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March 12, 2026 • 12 Pages • Volume 23 • Issue 39
Celebrating 23 Years 2002 - 2026
Temple Beth El Centennial Gala Celebrates 100 Years In Spectacular Purim Style
(L to R) Rebbetzin Susan Bell and Gala Co-Chairs Jill Weiss and Caren Winer
Mar 17, 2026
On March 1, 2026 – exactly 100 years to the day since Temple Beth El was founded – more than 110 guests filled the Lake Pavilion in downtown West Palm Beach for the Centennial Gala: Purim Style – a celebration that many are already calling one of the most memorable celebrations in synagogue history.
“It was a night for the ages,” said Caren Winer, Co-Chair of the event with Jill Weiss. “Seeing our community come together – dancing, laughing, reflecting on our history and committing to our future – was incredibly moving. It was everything we hoped this milestone celebration would be.”
A NIGHT OF JOY, MUSIC AND CELEBRATION
DJ Shaq kept the dance floor packed all night long as guests celebrated to a vibrant mix of disco, pop, and traditional hora dancing. Colorful costumes, festive Purim spirit, and joyful laughter filled the room. A stunning belly dance performance brought the crowd to its feet, while guests enjoyed delicious cuisine, flowing cocktails and spirited bidding during the silent auction.
A MOVING ON-SCREEN PRESENTATION
During the evening, guests paused to reflect on the remarkable journey of Temple Beth El through a moving centennial video presentation honoring the generations who built and sustained the Jewish community.
“From its early years through times of challenge and renewal, Temple Beth El has grown into Palm Beach County’s first Conservative synagogue and a thriving center of Jewish life,” said Rabbi Alan Bell.
A POWERFUL MOMENT FOR OUR FUTURE
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Centennial Chair and Past President Ilan Kottler spoke from the heart.
Just before the gala began, Ilan had spoken with his mother, who was taking shelter during the ongoing conflict with Iran. His emotional reflection reminded everyone in the room why Jewish community matters — and why Temple Beth El must continue to grow and thrive for future generations.
That message led into an exciting announcement about the new Beth El Center for Jewish Life and the launch of the “100 Shares Campaign.” This innovative Initial Philanthropic Offering (IPO) invites 100 donors to contribute $1,000 each, becoming forever recognized as Century Founders in Temple Beth El’s next chapter.
“The Centennial Gala was more than a celebration of the past,” noted Kottler. “It was the beginning of Temple Beth El’s next century of Jewish life, learning, and community. We hope that our Temple Beth El family and the greater Jewish community will join us in this exciting new initiative.”
About Temple Beth El of West Palm Beach
Founded in 1926, Temple Beth El is a vibrant center of Jewish life, learning, and community in Palm Beach County. For 100 years, it has served as a spiritual home for generations – rooted in tradition, dedicated to education and committed to the values of faith, compassion and inclusion.
LINK TO PHOTO GALLERY: https://www.bethelwpb.com/100/gala/photos