Mekor Shalom, the Conservative synagogue in the Carrollwood section of Tampa, has been named a semi-finalist for the Lippman Kanfer Foundation Prize for Applied Jewish Wisdom in the Local/Regional division.
The Lippman Kanfer Prize for Applied Jewish Wisdom was created to encourage, recognize and reward programs that engage individuals and communities in applying Jewish wisdom in creative and impactful ways.
“Todah rabbah to the Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah for this special recognition and for establishing this most generous prize,” said Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, spiritual leader for Congregation Mekor Shalom.
On its application for the award, the Tampa Conservative congregation said: “Mekor Shalom is breaking new ground in the Tampa Jewish community by providing a spiritual home for households where previously there may not have been one. Congregation Mekor Shalom now has over 100 households. Since its inception, nearly 65 households were unaffiliated with a local synagogue in the year before they joined Mekor Shalom. Whether or not member households were previously affiliated, friends are happily finding a whole new kind of community here.”
One winner and two runners-up will be recognized in two separate categories — Local/Regional and National/International (a significant US program is required for international programs). Winners will receive $18,000 toward their work, and runners-up will receive $6,000 each.
Founded in 2013, Mekor Shalom is creating a new model for a synagogue: one where people care about people, where people’s presence matters and participation makes a difference. The synagogue has a full-service religious school with Master’s degree-level educators, offers Bar and Bat Mitzvah training without a fee, and presents full Shabbat and holiday services. With a focus on outreach to those who are currently unaffiliated with any synagogue, Mekor Shalom in Tampa relies on member financial commitments that are voluntary.
Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah promotes and supports “Living Torah” – Judaism as a powerful, evolving wellspring of accumulating wisdom and sensibilities that enriches people’s lives and helps create a better world. Through a strategic portfolio of grantmaking, thought-partnerships, and other collaborative actions, Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah encourages Jews (and others) to look to Jewish wisdom as a valuable source of insight and support as we all seek to live lives of purpose, fulfillment, and responsibility.
For more information, please visit www.mekorshalom.org.
SOURCE: Mekor Shalom
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