1632-11 Synagogues SUN AUG 15 1993 ED: FINAL
SECTION: NEIGHBORS MB PAGE: 30 LENGTH: 11 . 87" MEDIUM
ILLUST:
cOURCE:
�TELINE:
i4EMO: OPINION
BETH JACOB
TEMPLE NEVER
HAS CLOSED
Editor:
We feel that some clarification is needed in your story "Restored Temple
will Honor Jews ' Role in Florida" in your Miami Beach Neighbors edition dated,
Sunday, July 11 .
Congregation Beth Jacob was chartered in 1927 , and services were held in
the Royal Apartments on Collins Avenue until our original building at 311
Washington Avenue was completed in 1929 . Since this structure opened its doors
it has never closed, even through Hurricane Andrew. The sign on this building
was changed to social hall, but the building was always used as a chapel for
daily services, and other purposes.
As the congregation grew and the Depression ended, a larger second
building, splendorous and ornate, was erected in 1935. This address is 301
Washington Avenue. The building was used for holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom
Kippur, Succoth, Passover, Shavuoth and the Sabbath. When the membership
started to decline and the cost of maintenance to the building increased, the
board of directors decided to use the 311 Washington Avenue building for all
3 needs.
The complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since
1980 and the Miami Beach Local Preservation Register since 1993 .
A year ago Mosaic Inc. -- "Jewish Life in Florida" museum felt that the
301 Washington building would be perfect for their museum. Their exhibit would
have a permanent home. Congregation Beth Jacob has rented this structure to
Mosaic Inc. At the present, they are renovating it and plan to open it in
1994 .
The synagogue, as always, is using the original chapel. We are still
here, we have not moved, there are services daily in the morning and evening.
We are now preparing for the High Holidays. Our new roof should be completed
by then. After the holidays we will start renovations to our historic site
building.
We are hoping that this explanation will make the public and community
aware and not be afraid that the synagogue is no longer in existence. The
office is open to receive membership dues or to obtain tickets for the High
Holidays services. For further information or concerns call 672-6150 .
Edward T. Newman
President
Beth Jacob Congregation.
ADDED TERMS:
END OF DOCUMENT.