Q&A with Karalee Kowar Needelman
Q: Where did you grow up?
Karalee: I grew up in Columbus, Ohio pretty much in the sticks! I remember walking through the cornfield to get to my friends house!
Q: How long have you lived in Miami?
Karalee: I moved to Miami in the summer of 2005.
Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation. What drew you to Emanu-El?
Karalee: Sid and I have been members at Temple Emanu-El for a little over a year. Several of our friends had recommended TE to us because of the clergy and of course the music! These aspects, as well as the community, continue to draw us in each Shabbat. In the short time that we have been members I am pleased to say that we have made several great friends as well.
Q: What has been your favorite activity at the congregation?
Karalee: My favorite activity was the Malachai Shabbat program. It was a great way to meet other members and learn about Shabbat. (editor's note: Malachai Shabbat means Shabbat Angels; this innovative Shabbat program was brought to our community to enhance understanding of Shabbat rituals and practices – it provided an opportunity for us to develop bonds with members of our community through shared learning and Shabbat get-togethers.)
Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?
Karalee: My wedding! (just 3 months ago).
Q: What would you say is your favorite Jewish holiday?
Karalee: Shabbat is my favorite Jewish holiday because there are so many ways to celebrate and since it comes every week there are lots of opportunities to make it special.
Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?
Karalee: I enjoy spending my time at the beach, working out, reading and exploring Miami with my husband.
Q: Any hobbies, special talents, or interesting trivia?
Karalee: I received my masters degree at Gallaudet University, a college founded for deaf and hard-of-hearing students (I was a minority, being one of the hearing students.) Now I work professionally as a speech therapist.
Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?
Karalee: My dad is a veterinarian and growing up he was always bringing home interesting pets. The most notable was a raccoon. We called him ringo and he used to sneak into the house and help himself to cookies....very smart animal!
Q: Your favorite food or beverage?
Karalee: I'm a huge fan of food....if I had to pick a favorite it would probably be cheese.
Q: And lastly, what would be your one magic wish for the congregation?
Karalee: I hope that the Malachai Shabbat Program grows and encourages members and the synagogue to host Shabbat dinners more often.
Thank you, Karalee!