B'ruchim Habaim

Welcome to Congregation Schaarai Zedek...Whether you are new to Tampa or just new to our congregation, we hope you will find your spiritual home with us.

Sometimes that happens during weekly Friday Evening Services when a melody, prayer or sermon touches a responsive chord. Other times, fulfillment comes when we watch our children or grandchildren at monthly Family Services as they lead worship, sing a song or laugh at one of my crazy costumes or funny stories. Often our congregants feel most connected "Jewishly" when they attend an Adult Learning Class or a Seder with mixed-marriage couples. Sometimes it happens when they go skiing with the Senior Youth Group or meet socially with our Singles Group. Certainly, all of us feel a sense of family and tradition when we participate in our meaningful life cycle ceremonies.

I am proud of what we have built and what we have added to the 100 year old mainstream Reform Jewish foundation we inherited. I am also proud of our outstanding staff which includes two Rabbis, a full-time Education Director & Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutor, a Preschool Director, an Administrator and a Program Director. Each of them is experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated to serving you.

The Jewish future is bright and challenging. We at Schaarai Zedek will continue striving to be at the forefront of innovation. My door will always be open to you as a friend, teacher and Rabbi. Together I hope we can create warm Jewish memories and a special feeling that you will cherish.

As our motto suggests, Congregation Schaarai Zedek has been "Enriching Tampa's Reform Jewish Heritage For Over 100 Years." We would love for you to be a part of our dream. Please join us for worship services Friday evenings at 7:15 p.m.

Rabbi Richard J. Birnholz, DD, RJE

Email Rabbi Birnholz