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(PR NewsChannel) / August 23, 2013 / TAMPA, Fla. 

If Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton are the epicenter for practicing Jews, then Tampa may just be the hub of the cultural Jew—the Jews who typically prefer to experience their heritage by eating bagels and lox rather than picking up a prayer book at synagogue.

“Bagels and lox are not just good but they’re familiar—it’s a connection,” says Jodi Sered-Lever, who’s been both a cantor and spiritual leader at Conservative congregations for years in both Tampa and Kansas City. “I believe many Jews in Tampa are unaffiliated with a synagogue because there’s simply been nothing to draw them in.”

Which is why Sered-Lever, known to people across Tampa simply as “Hazzan” (Cantor in Hebrew), is so bullish about Congregation Mekor Shalom, Tampa’s newest synagogue. And with only 25% of all Jews in Tampa Bay affiliated with a synagogue, there are a lot of potential congregants.

Sered-Lever hasn’t got it easy. At Mekor Shalom (http://www.mekorshalom.org), she is not only the cantor, she serves in place of the rabbi.

She had a distinct vision for this new synagogue, which subscribes to the core belief of “relational Judaism.” Coined by Ron Wolfson, PhD, in his book of the same title, relational Judaism refers to engaging people in building and nurturing personal relationships among Jews to establish those connections that will sustain their ties to the community. This is the foundation of Mekor Shalom.

In a world where people are constantly on the go or in a rush, Sered-Lever is well-known for giving people her undivided, focused attention—whether it’s after a service or at the produce section at Fresh Market on a Friday afternoon.

The synagogue or “shul” (Yiddish for temple) is off to a great start. The synagogue, which welcomes the participation of men and women in services, and expects to affiliate with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, held its first service over the summer at a congregant’s home in Carrollwood Village. About 60 people attended on the first Friday night. By the following week, the congregation rented space at the La Quinta on N. Dale Mabry where attendance steadily grew.

For the High Holidays, Congregation Mekor Shalom will meet at a building occupied by Temple Ohev Shalom in New Tampa to accommodate the families that are expected for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Things are progressing fast. There’s a newly installed Board of Directors for Mekor Shalom—filled by a cross-section of people from all walks of life including a homemaker, a human resources executive and a lawyer. There’s also a website at www.mekorshalom.org. And Mekor Shalom is in the midst of negotiating a lease in Carrollwood for a semi-permanent home.

Mekor Shalom is the first congregation in Tampa with a Voluntary Financial Commitment in lieu of a traditional dues structure. Each day Sered-Lever checks the mail to see who’s joined.

“I try to keep track of whom I’ve met to match faces with names but word is spreading because in some cases I have not met them yet,” says Sered-Lever. “Each of us deserves to connect with those around us and feel a sense of belonging. Each of us deserves to connect with God and the teachings of tradition.”

For Sered-Lever and the congregants who have joined her on the exciting journey, it’s all coming together just as they planned.

“This is truly a blessing all the way around,” says Sered-Lever. “I’m excited and the congregation is excited. Our doors are open and so are our arms.”

For more information about Mekor Shalom in Tampa, please visit 813-963-1818 or visit www.mekorshalom.org.

Direct link:  http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/

SOURCE:  Mekor Shalom

 

This press release is distributed by PR NewsChannel. Your News. Everywhere.

- See more at: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/#sthash.FksHuYRl.dpuf

(PR NewsChannel) / August 23, 2013 / TAMPA, Fla. 

If Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton are the epicenter for practicing Jews, then Tampa may just be the hub of the cultural Jew—the Jews who typically prefer to experience their heritage by eating bagels and lox rather than picking up a prayer book at synagogue.

“Bagels and lox are not just good but they’re familiar—it’s a connection,” says Jodi Sered-Lever, who’s been both a cantor and spiritual leader at Conservative congregations for years in both Tampa and Kansas City. “I believe many Jews in Tampa are unaffiliated with a synagogue because there’s simply been nothing to draw them in.”

Which is why Sered-Lever, known to people across Tampa simply as “Hazzan” (Cantor in Hebrew), is so bullish about Congregation Mekor Shalom, Tampa’s newest synagogue. And with only 25% of all Jews in Tampa Bay affiliated with a synagogue, there are a lot of potential congregants.

Sered-Lever hasn’t got it easy. At Mekor Shalom (http://www.mekorshalom.org), she is not only the cantor, she serves in place of the rabbi.

She had a distinct vision for this new synagogue, which subscribes to the core belief of “relational Judaism.” Coined by Ron Wolfson, PhD, in his book of the same title, relational Judaism refers to engaging people in building and nurturing personal relationships among Jews to establish those connections that will sustain their ties to the community. This is the foundation of Mekor Shalom.

In a world where people are constantly on the go or in a rush, Sered-Lever is well-known for giving people her undivided, focused attention—whether it’s after a service or at the produce section at Fresh Market on a Friday afternoon.

The synagogue or “shul” (Yiddish for temple) is off to a great start. The synagogue, which welcomes the participation of men and women in services, and expects to affiliate with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, held its first service over the summer at a congregant’s home in Carrollwood Village. About 60 people attended on the first Friday night. By the following week, the congregation rented space at the La Quinta on N. Dale Mabry where attendance steadily grew.

For the High Holidays, Congregation Mekor Shalom will meet at a building occupied by Temple Ohev Shalom in New Tampa to accommodate the families that are expected for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Things are progressing fast. There’s a newly installed Board of Directors for Mekor Shalom—filled by a cross-section of people from all walks of life including a homemaker, a human resources executive and a lawyer. There’s also a website at www.mekorshalom.org. And Mekor Shalom is in the midst of negotiating a lease in Carrollwood for a semi-permanent home.

Mekor Shalom is the first congregation in Tampa with a Voluntary Financial Commitment in lieu of a traditional dues structure. Each day Sered-Lever checks the mail to see who’s joined.

“I try to keep track of whom I’ve met to match faces with names but word is spreading because in some cases I have not met them yet,” says Sered-Lever. “Each of us deserves to connect with those around us and feel a sense of belonging. Each of us deserves to connect with God and the teachings of tradition.”

For Sered-Lever and the congregants who have joined her on the exciting journey, it’s all coming together just as they planned.

“This is truly a blessing all the way around,” says Sered-Lever. “I’m excited and the congregation is excited. Our doors are open and so are our arms.”

For more information about Mekor Shalom in Tampa, please visit 813-963-1818 or visit www.mekorshalom.org.

Direct link:  http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/

SOURCE:  Mekor Shalom

 

This press release is distributed by PR NewsChannel. Your News. Everywhere.

- See more at: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/#sthash.FksHuYRl.dpuf

(PR NewsChannel) / August 23, 2013 / TAMPA, Fla. 

If Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton are the epicenter for practicing Jews, then Tampa may just be the hub of the cultural Jew—the Jews who typically prefer to experience their heritage by eating bagels and lox rather than picking up a prayer book at synagogue.

“Bagels and lox are not just good but they’re familiar—it’s a connection,” says Jodi Sered-Lever, who’s been both a cantor and spiritual leader at Conservative congregations for years in both Tampa and Kansas City. “I believe many Jews in Tampa are unaffiliated with a synagogue because there’s simply been nothing to draw them in.”

Which is why Sered-Lever, known to people across Tampa simply as “Hazzan” (Cantor in Hebrew), is so bullish about Congregation Mekor Shalom, Tampa’s newest synagogue. And with only 25% of all Jews in Tampa Bay affiliated with a synagogue, there are a lot of potential congregants.

Sered-Lever hasn’t got it easy. At Mekor Shalom (http://www.mekorshalom.org), she is not only the cantor, she serves in place of the rabbi.

She had a distinct vision for this new synagogue, which subscribes to the core belief of “relational Judaism.” Coined by Ron Wolfson, PhD, in his book of the same title, relational Judaism refers to engaging people in building and nurturing personal relationships among Jews to establish those connections that will sustain their ties to the community. This is the foundation of Mekor Shalom.

In a world where people are constantly on the go or in a rush, Sered-Lever is well-known for giving people her undivided, focused attention—whether it’s after a service or at the produce section at Fresh Market on a Friday afternoon.

The synagogue or “shul” (Yiddish for temple) is off to a great start. The synagogue, which welcomes the participation of men and women in services, and expects to affiliate with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, held its first service over the summer at a congregant’s home in Carrollwood Village. About 60 people attended on the first Friday night. By the following week, the congregation rented space at the La Quinta on N. Dale Mabry where attendance steadily grew.

For the High Holidays, Congregation Mekor Shalom will meet at a building occupied by Temple Ohev Shalom in New Tampa to accommodate the families that are expected for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Things are progressing fast. There’s a newly installed Board of Directors for Mekor Shalom—filled by a cross-section of people from all walks of life including a homemaker, a human resources executive and a lawyer. There’s also a website at www.mekorshalom.org. And Mekor Shalom is in the midst of negotiating a lease in Carrollwood for a semi-permanent home.

Mekor Shalom is the first congregation in Tampa with a Voluntary Financial Commitment in lieu of a traditional dues structure. Each day Sered-Lever checks the mail to see who’s joined.

“I try to keep track of whom I’ve met to match faces with names but word is spreading because in some cases I have not met them yet,” says Sered-Lever. “Each of us deserves to connect with those around us and feel a sense of belonging. Each of us deserves to connect with God and the teachings of tradition.”

For Sered-Lever and the congregants who have joined her on the exciting journey, it’s all coming together just as they planned.

“This is truly a blessing all the way around,” says Sered-Lever. “I’m excited and the congregation is excited. Our doors are open and so are our arms.”

For more information about Mekor Shalom in Tampa, please visit 813-963-1818 or visit www.mekorshalom.org.

Direct link:  http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/

SOURCE:  Mekor Shalom

- See more at: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/#sthash.pzRbglRP.dpuf

(PR NewsChannel) / August 23, 2013 / TAMPA, Fla. 

If Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton are the epicenter for practicing Jews, then Tampa may just be the hub of the cultural Jew—the Jews who typically prefer to experience their heritage by eating bagels and lox rather than picking up a prayer book at synagogue.

“Bagels and lox are not just good but they’re familiar—it’s a connection,” says Jodi Sered-Lever, who’s been both a cantor and spiritual leader at Conservative congregations for years in both Tampa and Kansas City. “I believe many Jews in Tampa are unaffiliated with a synagogue because there’s simply been nothing to draw them in.”

Which is why Sered-Lever, known to people across Tampa simply as “Hazzan” (Cantor in Hebrew), is so bullish about Congregation Mekor Shalom, Tampa’s newest synagogue. And with only 25% of all Jews in Tampa Bay affiliated with a synagogue, there are a lot of potential congregants.

Sered-Lever hasn’t got it easy. At Mekor Shalom (http://www.mekorshalom.org), she is not only the cantor, she serves in place of the rabbi.

She had a distinct vision for this new synagogue, which subscribes to the core belief of “relational Judaism.” Coined by Ron Wolfson, PhD, in his book of the same title, relational Judaism refers to engaging people in building and nurturing personal relationships among Jews to establish those connections that will sustain their ties to the community. This is the foundation of Mekor Shalom.

In a world where people are constantly on the go or in a rush, Sered-Lever is well-known for giving people her undivided, focused attention—whether it’s after a service or at the produce section at Fresh Market on a Friday afternoon.

The synagogue or “shul” (Yiddish for temple) is off to a great start. The synagogue, which welcomes the participation of men and women in services, and expects to affiliate with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, held its first service over the summer at a congregant’s home in Carrollwood Village. About 60 people attended on the first Friday night. By the following week, the congregation rented space at the La Quinta on N. Dale Mabry where attendance steadily grew.

For the High Holidays, Congregation Mekor Shalom will meet at a building occupied by Temple Ohev Shalom in New Tampa to accommodate the families that are expected for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Things are progressing fast. There’s a newly installed Board of Directors for Mekor Shalom—filled by a cross-section of people from all walks of life including a homemaker, a human resources executive and a lawyer. There’s also a website at www.mekorshalom.org. And Mekor Shalom is in the midst of negotiating a lease in Carrollwood for a semi-permanent home.

Mekor Shalom is the first congregation in Tampa with a Voluntary Financial Commitment in lieu of a traditional dues structure. Each day Sered-Lever checks the mail to see who’s joined.

“I try to keep track of whom I’ve met to match faces with names but word is spreading because in some cases I have not met them yet,” says Sered-Lever. “Each of us deserves to connect with those around us and feel a sense of belonging. Each of us deserves to connect with God and the teachings of tradition.”

For Sered-Lever and the congregants who have joined her on the exciting journey, it’s all coming together just as they planned.

“This is truly a blessing all the way around,” says Sered-Lever. “I’m excited and the congregation is excited. Our doors are open and so are our arms.”

For more information about Mekor Shalom in Tampa, please visit 813-963-1818 or visit www.mekorshalom.org.

Direct link:  http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/

SOURCE:  Mekor Shalom

- See more at: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/08/23/newly-formed-tampa-synagogue-mekor-shalom-aims-to-bring-congregants-a-sense-of-belonging-connection/#sthash.pzRbglRP.dpuf