A man who ignites a 'spark' of Judaism

 

April 29, 2022

Rabbi Sholom Dubov

Last year, when Heritage requested nominations for a Human Service Award recipient, Marvin Friedman of Oviedo told the editor, Christine DeSouza, he wanted to nominate Rabbi Sholom Dubov. DeSouza thanked him for wanting to nominate Dubov, however, she explained a Human Service Award recipient must be someone who is not financially compensated for his/her work in the community. Friedman understood this, and still wrote his letter of recommendation of Dubov, saying, "To be clear, I understand that the award does not go to individuals performing activities for which they are paid. Rabbi Dubov performs his role on a voluntary basis without remuneration from Chabad for his efforts. However, I am nominating him because his efforts have provided a needed shot in the arm for the Central Florida Jewish community."

Although the Heritage committee who select the recipients, still felt an active rabbi did not "qualify" for this award, this editor felt the community should be aware of all that Rabbi Dubov does for the Central Florida Jewish community. Though it is not with the Human Service Award, Heritage recognizes Rabbi Dubov, as well as all the rabbis here, for what they do and continue to do selflessly in this community.

Here is what Friedman wrote to Heritage:

Why I am nominating Rabbi Sholom Dubov for the Human Service Award

Submitted by Marvin Friedman

Rabbi Dubov and his wife, Devorah Leah, came to Central Florida from Crown Heights in 1984. His fathr had been a poultry shochtet in New York. The rabbi was ordained in 1982 and "was working toward having my own Chabad." Little did he know how successful he would be. He lamented that Central Florida did not have a large Jewish population at that time. Subsequently, he rented a storefront in Casselberry where he held services.

He and Devorah Leah have had nine children, many of whom have either spawned new Chabads in Central Florida or married rabbis who have founded Chabads. His income derives from a business in koshering food products throughout Florida from which he supports his family and organization. He has spawned Jewish holiday celebrations for all Jews and non-Jews through Central Florida. I was particularly impressed with Chanukah at Lake Eola with fireworks over the city and a parade of cars through downtown with menorahs on top. Moreover, he has produced Chanukah candle lightings in Orlando, Winter Park, Oviedo, Casselberry, not to mention his mobile menorahs. He and his staff conducted Lag B'Omer cookouts at Secret Lake Parks in Casselberry and Purim celebrations in Winter Park. There is now a Jewish Heritage Night at the Amway Arena where the Orlando Magic president lights the menorah. He and his family have churned out seven Chabads in Central Florida and more are coming.

Rabbi Dubov believes that "within every Jew there is a spark which can be nurtured into a flame of Judaism." I have known the rabbi for little more than 5 years and that is exactly what happened to me; he ignited my spark of Judaism. When I met him, I was not a Chabadnik; just a non-observant reform Jew, who may or may not go to shul on the high holidays. My participation in and support of Jewish activities has ballooned since meeting him. Now I study Torah and Talmud and my fire of Judaism burns bright. When I talk with my friends, I am not alone in my enjoyment and identification being Jewish and with the Central Florida Chabad's activities. My extended family are Chabad attendees throughout the Sunshine State. In an environment where the Pew Report says Judaism is diminishing, he represents a force of light and progress.

He participates in and sponsors community charitable activities such as food donations. His interpretation of Judaism is that the highest form of charity is performed anonymously. The many charitable acts/mitzvahs he performs are not publicized.

 

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