About the Senior Staff

Esther Zipper

Temple Administrator

Esther is glad to be part of the wonderful TBO family, learning, and slowly meeting and talking to members and leaders, accepting challenges and getting to know you! She shares her administrative/operational experiences, having supported C-level executives for over 30 years. She has worked with all types of people from disaster clients at American Red Cross Broward Chapter to government officials and believes all have something to offer and share. She has lived in South Florida for over 45 years, but still considers herself a Native New Yorker as the early years tend to influence one the most.

She comes to us most recently from Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, with 10+ years of experience, having supported the CEO and Board of Trustees, in all areas of administration and operations.

Esther’s most rewarding moments in the not-for-profit world have been feeling she has made a difference, showing empathy, and participating in events such as Feeding the Community, Mitzvah events, helping during hurricane operations and sharing the experiences and excitement of dynamic speakers (Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Chuck Todd, former Hamas leader, and many others).

Esther’s favorite quotes are “Life is What is Happening While You are Out Making Plans” and “Life is a Journey, not a Destination.”

In her personal time, Esther enjoys Toastmasters (a fun and engaging speaker/leadership club), good food and conversation, nature, health and nutrition and sharing time with her parents who now just made the big move of a lifetime from NY/Sheepshead Bay. She has been told she has a great sense of humor, has been a “calm in the storm” and believes a smile and humor can help go a long way.

Esther is looking forward to meeting you in person and starting new memories.

Email: [email protected]

Jeannine Cotler

Religious School Director

Jeannine Cotler is honored and excited to be the Director of the Avi and Alison Rosenberg Religious School. Although new to the position, Jeannine is certainly not new to Temple Beth Orr as she and her family have been very involved members of our congregation for over 20 years.

During that time, Jeannine has had the opportunity to serve in many capacities, including chairing the Religious School Committee and being an officer, as well as a trustee, on the TBO board. Her 4 children grew up at Temple Beth Orr and are products of all of the educational tracts that are offered. She is here now, as Director, because of her love for TBO and her passion and enthusiasm for Jewish education.

Jeannine received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Nova [Southeastern] University and has spent many years teaching in private as well as public school, including TBO’s ECC and Religious School. She is always looking for ways to grow professionally and enjoys collaborating with and learning from others in the field of Jewish education. “As Jews, we believe that we never stop learning.”

Jeannine is especially excited about the paradigm shift in TBO’s approach to religious school. She has said, “Our goal is for the students (and teachers as well) to be learning by “doing Judaism” as they immerse themselves in the experiences of what it means to be Jewish using a hands-on, multi-sensory approach. This also includes learning to read, understand and appreciate Hebrew in a new and meaningful way.”

We would love to have you and your children join us on this journey. We look forward to meeting you, sharing more information about our programs, and answering all of your questions.

Email: [email protected]

Eileen Kaplan

Early Childhood Care Director

Eileen Kaplan has been in Early Childhood education for the past 30 years as a teacher, a director, a mentor, speaker and author. Most recently she has gone back into the classroom as a teacher to learn and understand firsthand the role of the teacher and the needs of the children. “I now believe I can do my job with keen sense of what is needed for the teacher, the student and the parent.”

She is passionate about the role that early childhood education has on the success of a child throughout his/her school progress. The early childhood educator lays down the foundation for the child to then grow and thrive. These days, young children are expected to know so much before they even enter kindergarten. Eileen believes that children are able to learn through hands on experiences and literature. Our focus will be emergent reading and math skills but our method will make the child want to achieve through doing.

Eileen recently published a children’s book, Adam and the Circuit Board, about a little boy with Asperger’s syndrome. She loves to do book readings in local libraries, bookstores and social interaction groups. She hopes through her book, children will become less afraid and more aware of the needs of other children.

Eileen writes: “I am thrilled to return to the staff of the Temple Beth Orr in the capacity of Early Childhood Director. Through this position, I hope to continue to build a strong sense of community with students, parents and teachers.”

Email: [email protected]