Arielle Greenbaum Saposh will become managing director of SINAI Schools, effective September 1, 2026. Saposh will succeed Sam Fishman, who will transition to a part-time role as strategic advisor and managing director emeritus after more than 20 years as managing director.
“With tremendous confidence and joy, the Board and I announce Arielle’s appointment,” said Tzvi Solomon, president of SINAI Schools. “Over the past decade, Arielle has demonstrated deep expertise in the operational, legal, and human dimensions of running a complex organization, and a genuine understanding of SINAI’s mission and the families we serve.”
“We are grateful to Sam for his forethought and planning for the day when he would be ready to step aside,” Solomon added. “Among his many contributions to the organization, it’s remarkable how Sam has worked together with Arielle to prepare for SINAI’s future with this seamless transition of leadership.”
Saposh brings a distinguished and varied background to her new role. She joined SINAI ten years ago as assistant managing director and counsel and, for the last five years, has been associate managing director. Before working at SINAI, Saposh was an attorney at Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, P.C., where she focused on municipal, education, and labor and employment law, as well as mediation. Previously, Saposh worked across state and municipal government, including serving as assistant city manager and director of human resources for the City of Englewood. She began her legal career at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
Saposh earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. Deeply rooted in the Jewish community, she has held a number of lay leadership positions, including serving as president of Kehilat Kesher, Community Synagogue of Tenafly and Englewood. She lives in Englewood with her husband and three children.
“I am honored and humbled to take on this role,” said Saposh. “I am grateful to the Board for their trust in me to help lead the organization and to Sam for his mentorship. I am looking forward to continuing to partner with Rabbi Rothwachs and Sam to build on SINAI’s successes as we work to fulfill and expand our mission of serving Jewish students who are unable to thrive in general education settings.”
Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Rothwachs, Leo Brandstatter z”l Dean of SINAI Schools, said: “With each new opportunity as well as with the day-to-day management of the organization, and planning for its future, Arielle has been a wonderful partner. Her commitment to our students, respect for our staff, and understanding of the work at the heart of SINAI’s mission make her the ideal leader to carry this organization forward. I am excited to work alongside her as we continue to serve our students and families with excellence and compassion.”
Fishman’s involvement at SINAI began 40 years ago, first as a parent, then as a Board and Executive Committee member, and, for the last 20 years, as managing director. “Sam’s vision, dedication, and commitment to every student and family we serve have left an indelible mark on this organization,” said Rabbi Mark Karasick, chairman of the board. “He helped shepherd SINAI from a small program into one of the leading special education schools in the country. We look forward to this next chapter under Arielle’s leadership.”
“I am thrilled that Arielle will succeed me as managing director,” Fishman said. “I saw great potential in her when I convinced her to join SINAI 10 years ago, and, ever since then, I have been deeply impressed with her tremendous skills, knowledge, dedication, professionalism, and leadership abilities. There is no one else I could imagine entrusting with this organization that means so much to me. I look forward to supporting Arielle in her new, richly-earned role and to remaining actively involved in SINAI’s mission, work, and strategic direction.”
To read this article as it originally appeared in the Jewish Link, click here.
To read this article as it originally appeared in the Jewish Standard, click here.