Twenty-two years ago, before children, Dave and I moved to sunny Floridato follow a job opportunity and establish roots in Tampa. Knowing no one and really knowing nothing about the city, other than its warm weather, we rented an apartment in North Tampa and began a lifelong adventure. Our first priority was to affiliate with a reform synagogue. Believe it or not we found Congregation Schaarai Zedek in the yellow pages. We called and got directions…those were the days, of course, before Google, before email and before GPS. We visited Schaarai Zedek, immediately made a connection with the clergy and congregants, and promptly joined.
That decision was pivotal. Congregation Schaarai Zedek has been at the very center of our lives ever since.
When it was time to look for a house, we called Schaarai Zedek. When we needed a lawyer, a dentist, a doctor, everybody but a radiologist, we called the synagogue. When we needed a florist, caterer, deli, Chinese restaurant (I think we still need that), we called the synagogue. The synagogue guided us in every selection we made and every turn we took. The synagogue has been a place where we could pray, learn, meet people and develop friendships. The synagogue has been there in good times, the baby namings, mitzvahs and confirmation of our two children, Diana and Michael, and in challenging times…when it has been a source of solace and peace. We have enjoyed holidays, religious school, socials, brotherhood, sisterhood, and youth group. Congregation Schaarai Zedek has provided a home and a community, spirituality and an education for my family and me.
Volunteering at the synagogue has always been a pleasure and a priority for me. The synagogue offers so much, so I must say giving back has come easily and naturally. For the more than two decades that we have been affiliated with the synagogue, I have chaired events and committees and served on both the board and executive committee. Outside of the synagogue, I’ve volunteered for the Tampa Jewish Federation, also chairing events, committees and serving on their community and executive boards. And I’ve chaired committees and events at our children’s school, Berkeley Preparatory School.
Our vision as a congregation, because we're all in this together, is to promote and expand the principles that have made Congregation Schaarai Zedek such a vital part of our Tampa Bay Jewish community
- To create worship and study opportunities that deepen our spirituality and identity as Jews
- To meet today’s challenges and build a bright and rewarding Jewish future
- And to touch each and every member of our congregation.
I am deeply grateful for the indispensable participation of our partners in this ongoing endeavor.
Rabbi Birnholzfor his dedication, wisdom and insight
Donna Birnholzfor her commitment that far surpasses her role as administrative assistant
Rabbi Simonfor his tireless guidance of our youth groups
Cantor Bain for adding beauty to our Shabbat service and tutoring our B’nai mitzvah
Sherri Stein for her being - no matter her job description- a fixture in our temple
Ian Bernstein for developing one of the best preschool programs in the Tampa Bay region
Marc LeVine for taking the position of Executive Director to a whole new level.
The office and maintenance staff who keep Schaarai Zedek running, and running smoothly
Sisterhood and Brotherhood for enhancing synagogue life
Torah Circlefor underwriting everything that we do
Officers and trustees for sharing the commitment and working together as a team
Congregants for your membership and creating community
Thank you to Joan Wadler for paving the way. I appreciate your hard work and leadership. I look forward to your continued involvement.
Thank you to my family, Dave, Diana and Michael, for your encouragement and active participation as we share in doing this important work.
To be President of Congregation Schaarai Zedek is an honor and a privilege. I appreciate both this opportunity and your trust in me. I am truly looking forward to the next two years. I will do my very best.
L’Shalom,
Ann Rosenbach
