The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David is home to a growing, diverse Jewish community in Greater Miami. As we focus on Jewish continuity, we embrace the evolution that comes with it. We are making room for more. For different.
For exploration.
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We’re pursuing an inclusive and flexible approach to Jewish life. Just as the Torah teaches we are partners in creation, here, you’re empowered to
co-create along with us.
Go soul searching to (re)ignite your connection to Judaism and Jewish Life. We’re walking that path with you – from children’s religious school and adult study to Shabbat services and embracing life’s cycles.
Build a legacy. We are the result of those who came before us. Our purpose is to guide our community through growth and change as they explore ways of thriving in Jewish+ life.
Being human is a multidimensional experience. So, we’re evolving the Center for Jewish Life, CJLBD for short, to serve the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s Jewish+ community.
Soul Searching. Life Enriching. Legacy Building.
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The Jewish world’s increasing diversity enriches Jewish life and identity. Jewish+ more accurately embodies the diversity within today’s family unit, quickly conveys we are Jewish at the core – people, practice and values – and allows for change and growth over time. We believe that diversity of experience enriches our community and emboldens our capabilities.
Our people are living Jewishly whether they pray or not. We are mensches. We are Miamians, professionals, bookworms, sports fans, artists, and more. We want to pray and play dodgeball. We celebrate life’s cycles and differing traditions.
Seriously, come as you are. We’re so glad you’re here.
Our Jewish+ souls are a connected collective, especially in intense moments of celebration or grief. This community is the center for support, comfort and insight – always.
Soul Searching. Join weekly Shabbat services, holiday observances, Torah study sessions, and meaningful prayer experiences led by our dedicated clergy and community leaders. Access counseling resources and assistance during life cycle events and transitions.
Life Enriching. Be a part of our programs and educational experiences. Collaborate with your community with volunteer opportunities fulfilling mitzvot and tikkun olam, repairing the world – starting with Miami.
Legacy Building. Help us write our next chapter.
This is thriving in a Jewish+ community:
Belonging. Come as you are.
Choice. Openly explore what it means to be human within the context of Jewish values and cultural experiences.
Make meaningful connections. Meet people with whom you have a common background and shared experiences, plus people who don’t.
Feel safe. Physically – in our space. Mentally and emotionally – in every stage of growth.
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We’re constantly working on new volunteer opportunities that fulfill our commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), gemilut chassadim (acts of loving kindness) and l’dor v’dor (passing on our values and traditions to the next generation).
Our social groups like The Brotherhood and Women’s League collaborate to make a positive difference in Miami and beyond. Even attending services is a mitzvah, ensuring a minyan is present for anyone mourning a loss and saying kaddish.
See what it’s like at the Center for yourself. Register for our upcoming events.
Join every Tuesday for Adult Pickup Soccer.
Judaism 101 - Discover the depth and meaning of Jewish life in our ongoing weekly series. Every Tuesday, we delve into the calendar cycles, major themes, practices and rituals that shape our rich heritage.
A Friday Shabbat that influences Jewish prayer with Latin-influenced music
Bring your pets to join in a special blessing just for them, followed by a Shabbat dinner and meaningful traditional services.
These are the leaders who make it all possible.
In 1912, there wasn’t an official synagogue to attend in Greater Miami, so a few dedicated Jews conducted services in a congregant’s home. The group was called B’nai Zion, after Morris Zion, its founding member. Recognizing the need for a Jewish burial ground, they established the Jewish section of the City of Miami Cemetery in 1913. As Miami's Jewish community grew, so did B’nai Zion, evolving into Beth David Congregation in 1920 and becoming Miami’s first synagogue. By the end of World War II, there were 1,000 members, and in 1949 found its home on Coral Way.
Today, The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David hosts the Gordon School for children 3 months to 13 years old, and the Tikvah Center—an autism-specific program, unique in Florida. Lifelong learning opportunities, social action programs, and the Beck Museum of Judaica, showcasing over 500 artifacts, contribute to the vibrant community.
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Our vision is for anyone who comes to the Center to feel they belong – whether they were born Jewish, chose Judaism, or neither. Your support keeps us going. We hope you’ll join us in nurturing a community where all of us can thrive.
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