At the installation event for Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom, Chris Shulman (back) becomes Immediate Past President, and Glenn Selig assumes the role of congregation President. (PHOTO COURTESY: Jennifer Velt)
The Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom installed its new Board of Trustees at a congregation-wide meeting held in the sanctuary.
After leading the Tampa congregation since it opened its doors just over two years ago, Chris Shulman, a Tampa attorney and the Conservative synagogue’s first president, stepped aside and assumes the role of Immediate Past President.
Glenn Selig, a Tampa public relations executive and who has been a Board Trustee, was elected by the congregation to the position of President.
“Chris and the amazing Board from the last two years grew this congregation from nothing to an amazing synagogue,” said Selig. “On behalf of the Congregation, I thank Chris and all of those who gave their time, energy and vision to create and grow what I consider to be a one-of-a-kind synagogue that we are all so, so proud of.”
New board members Marjorie Sandler (left) and Wendy Koppelman take the oath of office as Mekor Shalom trustees. (PHOTO COURTESY: Jennifer Velt)
Conservative Tampa synagogue: Mission ‘unaffiliated’
Only one out of every four Jews in Tampa belongs to a synagogue in Tampa Bay. That means a whopping 75% of the Tampa Bay Jewish community is unaffiliated with a congregation. Those are the people Mekor Shalom hopes to draw.
“There are so many Jewish families in the Tampa Bay area that for whatever reason haven’t connected with a synagogue,” says Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, the synagogue’s dynamic spiritual leader. “The congregation is trying hard to find those people. If you are reading this, there is an open invitation for you to come to a service or to an event at Mekor Shalom.”
One of the many big attractions at Mekor Shalom: The Conservative Tampa synagogue wants no part of transactional Judaism. Though there’s a suggested dues amount, but how much you pay is up to you. Another: The Hazzan herself.
Rabbi Aaron Lever, husband of Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, chats with Mekor Shalom congregants at the annual synagogue meeting in Tampa. (PHOTO COURTESY: Jennifer Velt)
“I am so comfortable coming to services. Hazzan is so real and she is not judgmental. She accepts me for where I am and what I am. It’s very refreshing,” says Steve Richard, a millennial who is new to Tampa.
75% of the Tampa Bay Jewish community is unaffiliated with a congregation. Those are the people Mekor Shalom hopes to draw.
This week he became engaged to fellow synagogue congregant Jackie Koppelman. “Jackie and I attend services often. In fact I enjoy the synagogue so much I agreed to become Publicity/Social Media Team Lead for the Congregation!”
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE TAMPA CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE MEKOR SHALOM
Glenn Selig, President
Cindy Sherr, Vice President & Fundraising Team Lead
Susan G. Marlow, Secretary
Bruce E. Wertheim, Treasurer
Ron Baruch, Trustee at Large
Barbara S. Felder, Trustee at Large
Sandy Feuerstein, Trustee at Large
Yael Hatfield, Trustee at Large
Wendy Koppelman, Trustee at Large
Stephanie LaBohn, Trustee at Large
Marjorie Sandler, Trustee at Large
Jennifer Velt, Trustee & Mekor Shalom Religious School Team Lead
Other positions:
Steven Richard, Publicity/Social Media Team Lead
Christopher M. Shulman, Immediate Past President
Hazzan Jodi M. Sered-Lever, Founding Spiritual Leader
Dena Fields, Youth Team Lead
Jim Jacobs, Brotherhood Team Lead
Sheila Jacobs, Sisterhood Team Lead
For a list of the Mekor Shalom Trustees, please visit https://mekorshalom.org/content/board-trustees.
Mekor Shalom, the Tampa Conservative congregation, is located at 14005A N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. Phone: 813-963-1818813-963-1818. Website: www.mekorshalom.org.
SOURCE: Mekor Shalom
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