Seaside Jewish Community to present Gershwin concert Nov. 4
Seaside Jewish Community will present a free community concert featuring Cantor Lisa Levine and pianist Andrew Stewart performing the music of George Gershwin at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 4, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth. There is no admission charge, but donations to the newly announced capital campaign will be accepted.
“Reb Lisa Levine is a welcome addition to the Seaside community,” said Buddy Feldman, co-president of Seaside Jewish Community in Rehoboth Beach. “She brings a special talent in music, and a passion for new ideas and expanded programming. We look forward to seeing how her creativity will bring new energy to all of our spiritual and educational activities. I look forward to working with her for many years to come.”
Seaside Jewish Community, the only Jewish congregation in southern Delaware, plans to more than double the size of its home in Rehoboth Beach. The project is anticipated to cost about $850,000.
“The support from our members has been wonderful,” said Marilyn Feldman, Seaside member and chair of the capital campaign. “Our membership has grown dramatically in the last few years, and we look forward to having more room to accommodate increased attendance and expanded programming. We hope the local community will join us at this special event.”
Seaside began looking at the future needs of its congregation and how enlarging the small building on Holland Glade Road could meet those needs. Members were surveyed, and preliminary architectural plans were reviewed. The plans double the size of the sanctuary, classrooms, and social areas. They also include new features for improved accessibility. Groundbreaking is expected to take place in spring 2019.
Seaside celebrated its 21st anniversary this year. The independent congregation was founded in 1997 following a Passover gathering in Rehoboth. Peter Wise, who owned the former Pierre’s Pantry in Rehoboth Beach, placed a notice in the Cape Gazette to see if anyone wanted to celebrate the Passover holiday at the beach. Nearly 100 people responded. Over the years, the community grew, partnering with many local organizations in a variety of activities and programs. Today, as a result of the influx of people moving to Delaware’s coastal area from nearby metropolitan areas, Seaside Jewish Community serves more than 500 active members.
“Under the direction of Reb Lisa Levine, the community’s new religious leader, and with its vision for a larger home, Seaside Jewish Community is beginning a new chapter in its history,” said Alyssa Simon, co-president.
Seaside Jewish Community is an unaffiliated, egalitarian and inclusive community that embraces all levels of observance and promotes a sense of extended family among members. For more information, or to support the expansion project, plan to attend the Nov. 4 concert and go to www.seasidejewishcommunity.com.
