Rabbi Sabine Meyer, Ph.D.
Matt Andersson, Co-President
Joyce Leidig, Administrator
Clergy and Leadership
Rabbi Sabine Meyer has shared her passion for Judaism and provided guidance for Jewish adults, adolescents, families and children and non-Jewish spiritual seekers for over two decades. Prior to joining Rodef Sholom, she was the spiritual leader of Kol HaNeshamah in Seattle, WA and previously served as the Senior Rabbi at Tree of Life Congregation in Columbia, SC.
Ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles in 2007, Rabbi Sabine launched her rabbinate at the Union for Reform Judaism. During her ten years as Director of the URJ Introduction to Judaism program on the West Coast, she facilitated the Jewish learning of countless spiritual seekers and guided many students on their journey to conversion. A skillful and knowledgeable teacher, she served as a faculty member of the International Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning from 2013-2019 and taught a variety of courses at Los Angeles synagogues, including Jewish history, Bible, and Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism).
Rabbi Sabine has dedicated her rabbinate to the exploration of sacred texts and the practice of Jewish rituals that connect people to the blessings of Judaism. In her role as spiritual leader, teacher and counselor, Rabbi Sabine seeks to foster meaningful communal relationships and to create opportunities for people to find their personal Jewish voice and ways that the Jewish tradition speaks to them and brings meaning to their lives.
Rabbi Sabine is excited to continue Rodef Sholom’s tradition of encouraging everyone to participate and to explore, to ask questions and try out new ideas, and to learn and pray in a vibrant and caring Jewish community.
As a co-president of Temple Rodef Sholom, I am honored to serve our congregational community as well as the greater Waco area. I will be looking to extend and deepen both membership and belonging. We actively aim to cultivate interfaith ties that connect us to our neighbors, building on the legacy of our historically rich congregation that has called Waco home since the late 1800s. I work as a sociology professor and internationally recognized researcher at Baylor University, with previous fellowships at Yale University and The University of Iowa. My research focuses on social determinants of health and well-being across the life course.
Whether you've been part of our community for years or are just discovering us, I'd love to welcome you: come see what makes Temple Rodef Sholom feel like home!
- Matt Andersson, Co-President
I am proud to serve our congregation as a co-president. I have called Temple Rodef Sholom my home for more than 35 years, have recently served on the Temple Board, and bring a deep appreciation for this community to my new role. I am especially passionate about creating new opportunities for members to connect with one another and with our temple family. Our congregation may be small, but it spans generations, bringing together members of all ages who share a commitment to Jewish life and community.
I - along with our entire community - warmly welcome guests and new members alike!
— Barry Cohen, Co-President
Joyce Leidig began her journey with Temple Rodef Sholom in the spring of 2023. She is retired from Texas Department of Human Services and lives outside McGregor with her son and grandchildren. Joyce brings a wealth of clerical experience and administrative skills to her role at the temple. Hers is the friendly voice that greets you when you call the office.
Come by the office and meet Joyce when you get a chance!