Our Staff

Rabbi Richard Winer

Please call me ‘Rabbi Rick’ I enjoy and appreciate the honor of serving our region’s Jewish community.  My family arrived here in Fresno in 2011 after having served a congregation in the Bay Area since ordination from the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati campus in 1995. My wife, Rabbi Laura Novak Winer and I met at U.C. Santa Barbara where we studied in U.C.S.B.’s highly rated Religious Studies department.  Rabbi Laura currently teaches at the Los Angeles campus of Hebrew Union College, commuting south for a few days a week when classes are in session. We have two sons, Saul and Max. The boys and I earned our black belts in Okinawan Karate and continue to participate in athletics. We all enjoy music as well. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in Jewish folklore and mysticism, Kabbalah, and teach units in a variety of areas of Jewish interest. We’ve been building upon the foundation of interfaith relationships pioneered by Rabbi David Greenberg here many years ago.  I’m honored to serve on the board of Faith in the Valley and work toward stronger interfaith connections in our valley. Here at Temple Beth Israel, we strive to create engaging spiritual moments, nurture educational involvement for all ages and perpetuate the Jewish values that lead us all to taking part in making our world a better place. Please don’t hesitate to discuss with me how you can get involved.

And you can send me an email here: rabbirick@tbifresno.org

Susanna Grant,  Director of Education and Programming

Susanna Grant has worked for almost 20 years in education, beginning as a high school English teacher and a 7th grade Sunday School teacher at Temple Beth Israel. After living in Israel for three years teaching English as a second language at Kfar Hayarok in Ramat HaSharon, she returned to the US and worked at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, a conservative synagogue, as the Educational Coordinator in the Religious School. Upon returning to Fresno, she accepted the position of  Director of Education and Programming at Temple Beth Israel.

 You can contact Susanna at Susannag@tbifresno.org

Renee Godinez, Temple Administrator

Renee has lived in the Central Valley for 20 years and is an alumni of Fresno State. Before she joined the TBI staff, she was a professional Archaeologist working in Cultural Resource Management in Central California.   

You can contact Renee at Reneeg@tbifresno.org