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Our Team
Founder and CEO
Rabbi
Ed Rosenthal
Born and raised in landlocked St. Louis, Rabbi Ed Rosenthal’s passion for the marine environment can only be attributed to watching “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau” and reruns of “Sea Hunt” as a kid. When he was 16 years old, he asked his parents if he could learn to Scuba Dive. His mother’s response was: “If God meant for humans to be underwater, He would have given us gills.” So it wasn’t until a hiking trip in the Sinai during his first year of Rabbinical studies, that Ed had a chance to snorkel at Sharm el-Sheik. There he heard the call of the Sirens.
When he returned to the US to continue his studies in Cincinnati, he finally got his scuba certification. The Jewish tradition is filled with deep, spiritual teachings about water and the Sea, yet most Jews have not been exposed to this part of our heritage. Ed wants to show the wonders of the underwater world through Jewish eyes, while raising awareness about the myriad threats it faces. He believes that when Jews get involved in any issue, substantive change takes place. Tikkun HaYam was created in order to get the Jewish Community involved to Repair the Sea.
Engagement and Expansion Director
Shayna Cohen
Shayna Cohen is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, an SSI Century 100 Instructor, and #theseahugger. Born in Hawai’i, growing up snorkeling and freediving, it is no surprise that Shayna is a marine restoration fanatic. She originally obtained her SCUBA certification to complete fisheries management research in Turks and Caicos.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Grinnell College, Shayna spent some time sneaking marine conservation into her lesson plans as an educator before deciding that teaching SCUBA is the best way to create marine stewards.
Before joining Tikkun HaYam in 2018, Shayna worked as a SCUBA instructor, dive guide, and Conservation Co-Coordinator at Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo. Shayna has shared the wonders of the underwater world with hundreds of divers, pulled thousands of pounds of debris from the water, and volunteered her time and skills with numerous environmental organizations.
Campus Program Director
Josh Keller
Josh Keller is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, certified to teach over 25 different specialty courses. Josh grew up along the Jersey shore, always being in the water. Whether working, playing or learning, whatever he did was based on the ocean. He graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (a high school specializing in marine biology) as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the NJROTC. He then attended Eckerd College after learning about the Scubi Jew program. Excited to combine his passion for the ocean and Jewish heritage, Josh fell in love with Scubi Jew and was student president for two and a half years. During his time at Eckerd, he worked at the Waterfront program renting out water sports recreation equipment, planning events, piloting boats for classes and trips, and teaching windsurfing.
Josh graduated from Eckerd College with a degree in marine biology and a minor in computer science. After graduation, Josh moved to Key Largo where he earned his PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer certification. He worked at Rainbow Reef Dive Center as an instructor, airboss, office staff, first mate, and guide. While in Key Largo, Josh taught many specialty classes about ocean conservation, and every dive for Josh is a Dive Against Debris. In 2020 Josh returned to St. Petersburg to be the Program Coordinator of Tikkun HaYam and Scubi Jew. Josh also manages the recycled Judaica program with his skills in 3D design and 3D printing and is an aspiring full-stack developer in the Web3 revolution.
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Administrator | Interfaith Environmental Partnership Program Manager
Linda Wolf
Having grown up in Florida, Linda spent a lot of her childhood enjoying the beaches on both sides of the State. She has a great appreciation for the sea and especially for the mission of Tikkun HaYam. Linda plans to become scuba-certified in the near future so she can spend more of her free time enjoying the wonders of the underwater world.
In her previous work experience, Linda managed her own marketing communications consulting firm. Prior to that, she was the director of marketing for several for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Linda has served as a volunteer on the board of directors and executive board for local non-profit organizations, and has chaired numerous committees in her areas of expertise.
Linda has a Bachelor of Science degree, Cum Laude, in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Florida. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree, Cum Laude, in Accounting from the University of South Florida.
Reverse Tashlich Coordinator
Erica Allen-Abraham
Born and raised in sunny South Florida, Erica has been captivated by the ocean and its vibrant ecosystems from a young age. Erica is a PADI divemaster, underwater photographer and videographer, and runs two saltwater aquariums in her home.
Her dedication to environmental advocacy led her to serve on the City of Boca Raton Environmental Advisory Board for multiple years, striving to safeguard the environment she cherishes. Erica's academic journey includes earning a double degree in Marine Affairs and Communication from The University of Rhode Island in 2016, followed by a Master of Professional Science with a focus on Marine Conservation from The University of Miami in 2018.
Before joining Repair The Sea, Erica accumulated diverse experience, ranging from environmental consultancy with the Florida Department of Transportation to a scuba internship at The Georgia Aquarium. She also collaborated with various marine non-profits, honing her commitment to ocean conservation. Today, Erica channels her expertise and passion as the Reverse Tashlich Coordinator and South Florida representative for Repair the Sea, where she continues her tireless efforts to protect marine environments and promote sustainable practices.
Ally's Way Captain
Zac Oppenheim
Growing up on the Great Lakes, a passion for beach, boat, and water sports of all kinds has existed for all Zac's life. Zac earned both an undergraduate and a masters degree in Education. He is also a US Powerboating Instructor Trainer, a US Coast Guard licensed Master, and has worked at waterfront education facilities in higher education for over 18 years.
Working with and contributing to the organization Zac is able to tie together his interests, career, and spirituality as we further our work of Tikkun HaYam.