Arielle Greenbaum Saposh named managing director of Sinai Schools
On September 1, Arielle Greenbaum Saposh will become the new managing director of Sinai Schools. She’s succeeding Sam Fishman, newly named managing director emeritus, who will transition to a part-time role as strategic advisor after more than 20 years as managing director.
“With tremendous confidence and joy, the board and I announce Arielle’s appointment,” Tzvi Solomon, Sinai’s president, said. Over the past decade, Arielle has demonstrated deep expertise in the operational, legal, and human dimensions of running a complex organization, and a genuine understanding of Sinai’s mission and the families we serve.
“We are grateful to Sam for his forethought and planning for the day when he would be ready to step aside. Among his many contributions to the organization, it’s remarkable how Sam has worked together with Arielle to prepare for Sinai’s future with this seamless transition of leadership.”
Ms. Saposh brings a varied background to her new role. She joined Sinai 10 years ago as assistant managing director and counsel; for the last five years she has been associate managing director. Before that, she was a lawyer at Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, P.C., where she focused on municipal, education, and labor and employment law, as well as mediation. She also was assistant city manager and director of human resources for Englewood She began her legal career at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
Ms. Saposh earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. She has held many lay leadership positions, including president of Kehilat Kesher, Community Synagogue of Tenafly and Englewood. She lives in Englewood with her husband and three children.
“I am honored and humbled to take on this role,” Ms. Saposh said. “I am grateful to the board for their trust in me to help lead the organization and to Sam for his mentorship. I am looking forward to continuing to partner with Rabbi Rothwachs and Sam to build on Sinai’s successes as we work to fulfill and expand our mission of serving Jewish students who are unable to thrive in general education settings.”
Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Rothwachs is the Leo Brandstatter z”l Dean of Sinai Schools. “With each new opportunity as well as with the day-to-day management of the organization, and planning for its future, Arielle has been a wonderful partner,” he said. “Her commitment to our students, respect for our staff, and understanding of the work at the heart of Sinai’s mission make her the ideal leader to carry this organization forward. I am excited to work alongside her as we continue to serve our students and families with excellence and compassion.”
Mr. Fishman became involved at Sinai 40 years ago, first as a parent, then as a board and executive committee member, and, for the last 20 years, as managing director. “Sam’s vision, dedication, and commitment to every student and family we serve have left an indelible mark on this organization,” Rabbi Mark Karasick, chairman of the board, said. “He helped shepherd Sinai from a small program into one of the leading special education schools in the country. We look forward to this next chapter under Arielle’s leadership.”
“I am thrilled that Arielle will succeed me as managing director,” Mr. Fishman said. “I saw great potential in her when I convinced her to join Sinai 10 years ago, and ever since then, I have been deeply impressed with her tremendous skills, knowledge, dedication, professionalism, and leadership abilities. There is no one else I could imagine entrusting with this organization that means so much to me. I look forward to supporting Arielle in her new, richly earned role and to remaining actively involved in Sinai’s mission, work, and strategic direction.”