When Opportunity Knocks, Answer!

For those who do not know me, my name is David Spalter, and I am honored to be the new Chair of the Board of Directors of Shalom Orlando.

My wife, Pam, and I have resided in Central Florida for 20 years. Our children, Ariana and Joshua, attended the Jewish Academy of Orlando (now Gotlib Jewish Academy) and graduated in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Professionally, I am the litigation partner at Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park, where I practice labor and employment law.

My involvement in the Jewish community of Greater Orlando has encompassed several roles. I previously served on the board of the Orlando Chapter of the Jewish National Fund-USA and co-chaired its Lawyers for Israel group. Prior to joining the Shalom Orlando Board in 2024, I served as the Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC).

I am extremely grateful to our Jewish community leadership and the rest of the Shalom Orlando Board for placing before me the great challenge of taking on a new leadership role within our organization.

It is an exciting and pivotal time in the history of Shalom Orlando. Those who have served before me, including outgoing Chair Stan Rubins and his predecessor, Craig Polejes, have guided our organization through a period of change and transition. In doing so, they have set the stage for a period of stability, clarity of focus, and growth for Shalom Orlando and the Greater Orlando Jewish community as a whole.

At our recent J Ball, Stan suggested the one word that should define my term as Chair is opportunity. I could not agree more. I have the privilege of starting my role at a time when the opportunity to renew our facilities, enhance our footprint in the community, and fulfill our mission is at hand.

My confidence in our ability to achieve these goals is enhanced each time I visit our campus. The dynamic leadership and enthusiasm of our new Chief Executive Officer Marni Mandell is palpable and infectious. Our staff is energized, and our halls are filled with children experiencing the joy of growing up with a proud Jewish identity. This is the foundation from which great progress can be made.

In expressing these words of optimism, I am fully mindful of the challenges that we face and the many obstacles that lie ahead. However, as I enter this endeavor knowing that I am surrounded by a team of dedicated lay leaders and exceptional professionals who share the commitment necessary to achieve our profoundly important goals, I cannot help but be optimistic.

I am thankful for the trust that has been bestowed upon me, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.

David Spalter, Board Chair, Shalom Orlando