Say hello to our special volunteer, Sharon Privitera. Sharon moved to Florida with Petrie, her 25-year-old Senegal parrot, from Columbia, Maryland in July 2011. She is the proud mother of three sons who still live up North. In her earlier life she worked for a mortgage company and filled her free time with volunteering for her local schools and church.

When attending a Singles dance in Apollo Beach she met Gil Daniels and they became life partners. She started attending services at Beth Israel with Gil and then met Rabbi Carla. Sharon fell in love with the teachings of the Torah and the warm welcome she received from the members of Beth Israel. She continues to study and learn about the Jewish Lifestyle and her love of God.

She decided to become a Jew and studied with Rabbi Carla for about a year followed by a wonderful conversion ceremony in July 2014 with many of the congregants attending.

In her spare time Sharon cares for her numerous pets and the people around her. She loves being helpful to others and volunteers as much as possible. Sharon can be found almost anywhere there is a need for extra help; sisterhood functions, rummage sale, emergency kitchen help for Shabbat onegs. She even cooks fabulous lasagna for the Men’s Club luncheons! Sharon is the kind of volunteer who says, “What can I do now to help”; she doesn’t wait to be asked. Sharon was very clear about her feelings about Beth Israel, “Temple is my home, my family”. Beth Israel is blessed to have Sharon as one of our special volunteers.