Meet Rabbi Shai Specht-Sandler, SOJC's new rabbi

Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation has a new full-time rabbi. Rabbi Shai Specht-Sandler will officially begin his tenure at SOJC on July 1, 2025.

Rabbi Shai's life experiences span the Jewish world, as well as the globe itself.

"I was born in Israel and left at 13," he said, "then spent my formative years in Manchester, England and the United States. I come from a proudly pluralistic and Masorti background, both Sephardi and Ashkenazi, and from a long line of educators and rabbis... [I've] studied in both Orthodox yeshivot and pluralistic institutions, and each one, in its own way, deepened my understanding of Jewish life and sharpened my voice as a teacher and spiritual leader. Those diverse experiences still shape how I lead today: with fluency, flexibility, and a deep respect for the wide tapestry of Jewish expression."

Over his career as a rabbi, Rabbi Shai has served a variety of communities, from Or Ahavah and Bet Kneset Bamidbar in Las Vegas, to Ansche Chesed and B'nai Jeshurun in New York City, to Congregation Chaverim in Tucson, where he served as the cantor. He has run Hebrew schools, designed curriculums and family programs, and even written Jewish children's music.

"Each of the communities I've served has shaped me, through laughter and loss, pastoral moments, creative prayer, and deep, quiet listening, he said. "What I've learned is that spiritual leadership isn't about hierarchy. It's about presence. It's the visit at just the right time, the song that softens a heart, or the sacred pause when words fall away and something deeper speaks... My path has always been about helping people feel spiritually seen and emotionally safe."

When Rabbi Shai first visited SOJC in late March, he made an immediate bond with the congregation. The SOJC Board of Directors unanimously voted to offer him the position of Rabbi for SOJC, and he happily accepted.

"My husband Jeff and I are truly excited to begin this next chapter in Orlando," said Rabbi Shai. "What makes this move so meaningful is that it's not just about starting a new job - it's about building a new life... We're looking forward to connecting with the heart of the city, from peaceful spots in nature to vibrant neighborhoods, great restaurants, and of course, the magic of the theme parks. Most of all, I'm excited to become part of the SOJC family, as both a rabbi and a member of the community."

An email from the SOJC board to members of the synagogue described the wonderful first impression Rabbi Shai made during his visit:

"Rabbi Shai plays music for Friday night services and has reverence for the traditions that make Saturday morning services so important. He reads Torah, has a beautiful singing voice, a background in education, is passionate about his love of Israel, and has a HUGE social media presence which he will use to help promote SOJC!"

For Rabbi Shai, social media is an extension of the pulpit.

"It's where people live, connect, scroll, and seek," he said. "I don't use it to preach; I use it to show up. Sometimes it's with a teaching, a niggun, a moment of vulnerability, or something funny... Other times, it's about standing proudly and publicly as a Jew – correcting misinformation about Judaism, Jewish history, and especially Israel. I love being Jewish, and I believe it's important to share that joy and strength out loud, especially in a time when so much noise and distortion exists online."

Rabbi Shai visited SOJC again for Shabbat services in early May to celebrate his joining the community. The rabbi's first official Shabbat services at SOJC will be on July 4 and 5, and he can't wait to return.

"This isn't just a role I'm stepping into," he said. "It's a relationship. A covenant between rabbi and community, one built on trust, presence, and shared growth."

Rabbi Shai is not only eager to connect with existing SOJC members, but also anyone who's never been to SOJC before and is interested in joining the community.

"Come as you are," he says. "Bring your heart, your story, and your openness to connection. There's room here for every kind of person, every kind of family, and every kind of journey. You already belong - we're just waiting to meet you!"