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About us

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.

The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David is home to a growing, diverse Jewish community in Greater MiamiCenter BD
Welcome & Shalom!

This is the place to be Jewish and everything else. 

Join Us

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.

Our Interpretation of Jewish+ Life 

Soul Searching. Life Enriching. Legacy Building. 

Center BDOur Interpretation of Jewish+ Life 
Our Interpretation of Jewish+ Life Our Interpretation of Jewish+ Life Our Interpretation of Jewish+ Life Center BD
What does Jewish+ mean?

That we are Jewish and. There‘s room for more, room for growth and room for you.

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.

Membership

Seriously, come as you are. We’re so glad you’re here.

MembershipCenter BD

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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Interested in belonging to the Center?

Volunteer Opportunities 

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). 

Mega MitzvotCenter BD

Mega Mitzvot

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.  

Let’s Make a Difference

We’ve got a packed calendar

See what it’s like at the Center for yourself. Register for our upcoming events. 

See all
6:00 PM
Center for Jewish Life

Adult Soccer

Join every Tuesday for Adult Pickup Soccer.

Learn More
6:00 PM
Center for Jewish Life

Judaism 101

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.

Learn More
18 Oct
7:00 PM
At Miami

Shabbat Pasión

A Friday Shabbat that influences Jewish prayer with Latin-influenced music

Learn More
3 Oct
9:00 AM
Center for Jewish Life

High Holy Days 5785

The High Holy Days are approaching, and the Center for Jewish Life has so much in store for you! Don't miss out on all the meaningful events, spiritual growth opportunities, and community gatherings we have planned.

Learn More

Meet Our Team

These are the leaders who make it all possible.

Leadership

Rabbi Julie Jacobs
Rabbi Julie Jacobs
Senior Rabbi
Paula Arias Dorado
Paula Arias Dorado
Director of Operations
Noah Schalit
Noah Schalit
Director of Programming
Crystal Johnson
Crystal Johnson
Director of Finance
Stephanie Newman
Stephanie Newman
Director of Marketing
Madeline Wilburn
Madeline Wilburn
Director of Enrichments
Lynda Lacayo
Lynda Lacayo
Assistant to Rabbi Jacobs
Chrystian Azulay
Chrystian Azulay
Executive Assistant
Lisset Chavez
Lisset Chavez
Fundraising Manager

Board

Anette Yelin
Anette Yelin
President
Iris Destephen
Iris Destephen
Executive Vice President
L’DOR V’DOR 

Meaning, from generation to generation. The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David grew from the roots of Miami’s pioneer synagogue, the city’s first congregation.

 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.

Feeling Inspired Yet?

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.