Shuttered Miami synagogue sold to private owner
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Courtesy of Temple Beth Tov
A shuttered West Miami temple is being sold to a private business owner after its remaining members dissolved the congregation.
Why it matters: Temple Beth Tov traces its roots to 1956, with the founding of the Southwest Jewish Center, but the synagogue ceased operations in 2020 amid low membership and financial difficulties, a spokesperson tells Axios.
Driving the news: The temple announced last week it had begun a "carefully-planned transition from its role as an independent synagogue" after Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Robert T. Watson approved the sale of the property at 6438 SW 8th St. over the summer.
- Funds from the sale will be used to pay fees associated with the temple's dissolution. Remaining money will be donated to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, per the spokesperson.
- The spokesperson said the buyer's identity is not yet known, nor are their plans for the property.
Zoom in: The temple is working with the federation to distribute the synagogue's Torah scrolls, prayer books and other religious materials to other Jewish organizations.
- Historical items will be donated to the federation to preserve Temple Beth Tov's history.
- Memorial plaques that have not been claimed by members or their families will be donated through the federation to a local synagogue or school.
- Religious materials that can no longer be used will be stored in a genizah or given a Jewish burial.
What they're saying: "For generations, Temple Beth Tov has celebrated joyful occasions, comforted families in times of sorrow and helped people strengthen their connection to Judaism," said Irving Resnick, who served as Temple Beth Tov's cantor and service leader for 20 years.
- "Those experiences do not end because a building's chapter comes to a close."
- "They continue through the people whose lives have been shaped here, through the traditions they carry forward and through the sacred items that will continue serving Jewish communities for years to come."