Karen Weiss, President
I moved from upstate New York to Venice Florida in 1976 when my dad got tired of shoveling snow in April. I was a sophomore in high school. The adjustment took awhile but soon the sunshine and Venice Beach became home.
I was not born Jewish, but had always followed the Old Testament and spoke directly to God. I discovered Judaism while taking Hebrew Scriptures I & II while attending Florida State University. After studying these ancient texts I thought to myself this is who I am, what I believe spiritually, and how I want to live my life. Of course at the age of 19, I did not pursue any formal change but the time came later when I met the love of my life.
I received my BS degree in Occupational Therapy at Florida International University in 1983. After completing my clinical at Tampa General Hospital, I became a staff therapist in the rehab department. I met Mike at TGH and after spending time together we soon knew we were meant for each other. Once engaged the inevitable question was posed, would you convert? The answer was clear; of course I would, after all it was already in my heart.
The year of classes began, followed by the conversion at Agudas Achim in Tampa. It was soon after we were married that we relocated to San Antonio Texas. We were there for 6 years stationed at Lakeland Air Force Base. While there I worked as the Director of Occupational Therapy in an outpatient rehabilitation center. Jacob was born in 1991. In 1992 we relocated to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi Mississippi.
While there we were taken in by several Jewish Families and welcomed into their small temple led by lay leaders. Despite being located in an awful part of town with graffiti on the outside walls, the warmth and fellowship felt on the inside was all that was needed and our traditions continued to grow. We spent many holidays with these families and they always made us feel a part of their family. This is a tradition I practice in my home today, always having my door open to those who do not have family close by. In 1993 Leah was born.
In 1995, we moved to Fort Myers. We chose Fort Myers to be our home because both of our families were in the area and this was and still is very important to us.
We have been members of TBE since 1995. Both Jacob and Leah attended the Learning Tree Preschool and Temple Beth El Religious School. I have served as Secretary and Co-President of Sisterhood. I have also served on the TBE board of trustees as Secretary, Vice President of Membership, Executive Vice President and acting Vice President of Administration.
I look forward to serving the congregation of Temple Beth El as your President for 2011-2013. I am both honored and excited to continue what Linda has so graciously done with the healing of our beloved house of worship. I have big shoes to fill and I will do my best to continue with the healthy growth we have seen since Rabbi Barras has joined us. I have an incredible board, the confidence to move forward and the energy to do so.