Sea Shul Building on Success
Inaugural Board of Directors and programs strengthen Jewish community
By Emily Askinazi, Sea Shul Director
As the first Jewish congregation to call Walton County home, Sea Shul is making waves along the Emerald Coast, drawing locals and visitors alike for a season of celebration, community and tradition. Fresh off a meaningful High Holiday season and a highly successful fundraiser at the SOWAL House, Sea Shul is poised for an extraordinary year. With the formation of its first elected Board of Directors and an expanding educational program for young families, the synagogue is positioned for growth and impact like never before.
One of the most significant milestones has been the election of Sea Shul’s inaugural Board of Directors. This board, composed of founding members and new faces, represents an ideal blend of experience, passion and fresh perspectives, and is dedicated to establishing an inclusive, vibrant space for Jewish life on 30A. The Board includes Micah Davis (President), Ortal Montoya (Vice President), Alan Eichenbaum (Treasurer), Bill Askinazi (Financial VP), Suzin Arce (Recording Secretary), Rachel Simon (Trustee), Michelle Hayes Uhlfelder (Trustee), Louise Axler (Trustee), and Matthew Askinazi (Trustee). Their collective vision centers on a sustainable future for Sea Shul, where diverse voices come together to build a community that feels like home.
Rachel Simon, Chair of the Fundraising Committee and a new board member, shared her excitement: “We are planting the seeds that will sustain Sea Shul for generations to come. This board is committed to bringing people together, not only to celebrate our traditions but also to create a connected and meaningful community on the Emerald Coast.”
Sea Shul’s recent High Holiday gatherings highlighted the unique spirit of the synagogue, blending a beachside ambiance with traditional observances. The celebrations drew an unprecedented turnout, establishing a joyful rhythm for the year, each holiday blending reverence and creativity in a way that is both deeply Jewish and authentically coastal.
