Three decades ago, Rabbi Richard Birnholz arrived in Tampa ready to lead Congregation Schaarai Zedek, a growing synagogue on Swann Avenue.
Congregation Zedek showed promise, Birnholz said. He looked forward to expanding its programs and enjoying Florida weather. He, his wife Donna and two sons settled into the area, becoming an integral part of Tampa Jewish life.
This month, Zedek will say goodbye to Birnholz, who has chosen to retire. Retirement celebrations will begin with a former presidents' dinner April 26 and special services April 27. A comedic entertainment revue, featuring David Glickman, will take place April 28, followed by a social BBQ April 29.
After 31 years Birnholz, regarded as the the most senior Rabbi in Tampa Bay, is credited with doubling membership at Zedek.
I spoke to the Rabbi, 73, about looking back and moving forward.
What inspired your decision to retire?
I am ready to have time to do other things, to spend more time with my wife and family, to be with my congregation as a fellow congregant and to socialize with friends. When I came to Schaarai Zedek, I saw it as a sleeping giant with so much potential. I think through the years that potential has been fulfilled.
What changes have you overseen?
The congregation was at 675 families when I started. Now we have about 1,100. Our programming has grown as well. We have more young families. We have the Amy Gail Buchman Preschool. We have added a full-time cantor.
It's been interesting to watch the spiritual changes that have occurred as well. In the early years, most of our prayers were done in English. Now they are done in Hebrew with English translation. Most of our prayers are now chanted. The Reform movement really has become more traditional in its approach since I was ordained in 1971. It has gradually shifted toward encouraging more Orthodox rituals.
What changes have occurred in the Tampa Jewish community overall?
The Jewish community has grown significantly by about 30 to 33 percent. Two new reform congregations opened in Hillsborough County. We now have a second Jewish Community Center Congregation, Bryan Glazer, which is wonderful. And we now have an assisted living facility at our Cohn Citrus Park area community center.
Congregation Zedek has experienced an increase in attendance by young singles and families? What's your secret?
We are consciously dedicated to a welcoming approach, both financially and program wise, directed at young families and singles. Membership is more affordable to young people. We have very active programs for the 20s and 30s.
What will you miss most about being Rabbi?
I will miss officiating the milestones, the baby namings, the Bat Mitzvahs, the weddings and even the funerals. And I think I will miss the routine, the structure, the day to day workings of being Rabbi.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming retirement celebrations?
Yes. Absolutely. My mentor Rabbi Harry Danziger will speak at the services. Zedek's own David Glickman will be entertaining us as well as a gentleman coming from Las Vegas, Jason Hewlett, who I am scheduled to do a dance with. I am a terrible dancer, so the worse I am the better for the show I'm thinking. And then we are having a big BBQ on Sunday, which everyone knows I am a fan of the smoked meats.
We have such a wonderful congregation. They have always showed me appreciation and I am looking forward to these celebrations to add more memories to the legacy of love they've shown me.
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Rabbi Birnholz last day is June 30. Rabbi Joel Simon, formerly an associate Rabbi at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, will replace him.
Contact Sarah Whitman at sarahrothwhitman@gmail.com.