Page 19 - Jewish News_March-2020

COMMUNITY FOCUS March 2020 19A

SpaceIL’s Yonatan Winetraub to speak at Jewish History of synagogues in Sarasota-Manatee

National Fund-USA’s Breakfast for Israel in Sarasota By Kim Sheintal, President, Jewish Genealogical Society of SWFL

he Jewish Federation of Sara-
Jews who come together each year for
sota-Manatee’s 2019 Com- city. The property had been foreclosed Key, Venice and North Port. As the site states: “We are a group of Sarasota
number of Jews increased, so did the
for non-payment of taxes and thought
Tmunity Study indicates that the to have been of little value. diversity of their religious expression. a community-wide, open door, family-
Jewish community has doubled since In 1928, Temple Beth Sholom held Preceded by the year of formation, friendly High Holiday experience.” In
2001. Today, there are 28,800 Jews Rosh Hashanah services in its new Sarasota-Manatee’s 15 synagogues are: addition, Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch
living in Sarasota-Manatee. Given the building. In 1953, the synagogue was  1927 Temple Beth Sholom formed in 2014 as a sacred commu-
growth of the Jewish community, it is extensively renovated, and in 1959, (Sarasota, Conservative) nity of Conservative Jews who gather
no surprise that we can count 15 syna- Temple Beth Sholom moved to Tuttle  1956 Temple Emanu-El (Sarasota, together to explore and live out their
gogues to serve the exploding popula- Avenue in Sarasota with a sanctuary Reform) understanding of Jewishness, to share
tion. and education center. As the mem-  1974 Temple Beth El Bradenton/ joys and sorrows, and contemplate the
The Jewish Community Center bership grew, so did the synagogue Lakewood Ranch (Bradenton, meaning of life. The Kehillah is more

of Sarasota, the first organized Jew- campus, with several renovations and Reform) of a group for socializing and prayer
ish group in Sarasota-Manatee, was additions over the years.  1976 Temple Beth El North than a traditional congregation.
established in 1925 with Phillip Levy In 1956, some Temple Beth Sho- Port Jewish Center (North Port, There are five synagogues in the

as president. Temple Beth Sholom, lom members left to form a Reform Conservative) Sarasota-Manatee area that no longer
the oldest congregation in Sarasota- congregation, which became Temple  1980 Temple Beth Israel exist. In the 1950s, an Orthodox con-
Manatee, was officially formed in Emanu-El. Its sanctuary building on (Longboat Key, Reform) gregation existed for a short time in

1927, when those interested in forming McIntosh Road was erected in 1961.  1980 Jewish Congregation of Sarasota. From 1980 until 1982, Anshe
a Conservative congregation with its As the Temple Emanu-El membership Venice (Independent) Emet (a Conservative congregation)
own building raised money by solici- grew, an education building was added,  1990 Chabad of Sarasota and in Sarasota was led by Rabbi Louis
tations, fundraisers and bond sales. Al- and the sanctuary was updated with a Manatee Counties Dimpson. From 1985 until about 1990,
though circus owner John Ringling was larger social hall.  1991 Temple Sinai (Sarasota, Congregation B’nai Torah (Chabad

not Jewish, he made the biggest finan- The Jewish population grew rap- Reform) Lubavitch) in Sarasota was led by Rab-
cial contribution. Land on Washington idly in Sarasota-Manatee in the 1970s  1996 Congregation for bi Alter Bukiet. In 1986, a synagogue
Boulevard and 12 Street (today’s 6 th and 1980s, and Jewish congregations Humanistic Judaism in Port Charlotte described as “Pro-
th
Street) in Sarasota was donated by the first appeared in Bradenton, Longboat  2004 Chabad of Bradenton and gressive Liberal Reform” was led by

Lakewood Ranch Rabbi Lewis Bogage. From 2000 until
 2005 Congregation Ner Tamid about 2003, Congregation Shir Sha-
(Bradenton, Pluralistic) lom, a Reform congregation in Bra-
 2005 Chabad of Venice and North denton, was led by Rabbi Betsy Torop,
Port beginning when the congregation was
New Member Drive  2007 Congregation Kol about 18 months old.
According to the Synagogue
HaNeshama (Sarasota, Post-
Open House at JCV  2016 Chabad of West Bradenton Council of Sarasota-Manatee Coun-
Denominational)
ties, “Whether you are new to the area,
By Cynthia Greene  2018 Chabad of Downtown a seasonal visitor or a long-time resi-
dent, we encourage you to find your
Sarasota

ments will be served. There are two Jewish groups in Jewish family in a synagogue commu-
The Open House committee under Sarasota-Manatee that meet for servic- nity. Congregations range in size, vary
the chairmanship of David Borans has es and/or prayer without a synagogue. in denominations and the composition
been meeting regularly to ensure that SRQ Jews Without Borders formed of their membership. You will find a fit

the event will be informative and enter- in 2009 and consists of affiliated and that works for you!” To find a direc-

taining. David hopes that prospective unaffiliated Reform, Conservative and tory of all synagogues, visit jfedsrq.

members interested in joining a small Orthodox Jews. This group has had org/directory and type in the keyword
Temple Beth Sholom on Washington Boulevard, circa 1956. Because of limited parking
and active congregation in Venice will and the trend to move to the south side of town, the congregation’s 130 families bought land services led by Rabbi Elyssa Joy Aus- “synagogue.”
“join us for a casual visit while you on Tuttle Avenue in 1958. (photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida) ter and Rabbi Andrew Hahn. Its web-
kibbitz, learn more about JCV, enjoy
fantastic food and have fun. You will
quickly discover what our members
already know – JCV feels like home.” The Israel Committee The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee,
The event is free, but reservations of Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, FL Temple Beth Sholom & Temple Beth Israel
are required. Respond to David Borans is honored to present Present
before Sunday, March 1 at iesinc@
aol.com. The Jewish Congregation of the Inaugural Israel Weekend RUTH BIELSKI EHRREICH
Venice is located at 600 North Auburn Daughter of Holocaust survivor

Road (off East Venice Avenue). We
invite you to attend, learn about our with special guest Tuvia Bielski
unique congregation and have a very to speak at Temple Beth Sholom
special afternoon. Rabbi Meir Azari Tuesday March 10, 2020 - 7:00 PM
Temple Emanu-El Summer

Diners support JFCS

Shabbat Evening Celebration, March 6th 5:30 pm

Erev Shabbat Dinner ($30 - Advance Reservations required)
7:30 pm - - Erev Shabbat Service - Rabbi Azari will address:
-
“REFORM JUDAISM IS GROWING IN ISRAEL, BUT….”

Shabbat Morning, March 7th @ 10:00 am
“REFORM JUDAISM’S ROLE IN AN ISRAEL Ehrreich’s father, Tuvia Bielski, was a humble man who,
WITH NEW LEADERSHIP”
(Following Rabbi Azari’s presentation on Saturday Morning everyone with the help of his brothers and the woman who became
in attendance is invited to partake of the Shabbat Café) his wife, saved 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust.

Sunday Morning, March 8th @ 9:30 am Bielski’s story became famous in 2008 when actor Daniel
“HOW REFORM JEWS IN SARASOTA COUNTY, WORKING WITH Craig played him in the movie “Defiance.” Come witness
REFORM JEWS IN TEL AVIV, , CAN TOGETHER CREATE A
SAFER AND MORE EGALITARIAN ISRAEL” the daughter of a true Jewish Hero.

Sunday Afternoon, March 8th @ 12 Noon $15 per person for advance reservations,
A PRIVATE TOUR OF SARASOTA’S IMPACTFUL EXHIBIT $20 at the door.
“EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES” LED BY ITS LIMITED SEATING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SARAH WERTHEIMER
For Reservations call
Kelly Nester, Temple Beth Sholom:

Temple Beth Israel 941-955-8121
567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Temple Beth Israel, The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key or online at
Open to The Community - CALL 941-383-3428 TO REGISTER.
Register on website: www.tbi-lbk.org www.templebethsholomfl.org/events

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