- April 23, 2024
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The 34th annual Community-Wide Shabbat of the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties brought together temples from the two-county area Jan. 27 at Temple Beth El, 579 N. Nova Road.
“We gather to pray as one,” said Gloria Max, executive director of the federation.
Shown above in the back row are Rabbi Zev Sonnenstein, Temple Beth Shalom; Rabbi Reuven Silverman, Temple Israel of DeLand; Rabbi Steven David Kane, congregation B'nai Torah; and Rabbi Winston Weilheimer, congregation Beth Shalom of Orange City. Front: Rabbi Rose Eberle; Gloria Max, Jewish federation; Cantor Nina Fine, Temple Shalom of Deltona; Rabbi Courtney Berman, Temple Beth El and Temple Israel; and Lynne Ritter, chairperson of the Community-Wide Shabbat.
Rabbi Berman began at Temple Beth El in Ormond Beach temple last July in her first full-time pulpit. She said that she is still learning something new every day.
“It’s an honor to work with people in both happy times and sad times,” she said. “I love my work.”
Rabbi Zev Sonnenstein said the Jewish community is one family.
“That has kept us strong through the years,” he said.
Max was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. She said she is now in remission but has many side effects.
“But like my husband says, I’m vertical,” she said.
She continues to work at the Jerry Doliner Food Bank each day. She said churches throughout the area, such as Tomoka Christian Church, let her know that they pray for her.
“I have a lot of support,” she said. “I believe prayer helps.”
