Welcome to the Kol Ami Family!

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1 Congregation Kol Ami A Conservative Congregation Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3919 Moran Road, Tampa, Florida Mitchell Weiss: execdirector@kolami.org Website: Welcome to the Kol Ami Family! Congregation Kol Ami is an egalitarian Conservative Congregation that is highly participatory and energetic. Emphasis is placed on education, fostering Jewish values and ideals, and encouraging our congregants to grow Jewishly. Our mission is to advance and promote the ideals, values, and practices of Conservative Judaism. Congregation Kol Ami is a unique and wonderful synagogue. One reason we are special is because of the dedicated, caring, involved, and skilled volunteers who participate in synagogue life at all levels. We believe that it is important to create an atmosphere of warmth, caring, and appreciation. Our members think of Congregation Kol Ami as their extended family. Who We Are Congregation Kol Ami warmly welcomes new members. Membership in Congregation Kol Ami is open to households of Jewish persons and their spouse/partner and children. People of other faiths may not join individually but may be included in a Family Membership if their spouse/partner is Jewish. We have many committees and other volunteer opportunities for newcomers to quickly become involved in our synagogue family. Our President, Executive Director, Rabbi, Cantor, Membership Chair, or any member of our Board of Trustees or Congregation are more than happy to speak with you about volunteer opportunities in our synagogue family. We look forward to getting to know you. Congregation Kol Ami was organized in 1978 and began with approximately 50 member families and has grown to almost 400 households. The synagogue was formed for the purpose of providing a Jewish focal point in Northern Tampa. We not only offer a place to worship, but also offer programming and events that span from our religious school educational activities to our elegant galas. Our synagogue has a large sanctuary, smaller chapel, social hall, and classrooms for our religious school, gift shop, and a kosher kitchen. 1

2 Vision As a House of Prayer, we provide inspiring and spiritually enlightening religious services. Our services and observances of Jewish holidays and life cycle events are an exciting mix of new and old traditions. We encourage all members of our Congregation to participate in religious services either from the bima or from your seats. As a House of Study, we provide high quality education programs for adults, teenagers, and children. We promote Judaism through participation, education, role modeling, assisting our members to learn and grow Jewishly and celebrate their Judaism, while understanding that Judaism s core values are important and relevant. As a House of Gathering, we encourage participation by all members to be warm and caring, to facilitate Jewish growth through our programs and activities, and to provide an environment which encourages the development of an extended, caring congregational family. We are committed to G'milut Hasadim, acts of loving kindness, through recognition of our social responsibilities not only to our membership but also to the community at large and providing support for those in need. About Us Meet our Rabbi Rabbi Bob Judd, received his rabbinic ordination and a Master s Degree in Rabbinics from the Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles in Before coming to Kol Ami in July 2009, Rabbi Bob served a congregation along the East coast most notably in Baldwin, New York. Rabbi Bob holds a Bachelor s Degree in English Literature (minor: German) from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He also holds a Master s Degree in English from the State University of New York Binghamton. From , Rabbi Bob pursued a doctorate in English and American Literature at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Meet our Cantor Cantor Beth Schlossberg received her investiture as a Cantor as well as her Masters in Sacred Music from the Jewish Theological Seminary in May of She also holds bachelors of Music from the University of Michigan where she majored in voice performance. She has been the Cantor at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, Nebraska, and has 16 years' experience preparing B'nei Mitzvah students to lead service and chant Torah and Haftarah. Cantor Beth also has over 10 years experience in teaching private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages. Prior to her investiture, Cantor Beth sang professionally with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Da Ponte concert opera in NY as well as many other venues and concerts. She has a love of all things Jewish and Music, and a passion for animals as well. If you stop by the Kol Ami office, you might get to meet a member of her family, Juliet, her small rescued dog. 2

3 Meet our Religious School & Youth Director Karen Kosowski graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and lived in New York for several years before moving to Florida and beginning her eighteen year career as a Jewish Educator. After starting in the field at a JCC preschool, she served as the Education & Youth Director in synagogues in Palm Beach, Florida, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Durham, North Carolina. She joined Kol Ami in Although she has lived and worked in various cities, Karen has always considered Florida her home, and is enjoying getting to know Tampa, the west coast, and the Kol Ami community. Religious Services At its heart, a synagogue is a Bet Tefillah, a House of Prayer. We encourage congregational davening, singing and participation. We welcome you to Shabbat and other religious services. We look forward to meeting you. Schedule of Services Friday night (Kabbalat Shabbat): 6:30 p.m. Shabbat (Saturday) morning: 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning minyan: 9:15 a.m. Weeknight minyan (Mon.-Thurs.) 7:30 p.m. Family/Birthday/Anniversary Shabbat 6:30 p.m. (Once per month) PJ Shabbat for children up to 10 years 6:00 p.m. (Posted throughout the year) We also offer High Holy Day Services and other Holiday Services throughout the year. Information is on the Congregation Kol Ami website at Shabbat Dinner Program Our Fellowship Committee organizes a wonderful Shabbat Dinner at the synagogue after Friday night services several times each year. It is a wonderful way to connect with your Kol Ami friends and enjoy a Shabbat dinner together. Children are invited and we offer kids meals. Dates will be published in the Chai Lites and Weekly Watch. Reservations are required in advance. High Holy Day Services We also offer High Holy Day Services and other Holiday Services throughout the year. Junior Congregation for 3 rd graders through 7 th graders are available. We also offer child care starting at 18 months to 2 nd grade as well as child friendly services for this age group. Life Cycle Events Life cycle events are very special times (both happy and sad) in the lives of our Kol Ami family. These events tend to provide an opportunity for us to become closer with one another, with our Rabbi and Cantor, and with our Jewish tradition. At Congregation Kol Ami, we celebrate our simchas, our great joys together: Brit Milah, baby naming, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, weddings, anniversaries. We also share each other s grief and provide support during illness and times of sorrow. The Kol Ami family is here for you. Kashrut Congregation Kol Ami observes the laws of Kashrut and maintains a kosher kitchen. Kiddush luncheons and congregational dinners are prepared on site and supervised by a certified mashgiach. Education Our synagogue offers educational programs for all age groups. Our Adult and Family Education Committee, Religious School, Ritual Committee, and Youth Committee all participate in coordinating educational programs for our Congregation. Our school strives to work in partnership with the family and the synagogue community to provide the 3

4 knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for Jewish living. Students are encouraged, with teacher guidance, through experiential opportunities. The religious school is a dynamic hands-on program that provides enjoyable experiences, builds community, and creates a solid foundation of Jewish education. With a comprehensive new integrated curriculum, we offer a well-rounded Jewish education, based on seven main subject areas: Holidays, Torah and History, Israel, Jewish Values and Ethics, Jewish Identity, Hebrew Language, and T filot (prayers). Students in grades K-2 attend on Sundays only, and students in grades 3-6 attend two times per week (Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings). Students in 7 th grade attend our B nai Mitzvah class on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students are trained to lead services and chant from the Torah and Haftorah by Cantor Beth to ensure our students are well prepared for becoming B nai Mitzvah. Rabbi Bob assists our B nai Mitzvah students in preparing a D var Torah regarding their assigned parshiot. Post-B nai Mitzvah students participate in Kol Ami s Academy, taught by Rabbi Bob and Cantor Beth. The Academy includes a Confirmation Program for students in tenth grade. Summer Programs Our youth regularly participate in many Jewish summer programs including USY on Wheels, USY Israel Pilgrimage and European Experience, Camp Ramah, Ramah programs in Israel, USY Summer Encampment (LTI), and other Jewish enriching programs. Recognizing the importance of these programs and the development opportunities they offer, financial assistance is available through our synagogue s Yellow Candle Scholarship Fund. 4

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6 Youth Programs Congregation Kol Ami s youth program serves our congregation with activities, programming and leadership development for children in 3 rd through 12 th grade (Boneem, Kadima, and USY) following the guidelines of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Each of our youth groups has the opportunity to engage in a variety of social, Tikkun Olam, and educational activities each month. 6

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8 Come Join Our Kol Ami Family Congregation Kol Ami is a highly participatory synagogue with many programs and events throughout the year. Our programs range from bounce houses and games at our Purim Carnival, to our Congregational picnics and our yearly gala. All are great way to meet other members and have fun. Just a sample of how you can get involved! Sisterhood: Our Sisterhood is very active at Kol Ami and supports the congregation in many ways. We offer many programs throughout the year including a Chanukah party with the Men's Club, self-defense programs. The Sisterhood holds monthly meetings with special monthly programs, and is affiliated with Women's League of Conservative Judaism. Men s Club: The Kol Ami Men's Club serves the congregation in a number of ways. They hold monthly meetings with interesting guest speakers as well as quarterly meetings with the other clubs in the area. In addition, the Men's Club holds an annual family picnic, a poker tournament, organizes blood drives, and distributes our Yellow Candle Program (Holocaust remembrance) to our Kol Ami families. The Men's Club also provides ushering for the High Holidays and is financially supportive of our Youth programs. 8

9 Chavurah: For many the Chavurah is an extended family. We bring together groups of synagogue members based on interested to socialize and enjoy Jewish living. It is a wonderful way to build a strong bond within our community. Adult and Family Education: We offer varied innovative educational programs for our Congregation. Our cornerstone program is our Rabbi Joel Wasser Memorial Scholar in Residence Program. We welcome a visiting scholar who Shabbat to spend the weekend with us, sharing their insights with the congregation. Kesher - Helps our new members make new friends and enrich existing friendships of our current members to deepen our link to one another throughout the year. College Student Outreach Continues the line of communication and connection with our undergraduate and graduate students. They send packages, s and mailings to help them feel connected to their Kol Ami community. Ma'asim Tovim - Performs acts of kindness for our members in need (preparing meals, offering rides, etc). Membership - Plans membership events inviting prospective members to join Kol Ami. Parenting/Family - Coordinates programming for families with infants up to children in 2 nd grade. Jay Fink Library - The Jay Fink Library offers a collection of books, DVDs, periodicals and CDs of Jewish interest as well as reference materials, a children s collection, current periodicals, and both fiction and non-fiction titles. Gift Shop Under the direction of Sisterhood, our synagogue has a beautiful Judaica Gift Shop. If you are looking for something specific, we can make a special order for you. Please stop by and browse or call the office if you have any questions. 9

10 Financial Support for Kol Ami Congregation Kol Ami relies on dues and other financial contributions to fund the expenses related to the running of our congregation. Our dues structure is based upon age and whether the household is a single member or multiple members. We offer special programs for those households under age 35 or age 70 and above. Congregation Kol Ami will work with all members regarding their ability to pay. No member will be turned away. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated. Chai-Lites and Weekly Watch The Chai-Lites, our monthly synagogue newsletter sent to all members electronically, is our major source of synagogue information. The Weekly Watch, also sent through , keeps the Congregation up to date on a weekly basis. Staff Rabbi Robert D. Judd Cantor Beth Schlossberg Mitch Weiss, Executive Director Karen Kosowski, Director of Education & Youth Christie Self, Office Manager Lisa Atkinson, Accounts Receivable/Billing rabbijudd@kolami.org cantorbeth@kolami.org executivedirector@kolami.org educationyouthdirector@kolami.org frontoffice@kolami.org accounts@kolami.org Executive Committee Officers: Office Beverly Fink President bev@kolamiboard.org Avi Elias Vice President avi.m.elias@gmail.com Cathy Grossman Vice President cagrossman28@gmail.com Jeffrey Gad Vice President jeffrey.gad@akerman.com Brad Kanter Treasurer brad@kanterpa.com Bill Wares Financial Secretary waresbill@gmail.com Lynn Chernin Recording Secretary lynnz13@me.com How to Find Us Congregation Kol Ami is easy to find. We are North of Fletcher Avenue and off Dale Mabry Highway. (813) or frontoffice@kolami.org Moran Road Tampa, FL Start Your Journey with the Kol Ami Family 10