Rabbi Hannah Estrin (she/her)

Rabbi Hannah Estrin received ordination at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles. As a citizen of both the United States and Israel, she brings a unique perspective to Jewish communal life by tapping into the best of both countries.

Rabbi Estrin is committed to strengthening our bonds to God, Judaism, and Israel by connecting people and providing pathways to the values and traditions of Judaism that meet people where they are. Rabbi Estrin actively seeks opportunities to walk with individuals along their journey in life through education, experiences, and exploration. She teaches for communities throughout the United States and loves to deepen our understanding and connections to Jewish text, practice, and spirituality through the lens of Israel. Her warm and engaging presence and her desire to embrace all families and individuals opens the door to Judaism in an accessible manner and invites others to explore their spiritual path.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Rabbi Estrin earned her BA in Judaic Studies and Education at the University of California, San Diego. She holds a Master’s Degree in Rabbinic Literature from the Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies. Rabbi Estrin made Aliya to Israel in 2005, where she trained as an Israeli tour guide. She is a graduate of the Interm Ministry Network and an avid reader and outdoors person.

Lynn Mansfield (she/her)

Executive Director

Shane Van Vliet (she/her)

Kadima Beth El Religious School Director

Although Shane has spent the last 25 years working in the theater and entertainment industry, she is no stranger to the Jewish community and Jewish education. Shane’s mother ran the school at every temple they were members of and her father was the board president. Shane grew up in Hebrew schools and Jewish youth groups, and she started teaching herself while she was still in high school. She has been teaching on and off for many years while also working as a stage and production manager from New York city to Venice, Italy, to other places around the world. 

Shane grew up in the Midwest but moved around a lot as a child. She received her BA in theater from SUNY Buffalo State College and has lived in Maine for the past 16 years; here, she has set down roots and started a family.

Shane is passionate about making Jewish education exciting and accessible to today’s Jewish youth. Her goal as education director is to help our students find joy in Jewish learning and then carry that joy and passion in their lives as they go out into the world.

Dave Carney (he/him)

Building Manager

Dave is originally from North Adams, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Air Force for four years and then attended Lewis University in Illinois to study engineering. Dave spent several years in the Midwest working in the field of commercial construction but eventually returned to New England and furthered his career as a project manager. Over the years, Dave has worked on several building projects for the GSA, Aetna Insurance, Bank of America, and in his own construction business in Massachusetts. For many years, Dave brought his family on vacation to the beaches of Maine, so it was not surprising that he moved to Old Orchard Beach after retiring. However, he found that he needed to continue working and for the next three years, took a position as project manager for USM in Portland. After retiring again for one year, Dave found himself at Temple Beth El, filling the position of building manager, providing an in-depth evaluation of our building. He continues to successfully manage much needed renovations and equipment replacements.

Sadie Stewart (she/her)

Operations and Events Manager

Sadie was born and raised in western Maine and moved to Portland in 2013. She has been an integral part of the Temple Beth El community for over a decade, catering countless events both at the synagogue and in the homes of members. Whether working with members during times of great joy or sadness, she is known for creating delicious food, beautiful displays, and for compassionately making the process of planning these important events seamless and easy every time. After several years working as a full time paralegal, Sadie has chosen to pursue her passions for cooking, event planning, operations management, and community full time in the role of Operations and Events Manager for our community. She is excited to work with staff and the congregation to ensure that our physical spaces are well-maintained, vibrant, and serve the community to the greatest extent possible.

Grace Kellar-Long (she/her)

Office and Communications Manager

Grace Kellar-Long is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and moved to Maine to attend Bowdoin College. She graduated with a BA in theater and completed a performance honors project adapting and directing a science fiction play. She has been an assistant stage manager for productions at Portland Stage and in Minneapolis; she was the production office assistant for the 2022 NHL Winter Classic and has been a math and reading tutor for elementary school students. Grace is passionate about forming intentional communities and brings that passion to her work at Temple Beth El. In her free time, she likes to read science fiction, knit, listen to podcasts, sing with the Oratorio Chorale, and go for runs. Grace lives in Portland with her partner Rebecca and their dog. Her favorite food is pesto.

Bob Bradbury (he/him)

Maintenance

Garrett Stewart (he/him)

Security Staff