Jewish couple hopes to fill spiritual void

NORTH PORT — When Rabbi Sholom Schmerling and his wife, Rivka, arrived in North Port four months ago, they expected to help fill a void in the Jewish community through their outreach program.

So far, they’ve found a variety of ways to accomplish that goal.

“We hope to grow in any areas needed by Jews,” Rivka Schmerling said. “We came to Florida. We know couples who have been sent to out all over the world. We’ve come to a place where there is a need for a Jewish outreach.”

The couple’s first goal was to meet people. They held an ice cream party during the Shavout holiday that attracted about 20 people from Venice and North Port.

They noticed Jewish families weren’t being offered social centers to help continue their culture and religious education, mainly because Jews have become so well integrated in the culture, politics and academics of society.

“We will give any kind of help because every Jew is a Jew, regardless of background or affiliation,” Sholom Schmerling said.

“We don’t look down on any Jew,” Rivka Schmerling said. “Jews have a soul and that’s what makes us all the same.”

The couple is part of a large worldwide Chabad, founded in 1772 by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. The Chabad — a Hebrew acronym for wisdom, understanding and knowledge — is a philosophy of the study, meditation and social outreach. This bridges academics with community involvement.

The Schmerlings follow the teachings of Lubavicher Rebbe, who in 1995, was awarded the Congressional Medal for outstanding and lasting contributions toward improvements in world education, morality and acts of charity.

There are 2,400 Chabad centers in 60 countries, including Thailand, China, Ukraine and Russia.

The Schmerlings began their Chabad center in North Port and it is about one of 100 in Florida. It’s part of the west coast region which includes Bradenton, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Naples.

“We are here to cater North Port, Venice and Englewood Jewish residents,” said Rivka Schmerling. “We are reaching out to all of the Jews.”

Sholom, 25, was born in Switzerland and moved here from Brooklyn, N.Y. Rivka, 22, is now pregnant with their second child and works closely with him. They also have a 15-month-old daughter, Nechama.

The pair say they have strong Jewish upbringings.

“We live what we learned,” Rivka said. “Our mission is more than talking, it’s teaching Jews to live what they preach. Nobody is perfect, but we want to be good teachers. We have a solid Judaism background.”

After researching Southwest Florida to begin a Chabad, the Schmerlings visited North Port several times. They became familiar with some area residents, then opened the Chabad of Venice and North Port in June.

Part of the couple’s goal is teaching awareness of Jewish holidays, religion and social aspects of Judaism and visiting Jews in the hospital. They will also explore Jewish mediation, artistic expression, Torah and science and lifecycle events from birthdays to mourning rituals.

Teaching awareness, pride

When they arrived in town, Rivka noticed Jewish mothers asked the couple to provide a new educational Hebrew school. This program is offered once-a-week to teach children Jewish awareness and pride.

“So far we have six kids in the program,” she said. “Now we have Jews who want adult education classes. It’s very popular here. People seem very interested.”

A variety of Jewish topics will be offered from week to week.

Rivka has stayed busy by not only teaching children but offering a program for Jewish women. She and about 20 women gather to pamper their souls by learning about Judaism and relax their body through foot scrubs and creams. Among the 20 were women aged 30 to 70.

“We had quite a mix,” she said. “It was fun, especially for those who people who cannot get out all that time. There is a big interest in lunch and in a series of learning about women in Jewish history.”

The next Jewish Women’s Circle event is 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23. It’s a challah baking workshop open to all women and their teenage daughters.

“We encourage mothers and daughters to come learn the art of challah making including dough demonstration, braiding instruction and traditional unique challah recipes,” Rivka said adding the challah also includes a buffet of dips and salads that will be served with a $10 suggested donation. “It will be a great time to explore a whole new twist on this age-old practice.”

Before the women’s event, the couple is planning a 7:30 p.m. Chabad open house. This includes a friendly Friday night service followed by kiddush. A special children’s program is also planned.

Shalom plans to teach a high holiday service in Venice. This will be for anyone interested in Judaism regardless of background.

“This is good even for those who have never attended a service,” he said. “It’s a warm and friendly service. We just want people to come and feel comfortable, have questions answered, have food and fellowship.”

The Chabad is at 4043 Wall Lane in North Port, on the corner of Salford Boulevard. For more information, call 429-1190 or e-mail Chabadvenice@gmail.com.