Our Story
Ramat Shalom Synagogue was founded in 1976 and remains a vibrant, growing, innovative Jewish community in the heart of Broward County.
ABOUT US
Our History
Ramat Shalom Synagogue was founded in 1976. For many years, Ramat Shalom was affiliated with the Reconstructionist Movement. While we parted ways with the movement, the values and teachings of Reconstructionism continue to define us. We pride ourselves on being a spiritually vibrant, innovative Jewish community in the heart of Broward County.
One of the oldest synagogues in the area, Ramat Shalom was established almost 50 years ago as a small, Jewish discussion group that met in members’ homes. We quickly grew into a synagogue with many members, a rabbi, a building, a preschool and a religious school. The focus on education grew over the years and today, our Early Childhood Center and Torah School Programs are among the most comprehensive and robust in the South Florida.
Despite our increase in size, we have never lost the small, intimate feeling that characterized Ramat Shalom from the outset.
Under the guidance of Rabbi Andrew Jacobs for more than two decades, we pride ourselves on being a warm, inclusive community made up of a diverse group of individuals and families who are committed to building a truly caring, welcoming community.
In 2023, we welcomed the Temple Beth Israel community, merging our two congregations into Ramat Shalom Beth Israel. By uniting Ramat Shalom with Temple Beth Israel and her almost 60 years of history, we have strengthened synagogue life for everyone who calls RSBI their spiritual home. Additionally, we have created a center for Jewish life and learning that will redefine Jewish life for South Florida.
Temple Beth Israel History
Temple Beth Israel was Broward’s oldest Conservative Synagogue and served the Jewish community of South Florida for almost 60 years.
Temple Beth Israel’s commitment to Conservative Judaism enhanced the cultural, educational, religious, and spiritual needs of its multi-generational, multicultural members. TBI members have always been dedicated to Jewish traditions, customs, values, culture, and to making Judaism more meaningful.
The congregation was founded in 1966 as the “Fort Lauderdale Jewish Center”. On October 31, 1971, construction began at our original building located at 7100 Oakland Park Blvd. At this time, our name became Temple Beth Israel.
Through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the early part of the 2000’s TBI was the center for Conservative Judaism in Broward county. As many of our families moved west, the synagogue followed. After the sale of the original building, we moved around a bit, “wandering the desert.” In 2010, TBI moved into a permanent location just off NW 136th Avenue in Sunrise.
In 2023, we moved to Plantation, merging with Ramat Shalom and began to focus on our future: Ramat Shalom Beth Israel. We invite you and your families to join as we begin our next wonderful chapter!
We invite you to make Ramat Shalom your Jewish home.
Everyone asks, is Ramat Shalom Conservative, Reform, Orthodox? Well. We’re not a fan of labels. They’re limiting and exclusive – everything we’re not. This being said, Ramat Shalom was founded almost 50 years ago as a Reconstructionist Synagogue. Reconstructionism is the younger sister of Conservative Judaism. While we remain committed to the values Reconstructionism, mainly the idea that Judaism ability to thrive is grounded in its ability to evolve in meaningful and relevant ways, Ramat Shalom disaffiliated from the Reconstructionist Movement several years ago.
Rabbi Andrew Jacobs was ordained at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and earned a master’s degree at the Jewish Theological Seminary which is affiliated with the Conservative Movement. His wife, Rabbi Cheryl Jacobs is Conservative rabbi.
Cantor Jodi Rozental was mentored by Irving Shulkes, Cantor Emeritus at Temple Sinai, a Reform congregation in North Miami Beach. Cantor Jodi has worked extensively within the Reform Movement and is a member of the Guild of Temple Musicians (GTM), an affiliate of the Reform Movement’s American Conference of Cantors.
Today, instead of affiliating with a specific movement, Ramat Shalom embraces the tradition of the Conservative Movement, the emphasis the Reconstructionist Movement places on studying our past in order to create a meaningful future, and the creativity of the Reform Movement. Together, Rabbi Andrew and Cantor Debbie create a spiritual home that is uniquely Ramat Shalom and welcoming to all. Please come and experience us!
We invite you to make Ramat Shalom Beth Israel your Jewish home.
