Executive Director Phil Wolgel
Phil Wolgel began serving Congregation Ohev Shalom as Executive Director in September 2006. Phil’s professional background includes key leadership, financial, business planning, and development roles in manufacturing, distribution, and not-for-profit organizations including Scholastic Book Fairs, Avon Products, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando.
Phil earned his MBA degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, majoring in Marketing and Management Information Systems. He earned his BS degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois.
Phil and his family have been active members of Congregation Ohev Shalom since moving to the community in 1993.
Message from Phil Wolgel
Shalom. Bruchim Haba’im. Welcome to Congregation Ohev Shalom. While our synagogue’s name “Ohev Shalom” means “Lover of Peace,” our Hebrew acronym means “fire.” From our Gan Yeladim program for 1- and 2-year-olds to our Hazak Seniors group, we try to fire up your interest and energies to participate in a myriad of Jewish programs.
Our thriving Sisterhood and Men’s Club provide lots of opportunities for social, service, and spiritual participation. Our youth programs – Olim, Kadima, and COSUSY – have won regional and national awards. These groups represent outstanding examples of engaging young people from 4th grade through high school. Around 200 children currently attend our flourishing Hebrew and Sunday school.
We have a comprehensive adult education program, offering both daytime and evening classes, including “Discover Judaism” and our Adult Conservative Yeshiva. If you are interested in G’milut Hasadim – acts of loving kindness – we have a vital monthly program for feeding the homeless.
In addition to regular Shabbat services every Friday evening and Saturday morning, we offer an array of alternative services to provide options for worshippers. Our professional and lay leadership are first-rate. Complemented by an outstanding administrative and facilities team, we all work together to create the positive and supportive environment that makes Congregation Ohev Shalom the haimisheh place that it is.
One of our goals is to be responsive to your needs and to consistently provide you with exceptional service. Please feel free to contact me to share your thoughts on both our strengths and on ways we can improve. You can reach me at our synagogue at 407-298-4650 x104 or by email at execdir@ohevshalom.org. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting with you.
Philip Wolgel, Executive Director