Temple Emanu-El of Lynbrook has merged with Temple Sinai of Long Island. The new entity is Temple Am Echad The South Shore Reform Congregation. You will be redirected to the new Principal's page momentarily. If for any reason you are not forwarded, please go to http://am-echad.org/principal.html

Rabbi Debra Bennet was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brandeis University with a Bachelor's Degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Women's Studies. Following graduation, she began her rabbinical studies at Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religious. During her tenure at HUC, Rabbi Bennet brought her passion for Judaism and love of learning to an array of institutions, including Northfork Reform Synagogue in Southold, NY, Congregation Anshe Emeth in New Brunswick, NJ and ARZA. She received the Human Relations Award, the Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Zeigler Essay Prize, the Rabbi Herbert Hendel Memorial Prize (Awarded for General Excellence), and the Rhoda Malino Memorial Prize in Modern Hebrew Literature

Following ordination, Rabbi Bennet served as the Rabbi Educator at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY where she strove to develop an environment where lifelong Jewish learning flourishes, so parents, students, and the entire community could come together to learn and to experience Judaism. She then became the Shabbat Family Study coordinator at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn, creating and facilitating meaningful Shabbat programs for families.

Rabbi Bennet has been honored by SAJES as a notable "30 Under 30" for her work in the field of Jewish education. In addition, she has had the distinction of being a participant in the Leadership Institute for Congregational Educators.

Rabbi Bennet lives in Old Bethpage, NY with her husband, Marc, and son, Eytan.

Rabbi Bennet may be reached at educator@emanuel-li.org.