With bagels and lox, Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom caters to shul shoppers

The Conservative Jewish congregation in Carrollwood was established two years ago and now has more than 100 families as members
(PR NewsChannel) / July 24, 2015 / TAMPA, Fla. 

Conservative congregation Tampa.

When it comes to Mekor Shalom, the Conservative synagogue in Tampa, “same old, same old” just doesn’t cut it.

Mekor Shalom (Hebrew for source of peace), is nestled in the heart of Carrollwood, a North Tampa suburb. Being different IS the goal.

Bagel & Lox Brunch for server 6-15

Most congregations have a rabbi at the pulpit. But at this synagogue, the cantor, Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, is the spiritual leader. She’s warm, well-liked in the community, gregarious and one of the conservative synagogue’s main attractions.

“I knew that I wanted to help form Mekor Shalom with the Hazzan leading it,” says Tampa attorney Chris Shulman, who today serves a president of the Conservative Congregation. “She’s magnificent. And if you ask anyone here they will tell you that.”

Good leadership attracts great people. And so far more than 100 households have been drawn to the startup synagogue.

On any given Friday night or Saturday morning service, you’ll find congregants actively participating: singing, opening the ark or going up to the Torah. There’s an assortment of folks who come to pray or to be spiritually enlightened–from kids to seniors.

The congregation hopes to give people looking for a synagogue a taste of Mekor Shalom and what it’s about by using bagels and lox, the quintessential Jewish spread, as the carrot. The “Cafe Mekor Shalom Brunch” on Aug. 2 begins at 11:00 am at the synagogue.

Mekor Shalom Tampa

Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever of new Tampa synagogue Congregation Mekor Shalom (Photo courtesy: Nicki Ragan/Vividivity, LLC.)

At the event, the “shul” (Yiddish for synagogue) will cater to those who are looking for a spiritual home and where they will feel welcome.

It may be summer. But this is the busy season for people looking for a Jewish congregation. The practice of synagogue exploration is known as “shul shopping.”

“The High Holidays are approaching and school will be back in session. This is the time when families and singles look for a synagogue,'” says Sered-Lever. “And we want to encourage people in the community to check us out.”

Current members and those looking for a synagogue to share Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur–and beyond–are encouraged to attend this open house.

If you want to better understand the mission of Mekor Shalom, just visit the conservative Tampa synagogue’s website, where on the homepage it says: “Imagine a synagogue where people introduce themselves and get to know one another. Imagine a shul where relationships grow and develop. Imagine a synagogue where every person matters. At Mekor Shalom, there’s always room for more people. Because with each new person, there are new connections that form. Here there are no closed circles, only open arms. This is a sacred community, a sacred community of sacred relationships. Welcome to Mekor Shalom.”

The brunch takes place at the synagogue: 14005A N. Dale Mabry Hwy • Tampa, FL 33618. For more about the event or to sign up for it, please call 813-963-1818 or visit https://mekorshalom.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=632.

Direct link:  https://prnewschannel.com/2015/07/24/with-bagels-and-lox-tampa-conservative-synagogue-mekor-shalom-caters-to-shul-shoppers/

SOURCE:  Mekor Shalom


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