childhood Program for over 20 years. Mindy has a B.A. in Elementary Education, Special Needs and a director’s credential including VPK from the State of Florida. Mindy’s formal education offers her a unique approach to early childhood education by allowing her to meet the educational and developmental needs of each child. Mindy enjoys making a difference in the lives of so many young children and their families. She feels so fortunate to be able to do what she loves by sharing her passion for early childhood education with everyone within the B’nai Aviv family.
Mindy can be reached at Mindy@bnaiaviv.org or 954-384-6605.
Youth Director - Todd Morchelies
Todd has served in this position since 2006. He began his career as Youth Director of Temple Sinai of Hollywood in 1995 and served in this position for ten years. Prior to his start at B’nai Aviv, Todd was the Youth and Camp Director at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus. Todd has extensive experience with many types of children's programs including after-school programs, camps,and elementary schools. Todd had also been the Program Director for the Kadima and USY Leadership Training Institute (LTI) at Camp Blue Star in North Carolina and Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia for ten years.
Having worked with children and teenagers for many years, Todd presents himself in a manner that relates to the young person's mind and sociological atmosphere. At the same time, he sets the proper example of what a child or teenager should follow. Todd's relationship with "his" kids enables him to become close with them and to develop a feeling of trust and love throughout their growing years.
Todd enjoys working in a Jewish atmosphere which enables him to learn and progress through life obtaining Judaic knowledge. He had been brought up in a conservative Jewish atmosphere by observing the laws and taking part in many Jewish experiences while growing into adulthood. He was Junior Congregation President at Adath Yeshurun Synagogue in North Miami Beach and then proceeded to become the Supervisor. While in his high school years, he took part in USY activities, attended conventions, and made many new friends.
Todd has many hobbies of which mostly relate to the arts. He enjoys photography, singing, acting, and any other type of performing. He has performed on Karaoke stages in front of large audiences, most recently as a finalist in the main theater of a Royal Caribbean Cruise in front of over 2,000 people. He grew up mostly taking part in many athletic activities ranging from Basketball, Softball, Football, and Street Hockey.
Todd has been married to Lisa Bloom-Morchelies since November of 2000. The couple has a daughter Alexa and a son Ryan.
Todd can be reached at Todd@bnaiaviv.org or at 954-349-1879.
Executive Director Emeritus - Allan Ross
