Rabbi Dr. Janise Poticha accepted the position as Rabbi of Temple Sinai of Massapequa in 1998. Her rabbinate is defined by her love of learning and teaching, Israel, American and world Jewry and creating an inviting and warm worship atmosphere where all feel welcome!   Before coming to Temple Sinai, Rabbi Poticha was the Hillel Director at both City College and Hunter College (NYC), after having served four years at Temple Shaaray Tefila of Manhattan.

Exhibiting her enthusiasm for Israel, in 2002 Rabbi Poticha accepted the position at the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), as Director of the initiative Israel Matters: Our Commitment to Israel.  The goal was to educate and engage Reform Jews about Israel, including travel to Israel and to design curriculum and advocacy in support of Israel.  Creating bridges between Israel and Diaspora Judaism was an important way for Rabbi Poticha to address the need for American Judaism to connect intimately with Israel.

On September 11, 2001, Rabbi Poticha quickly moved to employ her EMS and chaplaincy skills.  After working at “ground zero” of the World Trade Center during the initial days of America’s tragedy, Rabbi Poticha assisted the City of New York and the American Red Cross establishing Family/Help Centers.  She volunteered at St. Paul’s Chapel as a First Responder, as well as participating in Memorial Services sponsored by the City of New York.  As a certified First Responder and Team Leader for New York Disaster Chaplaincy Service, Rabbi Poticha is passionate about volunteer chaplaincy.

Before fulfilling her calling to the rabbinate, Rabbi Poticha was a Landscape Architect. Compelled by a desire to explore her Jewish heritage and connect with Israel, Rabbi Poticha lived and worked in Israel for more than four years.  After living on kibbutz and completing an IDF army program, she accepted a position as Landscape Architect with a prominent landscape architectural firm in Tel Aviv.   Deeply moved by her spiritual, physical and intellectual connection to the history, the land and the people of Israel, Rabbi Poticha began her rabbinical studies.

Rabbi Poticha received her Master of Arts in Hebrew Literature in 1991 followed by Rabbinic Ordination in 1992 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

With an interest in interfaith and inter-denominational study and learning, Rabbi Poticha  studies with scholars and clergy of Jewish and other faith traditions, and sits on boards of various inter-faith  and environmental organizations.  She has participated in local, national and international inter-faith dialogues, is a member of the Board of Governor’s of the New York Board of Rabbis, the Long Island Interfaith Clergy Coalition and is an intern Fellow with GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition.  She is deeply committed to these efforts, in addition to sharing her love and enjoyment of Judaism with others.  Rabbi Poticha offers her professional officiation for ceremonies of both sorrow and joy.

An avid traveler, Rabbi Poticha has spent time in Egypt, Hong Kong, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and lived in Israel.  Rabbi Poticha takes great pride marching in the annual “Celebrate Israel” parade in Manhattan with members of Temple Sinai. She also enjoys a good Talmudic debate, joyous simchas, and almost all outdoor activities, golf and cycling being recent activities of choice.  She is an avid art collector and enjoys antiquing and flea markets.