Sea Shul Welcomes New Director and Plans Spring Events

Please meet Emily Askinazi, the director of Sea Shul, the first synagogue in Walton County’s history. Founded in 2023, Sea Shul is a new and inclusive modern day Jewish congregation located in Seaside that seamlessly integrates the natural splendor into its mission.

Emily infuses her organizational prowess and creativity into Sea Shul’s operations. Drawing on her background as a producer and casting director, and time on Wall Street, this proud mom of two says she has always been passionate about connecting people to achieve a greater vision.  

“Hiring a director for Sea Shul represents another milestone in our continued growth and in realizing our future planning and expansion,” says Alan Eichenbaum, treasurer of Sea Shull. “The Board of Directors has already seen the tremendous value Emily adds to our synagogue. We are confident that the congregation will greatly benefit from the addition of Emily as director.”

Together with the founding committee and board of directors and with Emily’s hard work, Sea Shul has quickly grown to over 80 members and has gained significant momentum in 2024. 

“We’re excited to unveil many programs aimed at uplifting our community. One program particularly close to my heart is Kesher at Sea Shul, our kids program,” Emily says. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Janet Stein’s Nature School, nestled amidst trees overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay, Kesher, meaning ‘connection’ in Hebrew, embodies the mission of fostering connections to Jewish traditions, their peers and nature.

This spring, Sea Shul proudly presents a lineup of vibrant celebrations, including Purim and Passover festivities, regular Shabbat potlucks, the Kesher Religious School and numerous community-building initiatives. Seaside’s renowned landscapes provide an inspiringsetting for congregational gatherings, promoting spirituality, connection and neighborly bonds in the place many have chosen to call home.

The Sea Shul welcomes inquiries and encourages anyone interested to learn more by visiting seashul.com or reaching out via email at shalom@seashul.com.