The first Jewish congregation in Florida is gearing up for their Fall Kick Off event right here in Pensacola. Temple Beth El’s Fall Kick Off will be Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will include refreshments, information on the temple, Brotherhood, Sisterhood and the School for Jewish Living, as well as a bounce house and other activities for children.
Located at the corner of Palafox Street and Cervantes Street, Temple Beth El was founded in 1876. The congregation, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, recently completed a two year renovation, transforming and modernizing the entire campus.
The renovation included a new grand entrance, upper and lower lobbies, new offices, a new youth room and library. Also included were the installation of an original work of art, landscaping that includes a memorial garden and a new playground for children.
Like many faith groups across Northwest Florida, the beginning of the school year also signals a new start to fall and family programs at Temple Beth El. Programs include religious and Hebrew instruction, youth group, parent education, social programming for Jewish 20 and 30 somethings, and more.
“Temple Beth El is a warm, vibrant and welcoming community in which to explore and celebrate Jewish life,†says Rabbi Joel Fleekop. “A congregation of friends, we share a commitment to meaningful worship, lifelong learning, support for one another, and service to others. Temple Beth El strives to be a second home for Jewish families in Northwest Florida and a cherished neighbor to all those in the local community.â€
For more information on Temple Beth El or how to become a member of the congregation, visit their website.