Welcome to Sea Shul – A Vibrant Jewish Community by the Sea

Rooted in tradition, community, and joy, Sea Shul is a center of Jewish life on the Emerald Coast

Who We Are

Sea Shul is more than just a congregation- it's a home in the heart of Seaside, Florida for those of Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist denominations of Judaism. We open our tent to all- individuals, couples, families, and Interfaith households are always welcome and encouraged to join us. Founded by passionate families and guided by tradition, we've built a vibrant, multigenerational community committed to spiritual enrichment, meaningful connection and Jewish continuity.

Here, Jewish life thrives through prayer, learning, cultural celebrations, and acts of loving-kindness. We are joyfully building a legacy from generation to generation (L'dor V’dor).

Tradition with Creativity

We honor time-honored Jewish rituals while embracing fresh, meaningful expressions that reflect the spirit of our unique seaside community.
Inclusive & Intergenerational

We open our tent to all—individuals, couples, families, interfaith households, and those exploring Judaism—while building a legacy from generation to generation (L’dor Vador).
Learning & Engagement

Sea Shul is a place to grow Jewishly. We inspire curiosity and participation through cultural programs, education, and spiritual exploration for all ages.
Community & Celebration

From holidays to life milestones, we gather in joy and friendship—celebrating Jewish moments big and small, together.

Visiting Sea Shul

Tucked along the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of Florida’s Scenic 30A, Sea Shul isn’t just a synagogue — it’s a sanctuary for the spirit, a gathering place and a welcoming home for Jewish life on the Emerald Coast.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a season, or a lifetime, Sea Shul offers something truly special: a place to connect — to tradition, to community, and to yourself — all against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gulf.

Our events are held in various locations around 30A, and we’d love for you to be part of them. If you’d like to learn more, please check our Events Calendar for upcoming gatherings, or join our mailing list to stay updated.

Meet Rabbi Lesser

Rabbi Joshua Lesser serves Sea Shul along 30A in Walton County, partnering closely with the community’s founder to grow a welcoming, vibrant Jewish home. After more than two decades as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Josh brings a grounded pastoral presence and a builder’s mindset to Sea Shul’s beginning chapter.

His prime commitments are clear: create big tent communities where people experience true belonging, help seekers find both joy and solace in Jewish tradition, and meet people exactly where they are. These values shape how he designs gatherings, nurtures lay leadership, and invites people of many backgrounds into shared purpose.

A recognized civic and communal leader, Josh chaired the City of Atlanta’s Human Relations Commission, was honored by the Center for Georgia Nonprofits as a Revolutionary Nonprofit Leader, received the City of Atlanta's most prestigious award for service, The Phoenix Award, and was named by The Forward among the “36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism.” What delights him most is watching neighbors become community and seeing Jewish life spark in ordinary moments that feel anything but ordinary.

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Board of Directors

Louise Short

President
Michael Wilensky

Vice President
Jeff Margaretten

Recording Secretary
Bill Askinazi

Financial Secretary
Jeff Kunin, MD, MBA

Treasurer
Rachel Simon

Trustee
Jeremy Bedzow

Trustee
Lon Goodman

Trustee
Matt Askinazi

Trustee

Our Founders

(from left to right) Joel Axler, Louise Short, Michelle Hayes, Suzin Arce, Ilisa Eichenbaum, Alan Eichenbaum, Rabbi Lesser, Micah Davis, Pete Goldman, Bill Askinazi, and Lori Askinazi.
Not pictured: Ortal Shaya Montoya