Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom gathers for 9/11, Back to Shul event

The Back to Shul (synagogue) portion of the event provided congregants an opportunity to learn about upcoming religious and social happenings.

Whether it was comradery, reconnection or the lure of traditional Jewish foods like bagels, lox and noodle kugel (pudding), members of the Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom came together in force for a combined “9-11 Remembrance/Back to Shul” event held at the synagogue.

The day began with a meaningful outdoor prayer and song service led by Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, the synagogue’s founding spiritual leader, to mark September 11th.

The Conservative synagogue held Sunday’s event in the atrium of the building located at 14005A N. Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa.

Then the event moved indoors for Back to Shul, providing a chance for those who attended to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and learn about upcoming social, religious and fundraising happenings at the synagogue.

The biggest fundraiser of the year, the Chelm Art Auction, will be held in November off-site at the Carrollwood Recreation Center and is open to the public. To date, the synagogue has collected $16,700 worth of items that will be part of the silent online auction, according to event chair Brenda Evans. Proceeds from the event benefit Mekor Shalom, the only Tampa synagogue to offer a Voluntary Financial Commitment.

The Back to Shul (Yiddish for synagogue) event is usually held after Summer break and before the start of the High Holidays. Rosh Hashana begins Sunday evening, Oct. 2 and ends Tuesday night. The first day of Rosh Hashana services will be held at nearby Carrollwood Country Club.

For more information, please visit www.mekorshalom.org or on Facebook.