Clergy

Moshe Saks, Rabbi
rabbi@adath.org

Rabbi Saks comes to Syracuse, most recently, from Flushing, New York where he served as the Spiritual Leader of the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Saks’ experience also includes Temple Israel in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Beth Tzedec Congregation in Alberta Canada.

In 1981, Rabbi Saks was ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary, and also received his M.A. in Rabbinics at the same time. Prior to that, he attended Yeshiva University in New York and received a B.A. in History and a B.H.L. (Bachelor of Hebrew Letters) in Jewish History.

Rabbi Saks is well-known for his expertise in kashrut for the Conservative Movement. During his time in Philadelphia, he served as Rav Ha-Machshir – Director of Kosher Certification for the Rabbinical Assembly, Philadelphia region. Rabbi Saks has also been very involved in Interfaith work, especially in Canada, where he served with the Albert Chapter of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews and taught courses in Judaism for the community, most notably for the Diocese of Calgary. Rabbi Saks was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.

Rabbi is married to Meira Shapiro Saks, the daughter of a Rabbi. Together, they have five children and nine grandchildren.

Esa Jaffe, Cantor
ejaffe@adath.org

Esa most recently fulfilled all the requirements to assume the role of Cantor/Hazzan by the Cantors Assembly, affiliated with the Conservative/Masorti movement.  Esa served as the Ba’alat Tefillah from 2008 to 2019.  In her role as musical leader and shaliach tzibur she has been able to draw on her history at Temple Adath Yeshurun to maintain its musical traditions while at the same time, building new ones.  Esa is a trained singer with a Master’s Degree in Voice Performance from Syracuse University.  She also holds a Master’s Degree in Jewish Communal Service from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University with a concentration in Jewish Education.  Esa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Brandeis University as well.

Esa grew up at Temple Adath Yeshurun.  She was active in USY and is a graduate of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School.  She is also a graduate of the Epstein Hebrew High School.  She began her professional life at Temple Adath Yeshurun after she returned to Syracuse with her husband.  Esa first worked as a teacher in the religious school and as a youth advisor.  She later became the Director of Education, a job she held for eight years.  She transitioned to the job of Ba’alat Tefillah after that.

Esa has sung with many groups in the community including Syracuse Opera, Syracuse Vocal Ensemble and Syracuse University Oratorio Society.  Esa has taught at the Epstein Hebrew High School and has served on the Board of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School.  Esa is married to Chaim Jaffe who has served as the President of Temple Adath Yeshurun.  Esa and Chaim have four children.