We are delighted to announce that from July 7 through August 10, Temple Beth El will host Student Rabbi/Cantor Shayna Burack for a unique and enriching summer internship. Shayna is a rising sixth-year cantorial student and fifth-year rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR)—the first person in HUC’s history to pursue both ordinations concurrently. She is on track to receive dual ordination as a Rabbi–Cantor in Spring 2026.
Originally from Charlotte, Shayna is especially excited to serve her hometown community this summer. A proud Southern Jew, she began her professional life in finance before following her passion to Jewish music, prayer, and communal leadership. Over the past four years, Shayna has served as a cantorial and rabbinic intern at the Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey and Temple Sharey-Tefilo Israel in South Orange, New Jersey, where she left a lasting impact on the communities she served.
Shayna will immerse herself fully in congregational life at Temple Beth El, co-leading Shabbat worship, offering divrei Torah, teaching Torah study on Saturday mornings, and participating in pastoral care and lifecycle events alongside our clergy. She will also design and lead a meaningful community experience for Tisha B’Av and engage with our lay leadership and board. Shayna brings a wealth of creativity, energy, and compassion to everything she does, and we are excited for the many ways she will contribute to—and grow with—our congregation this summer.
When she’s not immersed in study or synagogue life, Shayna enjoys volunteering at HUC’s soup kitchen, traveling, indulging in musical theatre, ballroom dancing, and embracing every opportunity for lifelong learning.
We hope you’ll join us in warmly welcoming Student Rabbi/Cantor Shayna Burack into our community. If you are interested in hosting Shayna for a Shabbat or weekday meal, please contact Renata Rosenberg, Clergy Assistant.
We look forward to a summer of learning, music, and inspiration!
