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January 25, 2002/12 Shevat 5762, Vol. 54, No. 19
Rabbi hired for Sun Lakes
LEISAH NAMM
Assistant Editor
A Tucson rabbi has been hired to lead monthly services at Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
Rabbi Zev Wellins, whose in-laws Lillian and Joe Kopp are members of the congregation, conducted his first service in the Valley on Jan. 11.
"We're delighted," said President Marty Silverman. "He has a lot of energy, which is nice, and he's very well-learned."
Cantor Bob Handwerger led services for the Sun Lakes congregation until his death in November 2001.
In Tucson, Wellins is the executive director for the Center for Spiritual Judaism, an outreach chaplaincy that provides rabbinic services such as hospice counseling, hospital visitation, adult education and lifecycle ceremonies.
"I see my function primarily as a teacher of Torah," Wellins said. I'm more a teacher than a preacher, although I love to lead services and I love to do the pastoral work."
His future plans in Sun Lakes include adult education, counseling, grief support groups and lifecycle events, as well as leading Shabbat services the second Friday of each month at the Sun Lakes All Faiths Chapel, 9220 E. Fairway Blvd.
Wellins received his rabbinic ordination from Tifereth Israel Rabbinical Academy of America and has served in both congregational and chaplaincy work for 33 years.
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