MEET OUR INTERIM RABBI
Shalom Temple Beth David Friends,
I am thrilled to be serving as your Interim Rabbi and thought, just as I want to get to know you that you may want to know more about me.
My life has always been defined by my relationship with Judaism. Growing up I loved being Jewish! I loved the way each holiday was celebrated, singing in the synagogue choir, attending Shabbat Services and being
involved in youth activities. In my high school years, I was teaching Hebrew School and leading youth groups. My involvement with
Jewish Community started young and never wavered. As a teenager, I traveled throughout Israel and immediately fell deeply in love with our people, our history and our homeland.
Family has always been important in my life. As one of four children, our family life was always busy, loud and filled with adventures. Camping, boating, and motorcycle riding are just a few of the memories that helped to shape my love of family and solidify the strong relationships between me and my siblings, which in turn was passed on to the next generation. Still true today, my favorite people to spend time with are my own husband and children, my siblings & their spouses, and their children with their partners.
My husband, Jeff and I raised four children of our own. Our family is spread across many time zones from Israel to Florida to Colorado to Montana, and at the same time with the gift of technology, we speak and spend time with one another daily despite the miles.
Professionally, I have worked in Jewish communal service for over 39 years. With a background in education, the majority of those years have been focused on Jewish Education and Congregational Executive Director roles. I have been privileged to provide leadership to Jewish communities in New York, Georgia and Florida in congregational, summer camp, day school and programming settings. My journey and passion for embracing Jewish community led the way to pursuing and receiving my rabbinic ordination.
When I am not here in Spring Hill with you, I serve full time as the Director of Development and Communications for Menorah Life, a Jewish community sponsored not-for-profit senior healthcare organization in St Petersburg.
I look forward to getting to know you better, and to continuing to build holy community with you.
L’hitraot,
Rabbi Karen Tashman
