Women of Distinction

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through her leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the ‘Women of Distinction’ Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership.

Woman of Distinction 2025 Beth Israel Honors Jo-Ellen Bromberg

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through their leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the Women of Distinction Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership. Congratulations to Jo-Ellen Bromberg, Beth Israel’s Woman of Distinction 2026, who was honored on January 8th at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa.

For the past decade, Jo-Ellen Bromberg has been a devoted and respected member of Beth Israel, where she has brought warmth, organization and leadership to every role she has undertaken.

Since joining the congregation, she has served on the board of directors as co-director of programs and later as co-director of fundraising (2014-2025) helping to enhance member engagement and support the congregation’s mission. Jo-Ellen also represents Beth Israel on the Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center where she she serves as scholarship representative, meeting with and interviewing local high school students for scholarship opportunities.

Beyond her contribution to Beth Israel, Jo-Ellen is deeply involved in the greater community. For more than ten years, she has volunteered as a dispatcher for the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, earning a ten-year service award and recognition for her dedication. She has also volunteered at the Nearly New Shop of the Interfaith Council, and chaired her condominium’s social committee from 2019 to 2024, planning programs and fostering connections among residents.

Professionally, Jo-Ellen served as executive secretary to the principals of two Long Island high schools, where she was known for her professionalism, warmth and genuine care for staff and students alike. As president of the Clerical Union from 2008 to 2013, she successfully negotiated a four-year contract that secured higher wages, improved insurance and added longevity benefits, achievements that reflected her fairness and advocacy for others.

She’s been married 54 years to her husband, Paul, and the proud mother of Steven and Lauren and grandmother to four cherished grandchildren. Her lifelong commitment to service, strong sense of integrity and compassion for others, truly embody the qualities of a Woman of Distinction.

Beth Israel Women of Distinction:

2007 - 2008 – Delyse Axinn

Delyse has been active within Beth Israel for eleven years and is beginning her third two-year term as president of the congregation. She also has served as director of communications, teaches adult Hebrew classes, and is the founder of a monthly healing service at the temple. Delyse is involved in the Interfaith Council of Sun City Center as head of grants and she developed a course on Judaism for the Community Church College. She also served on the program committee for the Union of Reform Judaism’s South East Council Biennial in 2006. Delyse husband Richard, have three children and three grandchildren.

2009 – Marsha Marshall z”l

2010 – Ellen Stein z”l

2013 – Sandra Hurwitz

Sandra has been dedicated to Beth Israel for 26 years, where she was a founding member in 1987. She served as Treasurer from 2010-2012 and is currently the Sisterhood President. Sandra has organized and been in charge of the Sisterhood Shabbat services for many years. Sandra has been the Beth Israel representative to the Interfaith Social; Action Council since 2010.

As a member of the Chai Chapter of Hadassah, Sandra served as Vice President from 2012-2013. She has volunteered with the Sun City Security Patrol, the Ruskin Library, and Wimauma Elementary School, and she was a highly-regarded teacher of fourth and fifth grades. She also was President of the Sandpiper Golf Club Ladies Nine Hole League from 2011-2013.

Sandra received the Community Woman of the Year award from Beta Sigma Phi, Laureate Zeta Pi Chapter in 2012 in recognition of her volunteer activities. Sandra has been married to her husband, Martin, for 52 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.

2014 – Nina Malinak

Nina has been dedicated to Beth Israel for nine years. Since 2011, she has served as corresponding secretary, technology chair, co-webmaster, Sisterhood membership vice-president, and photographer.

Nina had a successful teaching and counseling career. She served as executive director of the Connecticut Counseling Association from 2000 to 2009. The association recognized her outstanding contributions with the creation of the Nina R. Malinak Service Award in 2009. Nina also served as secretary of the Connecticut School Counselor Association from 1998 to 2005. She has been the treasurer of the Connecticut Career Counseling and Development Association since 2012. Nina was honored by the Trumbull, Connecticut public school system with a nomination as Teacher of the Year in 1996. She received the U.S. Army’s Planning for Life Recognition Award with the support of the National Consortium of State Career Guidance Supervisors in 1995. Nina has been listed multiple times in various Who’s Who publications since 1983.

Additionally, she has been treasurer of the Kensington Condominium Association since 2006, and membership vice-president and publications chair of the Eagle Audubon Society since 2007.
In Connecticut, Nina was an active volunteer for the Special Olympics as an Athlete Escort from 2000 to 2004. She also volunteered for the Swim Across the Sound Foundation as a counselor in the Women Helping Women Program, and was a participant in the Relay for Life from 1998 to 2011.
2015 - Rochelle Lafer

Rochelle Lafer was honored on December 3, 2015, when she received the 2015 Bobbe Karpay Woman of Distinction award.

Rochelle has been an active member of Beth Israel since moving to Sun City Center in the fall of 2011 and currently serves as Sisterhood president. She has also been a member of the ritual committee and ways and means committee since 2012. Rochelle served as Sisterhood programming vice president from 2012-2015. In addition to her involvement with Beth Israel, Rochelle has been active with the Chai Chapter of Hadassah. She served as secretary from the creation of the chapter until 2014 and currently is the vice president of education. Rochelle has been the secretary on the board of directors of the Oakley Green Condominium Association since January of 2014.

While teaching at the Spence-Van Etten Central School, she served as president of the Teacher’s Association from 1978 to 1981. From 1972 to 1982 Rochelle was an instructor for the Ithaca Dog Training Club and coordinated the Tompkins County 4-H grooming and handling program. She served on the Board of Directors of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America from 1975-1977, and was show chairman for the national specialty show in 1976.

Rochelle was involved with the Jewish Community Center of Broome County, New York, serving as chairman of the preschool renovation committee from 1989 to 1991 and as a member of the capital campaign committee in 1992. While her four children attended Hillel Academy of Broome County, Rochelle was president of the PTF from 1992-1997, chairman of the board of education, a member of the board of trustees, and co-chairman of the journal fundraising campaign for ten years. In 2003 she was awarded the A.M. Pierson Memorial Award, the school’s most prestigious award. At Temple Israel of Vestal, New York, Rochelle served on the board of education and as a trustee. Rochelle and her husband William have been married for 33 years and have four children.

2016 – Joanne Sudman

Joanne has been dedicated to Beth Israel Jewish Congregation of Sun City Center for eleven years and currently serves as president, a position she has held since 2013. Previously, Joanne served as vice president from 2012-2013, recording secretary from 2010-2011 and ritual director from 2006-2010. In May 2015, she had her Bnot Torah with twelve other women. Since 2009, Joanne has created and organized the annual Community Yom Hashoa service in Sun City Center, including an interfaith choir. She also represents Beth Israel in an ongoing faith community project of bringing awareness of hunger to the community. The first event, a cabaret show, raised $11,000 and brought in 1,000 pounds of food for the local food pantries. Joanne and her husband have coordinated bi-annual community breakfasts which involve 130 volunteers cooking and serving breakfast to as many as 1,400 residents and their guests. Read More

2017 – Sandy Zians

Sandy has been active in Jewish life for over 50 years. She was involved in many organizations in various capacities in Youngstown, Ohio prior to her family’s relocation to Tampa three years ago. She served as President of the local and district Hadassah chapter, was a board member of the Jewish Community Center, Jewish society, serving as Chairman of the Relay for Life and Co-chair of the American Cancer Center Cattle Barron’s Ball.

At the age of 60, Sandy became a Bat Mitzvah and within her synagogue, El Emeth Temple, served as President from 2012-2014 and Funds Vice President of the Sisterhood.

After moving to Tampa, she immediately assumed the position of Ritual Co-chair alongside her husband Sam. She organizes religious activities with grace and charm and is an asset to the Sisterhood and synagogue. Sandra and her husband have four children and six grandchildren.

2018 – Barbara Nova

Barbara is the consummate volunteer for Beth Israel of Sun City Center; no task is too big or small for her to say, “I can do that.” She co-chairs their successful rummage sale, sits on the Board of Directors as a Member at Large and the Social Action Chair, and represents the congregation in various social activity in the community. Barbara shares her “New York” gusto with everyone she meets and cheers up a room with her infectious laugh.

In her role as Social Action Chair, she fosters their committee’s partnership with St. Andrews Church, Metropolitan Ministry and Meals on Wheels, serving lunch to the hungry each Wednesday, collecting food for the local food bank at the Guadalupe Church and delivering meals to those in need. Barbara is also Director at Large for the Sisterhood Board of Directors. Outside of her synagogue involvement she volunteers with the Senior Friendship Organization, helping fourth graders prepare for FCAT testing and has worked with homeless veterans at Turning Points in Bradenton. Her involvements are vast and varied, but one of her most rewarding involvements is her weekly visitation with a 57-year-old woman with Multiple Sclerosis at a local nursing home.

Barbara believes that the Hewlitt-East Rockaway Jewish Center has the most profound influence her life as a single parent and now her involvement with the synagogue has been the best part of her retirement. She is the proud mom of one daughter, Jodi, and grandmother of two, Lexi and Emily, and has a loving significant other of 14 years, Barry Friedman.

2019 - Marlene Spiegal

Marlene Spiegal exudes kindness, generosity and commitment in all that she does. She has been a proud and happy member of Beth Israel of Sun City Center since 2010. Marlene never backs down from a task asked of her and she performs that task with grace. Marlene’s quiet leadership embraces all who work with her. Over the last four years she has taken a number of leadership positions including co-chair of the Membership Committee, recording secretary of Sisterhood, a member of the Board of Directors and she also is an active participant on their fundraising committee.

With a passion for singing and community involvement, Marlene has participated in the choir at all previous temple affiliations, and currently is a choir member of the Yom Hashoah Choir of Sun City Center.

Marlene has not only volunteered for Jewish causes and organizations; she has been a Jewish educator for over 30 years teaching religious and Hebrew school and Jewish curriculum at Jewish day schools. She has also held directorship positions at JCC’s outside of Florida within their day camp and early learning education programs. Locally Marlene is a former Lead Teacher at the Tampa JCC Preschool North.

Marlene and her husband Paul have two children, Seth and Sheri, and four grandchildren.

2020 - Robin Kitzmiller

Robin has been a part of the Beth Israel family for over 13 years and is the behind the scenes “go to” person. Whether it is drafting a flyer to advertise a temple event, editing over 1,000 visual t’filah slides for the High Holy Days or running the control computer to stream services, she takes on the task at hand effortlessly.

Robin has served as sisterhood recording secretary; editor of the temple’s newsletter and currently presides as their co-webmaster. Most recently she played a meaningful role as part of Beth Israel’s “tech team” to help bring the congregation together through live streaming Shabbat services via Zoom. Robin’s technical skills, coupled with her willingness to volunteer and offer her assistance in any project large or small, makes Robin a special asset and a true woman of distinction.

Outside of Jewish leadership, she is involved with Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation and was a teacher in special education and vocation education for 35 years. Robin and her husband of 40 years have three children, 10 grandchildren and four great grandsons.

2021 - Diane Posner

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through her leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the ‘Women of Distinction’ Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership. Congratulations to Diane Posner, Beth Israel’s Woman of Distinction 2021, who was honored at a ceremony on Thursday, December 9^th.

From the time Diane joined Beth Israel in 2014 she has been a valued member of the Temple leadership team. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Temple as well as Sisterhood. She has brought her financial acumen to the positions of Financial Secretary of the Temple as well as Treasurer of the Temple and Sisterhood and currently serves as membership Chair of Sisterhood. Her understanding of finances and attention to detail contributes to the successful financial operation of the Temple.

Diane has been an active member of the Temples in her previous places of residence (St. Petersburg, FL and Hauppauge, NY) and has been involved in numerous community organizations including serving as a volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital, East Islip, NY, Nottingham HOA, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, World Jewish Congress, American Section, and several Veterans and K9 Groups.

Diane has two adult children, Hal and Robert Posner and two grandsons Andrew and Sean Posner.

2022 - Donna Weiner

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through her leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the ‘Women of Distinction’ Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership. Congratulations to Donna Weiner, Beth Israel’s Woman of Distinction 2022, who was honored at a ceremony at Temple Rodeph Shalom in Tampa on Thursday, December 1^st..

Donna has been dedicated to Beth Israel for four years. Since joining the congregation, Donna has become an active and valued member of our community. No task is too large or small for Donna to undertake. She currently serves as Co-President of Sisterhood. From 2020 until 2022 she served as Membership Co-Chair, orchestrating High Holy Day, Chanukah, and Purim gift bags for the entire congregation during COVID (packed bags, created delivery routes, and assigned “Delivery Elves” to distribute them), so congregants could continue to feel connected to Beth Israel.

Donna combines her creativity and computer skills as editor of the Temple newsletter, a position she has held since 2020. She is a valued member of Beth Israel’s Technology Team, responsible for streaming weekly Shabbat services and other Temple events.

She served as the Treasurer of the Business Educators of Philadelphia from 1984 to 1986. Donna’s skills as a successful educator transferred easily to “Take Stock In Children” a program run by the Hillsborough Education Foundation through which she has mentored a high school student for the past four years.

Donna’s husband is Fredric Weiner and she has one son, Lee, daughter-in-law, Charlotte, and grandsons Michael and Matthew.

Donna’s willingness to volunteer and offer her assistance in any way, makes Donna a special asset and a true woman of distinction.

2023 - Dalia Behr

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through their leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the ‘Women of Distinction’ Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership. Congratulations to Dalia Behr, Beth Israel’s Woman of Distinction 2023, who was honored on November 30^th at Congregation Kol Ami in Tampa.

Meet the heart and soul of Beth Israel’s community, Dalia, a remarkable individual whose creativity knows no bounds. Her unwavering love and respect for Beth Israel of Sun City Center synagogue shines through in everything she does. Whether it’s nurturing the garden, maintaining the building’s pristine appearance, or participating in Shabbat services, Dalia’s commitment is truly inspiring.

Dalia has been a part of Beth Israel family for seven years, and her devotion has only grown with time. What sets her apart is her boundless dedication, exemplified by her voluntary efforts to keep her beloved synagogue a place of beauty and warmth. Dalia’s leadership within Beth Israel of Sun City Center is nothing short of exemplary. She served as a Co-Chair of the Membership Committee on the Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021, contributing to the growth and vitality of our community. Currently, she is a valuable member of the Facilities Committee, further cementing her commitment to the well-being of the synagogue. In 2022 Dalia’s’ remarkable contributions did not go unnoticed as she was recognized as the Volunteer of the Month for November-December. This honor highlights her invaluable role within the community.

Dalia is not alone in her journey. She shares her life with her loving husband, Steve, and together they continue to be active participants in the Beth Israel congregation. They have a wonderful son, Mark, and a precious grandson named Jake.

2024- Barbara Grossman

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through their leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the Women of Distinction Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership. Congratulations to Barbara Grossman, Beth Israel’s Woman of Distinction 2024, who was honored on December 10th at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa.

Barbara has been an integral part of the Beth Israel community for over 13 years, with a strong commitment to the Sisterhood. Over the years, she has served in various leadership roles, including as President of the Sisterhood from 2019 to 2023, and as a representative of Sisterhood on the Temple Board of Directors. She continues to contribute to the community, currently co-chairing the Legacy Committee and assisting with correspondence.

In addition to her work at Beth Israel, Barbara has a rich history of volunteerism spanning over 40 years. She served as the Sunday school principal at Temple Shomer Emunim in Toledo, Ohio, and as the Volunteer Coordinator at Darlington House Jewish Home for the Aged, where she initiated the “Adopt a Grandparent Program.”

Barbara has also held leadership positions in healthcare volunteer management, including Director of Guest and Volunteer Services at Saint Joseph Health Care and Volunteer Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association in Lexington, KY. She served on various boards, including the Southeastern Directors of Volunteer, in Health Care Organizations and the American Society of Directors of Volunteers.

Known for her caring nature, Barbara has always gone out of her way to visit patients in nursing homes, offering companionship and kindness. Her friendly smile and genuine interest in others make her a beloved member of the community.

A proud mother of two, grandmother of six, and soon to be great grandmother, Barbara‘s family life is just as important to her as her community service. Her commitment to both is a testament to her enduring love for people and her tireless dedication to service, and displays qualities of a true woman of distinction.

Woman of Distinction 2025 Beth Israel Honors Jo-Ellen Bromberg

Beth Israel Women of Distinction:

Community

Contact Info

Our Location

Shabbat Times

Women of Distinction

Woman of Distinction 2025 Beth Israel Honors Jo-Ellen Bromberg

Beth Israel Women of Distinction:

Community

Contact Info

Our Location

<img class="rss-widget-icon" style="border:0" width="14" height="14" data-tf-not-load src="https://jcscc.org/wp-includes/images/rss.png" alt="RSS" /> Shabbat Times

Shabbat Times