Jeffrey Berger is fairly new to the Tampa community but he has already made a mark.  After moving here in 2006 and setting up his law practice specializing in commercial real estate transactions, he knew he was in a place and time in his life to put as much time into volunteering as he had always wanted. 

"I found the community here to be extremely welcoming. The fact that people were willing and happy to have me help made me want to do it even more. It's not like that in every community."

Jeffrey found many opportunities to lend his expertise while helping others.  Currently serving on the Board of the JCC & Federation, he has been actively involved in the development of the new South JCC project, leading the legal negotiations with the Armory Board and coming to terms on a 99 year lease agreement.  

"I'm proud of how that turned out. We have a good working relationship with the Armory, a solid lease, and the JCC & Federation's interests are locked in as well.  I expect that the development of the new South JCC is going to be an outstanding complement to the existing north JCC campus, and to the various synagogues and temples in South Tampa - providing the community "common denominator" for the various denominations of Jews living in South Tampa. And not just geographically, but also culturally, socially, educationally, and in other respects as well."

Jeffrey is also an officer and Board member of Tampa Jewish Family Services, helping to set up the Hebrew Loan Program that provides interest free loans to those in need of short-term financial help.  He has also been able to volunteer while honing his own life-long talent of playing the drums and percussion.  He regularly plays for synagogues, charities and non-profit events, including playing drums for Greater Seder, which he has been involved in since its second year. 

"There is so much need out there. So many of us have been blessed with good fortune, good luck or a unique talent and in order for us to build our community, it's critically important to share and give back."

Jeffrey is thankful for his many blessings in life, in particular his two daughters, Sherri and Tracy, who live in California.  And soon, Jeffrey's life will take another turn happy turn when he marries his fianc�e Susan Kessler.  "I was very fortunate to meet her and she is the reason why my time in Tampa has been so great."

Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Come for a night of latke making (provided by Datz's),
wine, and schmoozing at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, located at 3303 W. Swann Avenue, Tampa.  $5.00 (minimum donation) includes latkes, sour cream and Datz's homemade applesauce. Temple gift shop will be open for shopping, If you haven't been before the Latke Bash is the not-to-be-missed Ravak event of the year. Temple membership is not a requirement. Please RSVP to SZRavak-owner@yahoogroups.com    

by November 8th so we don't run out of latkes. Non-perishable items for Thanksgiving dinner or Chanukah dinner are requested for Tampa Jewish Family Services food bank, as well as gift cards. The only requirements to attend are that you are single and Jewish. 

Kol Ami Fill 'er Up 

YOUR HEALTH: Prevention, Protection, and Preparation for the Future

Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon will present a four-part series designed to provide relevant information about important health-related issues, particularly pertinent to members of the Jewish community.  

The series kicks off on  November 21, 2013, Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. with "What's in Your Genes?" The Victor Center for the Prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases of Miami Children's Hospital is providing specialist Dr. Parul Jayakar to provide an overview of Jewish genetic diseases. Please RSVP for this event by sending your e-mail to niewdnarb@yahoo.com.