Local spiritual leader asks community for help

Eliezer Sepulveda is a senior student at Hebrew College, in Newton Massachusetts. He is also the leader of Shoresh Education Center in Orlando, which, until four months ago had been Congregation Shomer Ysrael, the first Hispanic Jewish synagogue in Orange County.

In April 2015, Heritage reported about the small synagogue of about 30 very committed members. Sepulveda and about 20 members attended the Discover Judaism course, taught by Rabbi Kay at Congregation Ohev Shalom. There were so many students that Rabbi Kay set up a special conversion class for Sepulveda and his congregants.

Now Sepulveda is near completion of a dual master program in education and Judaism at Hebrew College. And he is reaching out to the Jewish community for financial help.

“I have to be in Newton for a summer seminar in residence but I do not have enough funds to cover the cost,” he said.

Sepulveda is asking for assistance to cover housing, tuition and airfare since he has to travel to Boston. His predicament is that if he does not complete the semester, he will not be able to graduate.

“My desire is to continue serving the community. I teach Judaism every Wednesday night through Periscope and educate everyone about Judaism through YouTube as well. I am already serving the Jewish Community teaching at Shoresh Educational Center, a free education service in the process of becoming a nonprofit organization to help adults and children complete their education.”

Sepulveda has set up an account on GoFundMe at http://www.gofundme.com/27zenjqv

On the site, Sepulveda offers a one-of-a-kind T-Shirt to everyone who helps him reach him goal, which is a total of $5,000. As of June 13, $601 had been raised.

“Any contribution is well received!” said Sepulveda.