Clergy - The Reform Temple of Rockland

Rabbi Michele Medwin

Rabbi Michele Medwin: Journey and Service

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Rabbi Michele Medwin was raised on Long Island, New York. Her parents, originally secular Jews, chose to become active members of their local Reform synagogue, seeking deeper meaning for their family. Michele’s summers at URJ Camp Eisner in the Berkshires fostered her initial spiritual connection to God, especially through Shabbat services held in the camp’s outdoor sanctuary.

Connection to Israel

A pivotal family trip to Israel during her 10th grade year gave Michele a profound sense of belonging as soon as she arrived. Motivated by this experience, she returned to Israel the following summer using money she earned tutoring B’nai Mitzvah students. She later spent time living and working on Kibbutz Givat Oz, immersing herself in Hebrew studies at the community’s ulpan, between high school and college.

Academic Pursuits and Professional Path

Despite her strong ties to Judaism and Israel, Michele’s passion for math and science led her to Cornell University for her undergraduate studies, where she met her future husband, Steve. She continued her education at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and practiced optometry in Wilmington, Delaware for 13 years.

Inspiration and Transition to Rabbinic Life

While active at Reform Synagogue Beth Emeth in Wilmington, Michele was inspired by the congregation’s new assistant rabbi, the first female rabbi she had ever met. At 38, she was accepted to Hebrew Union College, sold her optometry practice, and moved with her family—Steve and their two children, Dan and Rachel—to Israel for her first year of rabbinical studies.

Rabbinic Service

Michele’s rabbinic career began as assistant rabbi at Temple Sholom in Broomall, Pennsylvania. She then served as the solo rabbi at congregations in Binghamton, New York, and at Temple Sholom in Monticello, New York.

Retirement and Continued Commitment

After retiring from pulpit life, Rabbi Medwin and Steve settled in Rockland County, joining the Reform Temple of Rockland. They immediately felt welcomed and at home in the community. Rabbi Medwin later came out of retirement to serve as interim rabbi at RTR, providing leadership until a permanent rabbi is found.
Rabbi Medwin and Steve are the proud parents of Rabbi Dan Medwin and Rachel Witriol, along with five wonderful grandchildren.

Cantor Sally L. Neff

Cantor Sally Neff has a gift that enables her to touch the hearts and souls of those around her. She is warm and welcoming, and the look on her face when she is singing reflects her deep love of music and worship.
A master educator in the classroom and in less formal settings, Cantor Neff loves working with both children and adults. Her sermons in song – a combination of performance and teaching – reflect a depth of knowledge and talent that is glorious to behold. Cantor Neff has had the honor of singing under the direction of Ben Steinberg, the renowned composer of Jewish music, and alongside the well-known Jewish tenor, Alberto Mizrahi.
Born and raised in Queens, New York where she attended Temple Israel of Jamaica, she began singing at services when needed. She completed a double degree program through Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Oberlin College, where she studied Vocal Performance and Judaic Studies, earning honors in both. Her great love for Judaism, spirituality, and music led her to pursue cantorial school rather than a career on the stage. She attended the HUC – JIR School of Sacred Music, completing her degree in 2002 with a thesis entitled, “Music as Midrash: Music as a Language for the Creation and Communication of Meaning.” Before coming to The Reform Temple of Rockland, she served congregations in Edison, New Jersey and Worcester, Massachusetts.
You can reach Cantor Neff at (845) 358-2248 x106 or via email atВ CantorNeff@RTRNY.org.