Yanira Quiñones

Yanira Quiñones

Yanira Quiñones (she/her) is an experienced religious school director of Jewish education. Currently she is working at the Shames JCC of Tarrytown, as the Director of Jewish Life. She graduated from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, receiving a Master's degree in Jewish Education with a concentration in Congregational Leadership. Yanira also holds an Advanced Certificate in Israel Education from George Washington University and was an iCenter fellow. Her bachelor’s degree in Human Development is from Fordham University.  

Yanira has served in a variety of educational contexts. She has taught and directed in congregational religious schools, led family services for both Shabbat and High Holidays, and has worked in Jewish summer camps. She serves as faculty for the URJ’s Introduction to Judaism online program.   

Yanira lives in White Plains, New York with her husband and three children, and their dog Gracie. 
Conversion

At The Edge of the Water

Yanira Quiñones
As I stood at the top of the steps of the pool of warm water, I could feel my feet tingle with anticipation. The feeling slowly enveloped my body, moving steadily up my legs, to my core, my heart and my mind. The feeling did not agitate or annoy, it was like a blanket of calmness and serenity. I stood at the top of the steps looking down into the mikvah. I took a breath and descended slowly until I stood fully in the water.