The historical plaque on Congregation Rodeph Sholom's front lawn will be dedicated in English and Hebrew.
By AMY SCHERZER
Published May 7, 2004
A centennial celebration year concludes for Congregation Rodeph Sholom, the first Conservative synagogue in Tampa.
The icing on the birthday cake?
A historical marker on the front lawn, to be dedicated at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
"It's an important part of Tampa history," said Jan Wuliger, who will be installed as president of the synagogue, 2713 Bayshore Blvd., later that night.
The dedication ceremony culminates a year of honoring past presidents and longtime members of the congregation that organized in 1903. In November, a formal dinner dance capped the milestone year.
Rabbi Marc Sack and Cantor Moshe Friedler will make the dedication in English and Hebrew. William Knight, president of the Tampa Historical Society, and Claire Cardina of the Hillsborough County Historic Advisory Council are also expected to speak.
The congregation and the local historical groups split the cost of the historical marker, which will be visible from Bayshore. The green plaque with gold lettering will measure 3 by 4 feet.
The text will read:
"Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Tampa's oldest Conservative congregation, was founded in 1903, at the home of J.L. Mairson, with 20 families. The goal was to serve the Jewish community by providing a religious, educational and social gathering place in the "true spirit of Judaism." Rodeph Sholom grew from a small building on Palm Avenue in Ybor City to a larger structure on the same grounds in 1909. A permanent building was constructed in 1936. The Ladies Auxiliary and Brotherhood organizations were formed in 1917. In 1918, the Religious School was organized to offer children a Jewish education. With continued growth of Tampa's Jewish population, Rodeph Sholom constructed its current facility on Bayshore Boulevard in 1969. In 1994, an educational facility was added on the same grounds. The congregation has a history rich with tradition and will serve Tampa's Conservative Jewish community for many years to come."
