United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

10/02/2026

Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach. May your weekend be full of warm challah, community, and of course... dancing

09/30/2026

👏 Menschy Moments: Meet Dr. Steve Specter of Congregation Kol Ami (Tampa, FL)

A retired professor of molecular medicine at USF, Dr. Specter has spent decades giving his time and talents to Tampa's Jewish community — as past president of Congregation Kol Ami Tampa and the Tampa JCCs and Federation, chair of USCJ's Southeast Seaboard District, and a weekly Shabbat gabbai who still guides Torah readers with a gentle, whispered correction when needed.

When asked what volunteering has taught him about himself, Specter didn't hesitate: "I have consistently said yes when called upon to participate in important tasks for my community."

Kol Ami's president Jody Sampson-Nair put it simply: he's a "longtime and deeply respected leader" and a true connector between the congregation and the broader Jewish community.

Thank you, Steve, for your decades of dedication — and for showing us what lay leadership looks like. 🙏

Dr. Steve Specter doesn’t seem to slow down, even in retirement. He has a 35-page professional resume as an academic, scientist and researcher, and is a professor emeritus of molecular medicine at the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida (USF). In the Jewish community, Sp...

09/29/2026

Did your family or synagogue put up a sukkah this year? Tag us in a picture of it or post a picture below in the comments!

09/28/2026

Our YALANet microgrant initiative is a way to create active networks of young adults, ages 20s & 30s, who share the same interests and passions. A YALANet is an activity or special interest group of your choice (Shabbat dinner, outing, sporting event, game night, Jewish holiday celebration, etc).
YALANet Captains (the YALANet coordinator) will receive a $50 stipend for their personal use, as well as up to $100 operational funds to run their YALANet. Each Captain is expected to run one event, with at least 6 participants (who will be required to register in advance).
BREAKING NEWS! If you run a Shabbat or Jewish Holiday gathering/meal, receive an extra $25 toward your expenses!
NOTE: YALANets are meant for individual users and small groups, not for synagogue or organizational groups.

09/28/2026

"How does a living tradition change without ceasing to be itself?"

In a thoughtful new piece for The Times of Israel, Gershon Blumstein explores what makes Conservative Judaism distinct: not a compromise between tradition and modernity, but a discipline of continuity. Drawing on the sacred disagreements of Hillel and Shammai and the rabbinic concept of kevod habriyot (human dignity), he makes the case that faithfulness to Torah was never about standing still — it's about carrying our inheritance forward with both integrity and courage.

A meaningful read for anyone thinking about how our communities hold onto what matters most while remaining open to the world around us. 📖👇

From the blog of Gershon Blumstein at The Times of Israel

09/25/2026

Our Sukkot are decorated, and the challot are in the oven- Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sukkot Sameach!

09/24/2026

YALA Winter SHABBATON WEST
December 4-6 in Las Vegas, NV. Ages 21-39
YALA is going west!! Join us for a weekend you will never forget! Featuring: An uplifting and ruach-filled Shabbat, Meaningful discussion groups, Saturday night Chanukkah party with a Vegas Jewish young adult group, Time on the Vegas strip, Sunday morning at the unique immersive experience Meow Wolf, Kosher meals, Hotel stay in a great location, A warm and welcoming place to be!

Early Bird Savings. Register by October 13th and SAVE!

Scholarships & travel subsidies available Pricing is highly subsidized by YALA.

REGISTER FOR WINTER SHABBATON WEST HERE- uscj.org/yalawinterwest26

09/20/2026

Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur to our friends and family across the globe.

09/20/2026

Shavua Tov 💙🤍💙🤍

09/11/2026

Happy New Year and Shabbat Shalom from your friends and family at USCJ