Rabbi Shai Specht-Sandler
Rabbi Shai brings deep heart, uplifting music, and a passion for joyful, inclusive Jewish living to Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation. With over two decades of experience as a Rabbi, cantor, educator, and director of Jewish life, he is known for his warmth, authenticity, and ability to make Judaism personal, meaningful, and alive for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Born in Israel and raised in England, Rabbi Shai is a descendant of the Maharal of Prague. He holds a degree in Education from Prescott College and received rabbinic ordination (smicha) through Rabbinical Seminary International in New York. His path includes study at Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva, learning with Chabad teachers in Israel, and ongoing exploration of halacha, Jewish mysticism, and spiritual leadership.
A gifted communicator and musical soul, Rabbi Shai has served as both cantor and spiritual leader in congregations across the U.S. As an experienced Director of Education, he has built innovative programs, guided students of all ages, and mentored families through every stage of Jewish life and learning. He has taught and led in Jewish day schools and congregational settings in New York, Las Vegas, and beyond.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rabbi Shai founded and led Or Ahavah Kehillah, a 500-member virtual community that gathered online for spirited Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, and heartfelt connection. His leadership brought comfort, joy, and meaning to hundreds of people during an unprecedented time.
A published author and singer-songwriter, Rabbi Shai blends music, prayer, and storytelling to create rich, soul-nourishing Jewish experiences. He is especially passionate about welcoming interfaith families, seekers, and those new to Jewish practice into a community of learning, celebration, and belonging.
Now proud to call Orlando home, Rabbi Shai lives in Dr. Phillips with his husband Jeff and their beloved dog, Cooper. He is honored to serve as the Rabbi of SOJC and looks forward to growing, singing, and building sacred community together.
Director of Youth Education
Jodi Abrache
Jodi Abrache has been a leader in the Central Florida community for two decades. She started her journey in 2000 as an operations leader at the Walt Disney Company. In 2010, Jodi reunited with her passion for education as an Early Childhood professional at the Rosen JCC and also later the Roth JCC. During this time she also engaged herself as an SOJC Board of Directors member and served as the Education Committee Co-Chair.
Jodi and her family have been members of SOJC for ten years and her children have grown up in the Religious School. Jodi is passionate about Jewish education and committed to providing a positive and meaningful experience for all of our SOJC children and families.
Youth Advisor
Victoria Cohen
Victoria Cohen is originally from Palm Beach Gardens where she attended Jewish day school from k-8th grade. Relocating to Orlando she attended UCF where she obtained her BS in Exceptional Student Education. She has worked as a special needs teacher at Olympia High School for the past 10 years and as the Camp Director for the Rosen JCC for the past 4 years. Victoria spends her spare time teaching and practicing Taekwondo and planning her next beach trip. She is excited to be joining the SOJC community as the Youth Advisor!
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Cantorial Soloist/Office Volunteer
Ginny Kolin
Ginny has been a proud member of SOJC since 2006. She began singing with our choir in 2015 and teaching in our religious school in 2020. Learning to leyn and daven as an adult, Ginny brings a unique perspective to her role as a B'nai Mitzvah tutor, which she took on in 2023. She has two wonderful children who participate in our youth programs. Outside of the synagogue, she is a licensed pharmacist who loves reading, learning, and traveling with her husband and children. Ginny is honored to be trusted as a messenger of this community and is dedicated to enriching the Jewish journeys of others.