About Us
We are a new congregation formed in 2009 to meet the growing needs of the Jewish people in Marion County. Our sacred meeting place is located on State Road 200, Timberridge Medical Center, the Collins Center.
We offer Shabbat and High Holiday services. In addition we hold holiday observances such as a Sukkah party, Hanukkah celebration, and Passover seder. Special events such as game night, ice cream socials, and an end-of-the-year dinner, offer opportunities for fellowship. In addition, we have an active Sisterhood and provide various classes for learning for adults and children through our school, Congregation Beth Israel's School for Jewish Education.
26 Acts of Kindness
in Memory of the Children and Adults
at Newtown
Saddened by the senseless deaths of so many wonderful children and staff
members at Sandy Hook
Elementary School, we are
challenging the members of our congregation to perform 26 Acts of Kindness to
honor their memory. Please keep a list of what you do and at a future service
we will share some of these with our fellow congregants. A simple act, perhaps
to start you off, would be a letter of condolence addressed to: #26 Acts of Kindness P.O. Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470 or addressed
to: Sandy Hook Elementary School, 12 Dickenson Dr., Sandy Hook, CT 06482. You could also donate to the Sandy Hook School
Support Fund (https://newtown.uwwesternct.org)
Congregation Beth Israel is
Delighted to Announce:
Rabbi Karen Allen
has been doing services on the fourth Friday of each month.
Rabbi Karen Allen is dedicated to the survival of Judaism in the world. She believes there is a contemporary
expression of Judaism that is perfect for each Jew and for each congregation,
and is committed to providing something of value to every person attending a
service.
Her calling is to serve the L-rd with gladness, and to lead others in
finding their joy through worship and through crafting the evolution of their
own uniquely Jewish lives.
Rabbi Allen has served as Rabbi,
Cantor, organist, choir director, vocal soloist, worship leader, and director
of music in synagogues and institutions of virtually every denomination. She is a wedding specialist and a hospice
and hospital chaplain.
Rabbi Allen is by nature an encourager and healer. She enjoys serving as a partner in both
the growth of the congregation and the personal spiritual journey of each
congregant, creating a
friendly and caring
atmosphere in which
to explore together the meaning in our own lives of the weekly Torah
readings and the joy of getting to know one another through doing good in the
world.
Congregation Beth Israel School
for Jewish Education
We
currently have no children attending the Religious School.
We are offering Adult Education classes. The first Adult Education Classes
began October 7th. These are the Hebrew Classes that are being taught by Ilene
Boetger (as part of her Mitzvah Mission that she mentioned in her Confirmation
speech). Ilene is teaching both Beginning Hebrew and Advanced Hebrew classes on
Sundays. There are ten students who are studying Hebrew with Ilene and everyone
seems to be enjoying the classes.
Shalom,
Suzanne Boetger
Education Director
theboetgers@yahoo.com
To find out more about our educational program click here.
Grant
We are pleased to announce that our congregation has recently been awarded another grant. Because of the hard work of our president, Judi Siegal, we have been awarded $1500 towards a
Shabbaton or other educational program from the Jewish Council of North
Central FL. We appreciate the support and confidence the council has in our community in again awarding us a grant.
The Book Nook
I have purchased two copies of Exploring Judaism, A Reconstructionist Approach by Rebecca T. Alpert and Jacob J. Staub. This wonderful book is newly revised and edited and gives the reader a concise and easy to understand view of what the Reconstructionist movement is all about. There is much to discover in the text. Since we are being guided by the Reconstructionist movement, it would behoove you to check out some of its core principles. If you wish to borrow a copy, please let me know, and I will get to you. (Judi 237-8277)
Tikun Olam
As Jews, we believe that Tikun Olam, repairing our world, is an important aspect of our faith. We therefore participate in various charitable activities throughout the year.
Food Drive
Throughout the year we try especially to think of
others who may be less fortunate than us. Our annual food drive which was so successful during the High Holy Days will continue throughout the year. Please bring in non-perishable food and place it in the carton marked for the food drive. Food will be
donated to Interfaith Emergency Services.
There are many in Marion County who are suffering from hunger. Any and all contributions are appreciated. Steve Lande is in charge of
this drive.
Please remember to bring in non-perishable food on the day of services.
To Honor Members of Our Community
We have instituted a special way to honor people in our community. Each Shabbat, the flowers that grace our table will be given to a person who is deserving of such an honor. meals last year and who will do so again this year.
Do you have a special event you would like to commemorate? A birthday, anniversary, yarzheit, simcha, etc.? The cost for the flowers is $10.00, and it is a wonderful way to help our community.
Meeting at:
Collins Medical Resource Center
9401 SR 200 Building 300
Ocala, FL 34481
Fourth Friday of the month at 8pm, Sabbath Services
Please call to verify date and time
Membership
Single – $175 per year
for the year including High Holy Day Services
Couple - $350 per year
Associate - $100 per year *
Please note that these are minimum amounts. If you are able to contribute more, it would be appreciated. No one is turned away from this congregation due to financial hardship and a payment schedule can be worked out.
*Note: Associate membership is
for those who belong to other congregations and wish to support us. It
does not include high holiday privileges.
If you wish to join our congregation and are in need of information
and/or an application please contact Estelle Magidson (861-2542).
