Rabbi Stephen Sniderman visits the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club

As Rabbi Stephen Sniderman addressed members of the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club at The Lazy Lobster on Thursday, he spoke of his appreciation for the community.

Sniderman, who leads a congregation of more than 300 at Temple Beth Israel, referred to the Key as a place comprised of “people who want to make the best of life, and enjoy life.”

Sniderman came to the Key from Cumberland, Maryland, less than a year ago. To the 20 or so Kiwanis members and guests in attendance, Sniderman described his previous community, which he served for more than a decade, as one that struggled economically due to a decrease in local manufacturing.

As job opportunities in the area dwindled, so did participation in the synagogue, Sniderman said.

For the rabbi, coming to Longboat has proven to be a pleasant adjustment.

“It’s an entirely different situation for me,” Sniderman said. “And it’s a wonderful change.”

The Longboat Key Kiwanis Club currently holds weekly meetings. The group’s next luncheon will be held at The Lazy Lobster on Thursday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m. More information about the club can be found here.