Meet the Team - Temple Israel

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Sophie Weiss-Williams: Director of Youth Education & Family Engagement

Sophie Weiss-Williams holds a B.A. in Jewish Studies with a minor in Human Development from the University of Maryland at College Park. After graduating, she spent five years teaching in the Memphis community through Teach for America and beyond, specializing in special education and developing inclusive classroom practices that continue to inform her work today. Since 2021, Sophie has served as the Director of the Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious School, where she leads youth education with a focus on innovative Jewish learning and family engagement.

Sophiew@timemphis.org

Jackie Evans: Assistant Director of Youth Education

Jackie Evans serves as Temple Israel’s Education Administrator, bringing warmth, dedication, and nearly two decades of experience to her work with children, teens, and families. She studied Education at Indiana University and later at the University of Memphis, where she discovered her passion for creating meaningful and supportive learning environments. Jackie has been an integral part of Temple Israel for 19 years, helping shape our youth programs with her creativity, compassion, and deep commitment to Jewish learning. Her longstanding relationships with students and families, along with her thoughtful approach to teaching, continue to make a lasting impact on our community. Jackie and her husband, Alex, are proud parents of Ethan, Miles, and Elliott.

Jackiee@timemphis.org

Karleigh Ring: Youth Engagement Coordinator

Karleigh Ring serves as Temple Israel’s Youth Engagement Coordinator, helping create meaningful, fun, and empowering experiences for Jewish youth through JYG (grades 6–8) and our high school teen programs. Karleigh began tutoring Hebrew at age 13, sparking a lifelong passion for helping young people connect with Judaism in ways that feel authentic and engaging. She holds a B.A. in Education and, after moving to Memphis in 2021, joined the Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School faculty, quickly becoming a valued part of our community. Her background in education and her deep commitment to Jewish life guide her thoughtful, energetic approach to supporting and inspiring teens.