WELCOME TO THE JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA

 301 Washington Avenue • Miami Beach • Florida 33139
Phone: 305-672-5044 • Fax: 305-672-5933
Internet: www.jewishmuseum.com
Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Closed on Mondays, Civil and Jewish Holidays
Website update supported by Targum Shlishi, a Raquel and Aryeh Rubin Foundation.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Groundbreaking for new synagogue for Congregation Beth Jacob at 301 Washington Avenue, 1936.

The new Beth Jacob Synagogue (301) with wooden bimah, plain glass windows and bare light bulbs, 1938.

Exterior view of Beth Jacob Congregation, with canopies both in front of the main synagogue (301) and the social hall (311), 1940s. Note the small wooden windows in the women’s balcony of 311 and that the stained glass windows have been installed in 301.

Interior view of the original building of Congregation Beth Jacob (311) that became the social hall, 1940s.
Interior view of Beth Jacob Synagogue (301), showing the new marble bimah, Art Deco chandeliers and stained glass windows, 1940s. Note the original wooden benches that were used from 1936 through mid 1950s.

Congregation Beth Jacob’s two buildings, 1958. Note: Newer style windows were installed in the former women’s balcony of 311 and the Ten Commandments have been added to the roofline of 301.

Interior view of Beth Jacob Synagogue (301), prior to restoration, 1992. Photo is taken from the bimah looking west into the women’s balcony.

 Interior view of Beth Jacob Synagogue (301), prior to restoration, 1992. Photo is taken from the east overlooking the theater seats towards the bimah. These seats were installed c. 1955.

Exterior view Beth Jacob Synagogue (301) during the renovation period converting the synagogue into the Jewish Museum of Florida, summer 1994.

Interior view Beth Jacob Synagogue during the renovation period converting the synagogue into the Jewish Museum of Florida, summer 1994. Photo shows the deterioration of the walls.

Transformation of the building! Over a two-year (1993-95) period the neglected and deteriorated building was restored to its original splendor and adapted to house the Museum. The architect/contractor was Ira Giller of Giller & Giller Inc.

 Panoramic view of Museum interior after the restoration, 1995.

Congregation Beth Jacob buildings, summer 2005.
Photo was taken at the time the Museum purchased the properties.

Congregation Beth Jacob dedicated ed their first synagogue at
311 Washington Avenue in February 1929.

Completely renovated interior of 311 building showing Art of Aging exhibit - May 2007.

Both properties - 311 (left) restored & painted to match 301 building - May 2007.


CLICK TO READ ABOUT 301 WASHINGTON AVENUE

CLICK TO READ ABOUT 311 WASHINGTON AVENUE

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