In a significant development, Temple Israel of Greater Miami, one of South Florida’s oldest Jewish synagogues, is preparing to transition out of its historic location by the summer of 2025. The decision comes as the congregation, now significantly smaller than its peak in the mid-20th century, faces mounting financial challenges associated with maintaining its large and aging building.
A Century-Long Legacy
Temple Israel, established in 1922, has been a cornerstone of the Reform Jewish community in Miami. The synagogue, with its rich history of inclusion and social justice, has served as a beacon for worship, education, and advocacy. However, the congregation’s numbers have dwindled over the years, from a robust 1,800 families in the 1960s to just about 130 families today. This decline in membership, coupled with the rising costs of maintaining the 64,000-square-foot building, has led to the difficult decision to vacate the property.
Facing Financial Realities
Shari Debowsky, the executive director of Temple Israel, expressed the financial strain the synagogue has been under. “Operating a building of this size with a small congregation has become nearly impossible,” Debowsky shared. The synagogue’s leadership has been transparent about the financial difficulties, citing “significant budgetary restrictions” as the primary reason for the planned move.