Temple Beth David Celebrates its Golden Anniversary

In 1974 a handful of transplants of the Jewish faith from various parts of Florida and the United States decided to start a worship and social community in Spring Hill because they didn’t want to travel to Citrus or Pasco County to practice their faith. They met in members’ homes and at a Senior Citizens Center.

This was the beginning of a dream that led to the donation of property for a synagogue from the Deltona Corporation, the major developer of Spring Hill; the groundbreaking and construction; and culminating in the 50th anniversary of Temple Beth David this year.

In those fifty years, the congregation has not only fostered its traditions, values, religious practices, and fellowship among its members but has also become a vital part of the Hernando County community by participating in such activities as interfaith forums; sponsoring meals with county officials; and assisting local nonprofits, such as the Dawn Center and People Helping People.

In addition to their 7 pm Friday evening services and 10 am Saturday morning services, they celebrate all the High Holy Days, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and, of course, Hanukkah. The temple has youth activities and religious school; Adult Education; online Hebrew classes; guest speakers; bake sales and bazaars; as well as music, food and art events.

Temple Beth David celebrated it’s Golden Anniversary with a banquet at The Wellington Country Club on June 15. The Hernando Jazz Society provided the entertainment and Brian Blavatt enlivened the evening as emcee by cracking jokes about the first Jewish families coming to Florida (“the Promised Land”), being disappointed because they couldn’t finding a good deli and calling Spring Hill, Tel Aviv.

Blavatt remarked, “We learned the values of being together and managed to sustain ourselves.”

Rabbi Jen Goldberg intoned Kiddush, “sanctification,” a blessing recited over wine or grape juice and a prayer over the bread.

Marlene Shaw, Membership Chair, introduced the honored guests and participated with them in “lighting” symbolic battery-powered candles.

First to be introduced were Barbara and Brian Blavatt. Barbara, a talented artist, has run several juried art shows and taught religious classes. The Blavatts, through the Muriel Feldman Endowment Fund have paid for a cantor to lead the musical portion of many religious services for the past six years. Brian served as president of the congregation for five years.

Next to be honored were Rob and Susan Foreman. Susan became a member of the Board in 1989, the year after the couple joined the congregation. Rob’s passion was raising funds for youth sports. He also ran several successful golf tournaments to raise money.

One of the Foreman’s sons, Matthew and his wife, Tara, were honored for their service to the community and, through his law firm, for his financial support of the synagogue.

Dr. Jay Klein is the longest standing member of Temple Beth David, having joined the congregation in 1982 when there was no building and very few members. He was honored for his many years of service and for helping in the building of the sanctuary.

Harvey and Denise Schonwald joined the congregation as soon as they moved to Hernando County. They now live in Sarasota but continue to be generous supporters of Temple Beth David.

Lastly, Pat Margulis was honored posthumously for her volunteer work in the office and for her assistance in many of the events that the temple held. When she passed away, Pat provided a generous legacy donation to Temple Beth David.

The sponsors for the event included ASAP Vet clinic; Bug Depot; Florida Tax advisors, LLC; Hernando Jazz society; Hernando Sun; Kastrenakes Automotive; Live Oak Theatre; Pinebrook Pharmacy; Spring Hill Jewelers; Toniann Ciappetta – Tropic shores Realty. Other donors included: Denise Schonwald, LLC; Gamba and Associates Health Education; Gold N Pawnd; Grace Memorial Gardens; Hillel Academy; Jam’s Café; Ken Becker Ford of Spring Hill; Dr. Jay Klein; Mark Johnson; Pamela Shaw; People Helping People; Robin Shaw; Senior Helpers; Steven Ettinger; Sunrunner Automotive, Inc.; and Todd Gross.

The theme of the celebration was “L’Dor V’Dor” which means from Generation to Generation. The pioneers who founded Temple Beth David have passed their legacy down to at least two generations. With hard work, commitment, fellowship and the hand of God upon the congregation this legacy will be carried forward.
As Psalm 145 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts.” Even more pointedly, Psalm 100 states, “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

Marlene Shaw has been an active member of Temple Beth David since 1990. She served as president for three different four-year terms and is currently membership chair. Ms. Shaw is also a cantorial soloist−someone who sings or chants liturgical music and leads the congregation in prayer.

“The thing that makes Temple Beth David special is the spirit of volunteerism in our congregation. Our Rabbi and a part-time custodian are our only paid staff; the rest is done by volunteers,” Ms. Shaw remarks.

Elana “Cookie” Goodman is an example of that spirit. She joined Temple Beth David shortly after she moved here in 1987. Ms. Goldman is on the publicity committee, as well as several other committees and writes articles about the temple’s activities.

Rabbi Jen Goldberg has headed the temple since July of last year. She has a number of goals for the community.

“An overarching goal is to offer a warm and welcoming environment to all who enter our sacred spaces. We want to continue to offer many different ways for people to connect with one another, including spiritual, educational and social opportunities for people of all ages,” Rabbi Goldberg states. “We are assessing how we can best reach out to those who are not currently affiliated with any synagogue and help them connect with the Jewish community.”

Although the original pioneers and many of the current members will not be here to celebrate the centennial of Temple Beth David, some of their children and many of their grandchildren will. And that’s what it’s all about: “L’Dor V’Dor.”

Mazel Tov and L’chaim to the Temple Beth David family!

The synagogue is located at 13158 Antelope St. For more information go to www.tbdFL.org or call 352-686-7034.