Tracing Roots By The Shores: The Miami Beach Jewish History Talk

Held at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139, the talks take place on Saturdays: May 3rd, May 10th and May 24th. Each session is an invitation to dive deep into the evolution of Jewish life in Miami Beach — from its early 20th-century origins to its thriving present. Admission is FREE, but space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to reserve a spot on Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-miami-beach-jewish-history-talk-tickets-1064467313389

Miami Beach has not always been the inclusive haven many know it as today. In the early 1900’s, Jewish residents and visitors were frequently excluded from hotels, social clubs, and even home ownership in certain neighborhoods. Despite these barriers, the Jewish community established a firm foothold, building its own institutions, businesses, and places of worship. Over time, those roots grew into a strong network of cultural, political, and economic influence that has helped shape the Miami Beach we know today.

The museum’s history talks trace this transformation — how resilience turned into leadership, and how a once-marginalized group helped create a flourishing cultural tapestry that continues to evolve.

A Living Legacy in a Historic Space

There’s something particularly special about holding these talks within the walls of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. Housed in two lovingly restored former synagogues, the museum is itself a testament to the history it seeks to preserve and share. The venue embodies the spirit of the community it represents, with its original stained-glass windows and Art Deco details whispering stories of generations past.

Visitors will find themselves immersed not just in historical facts, but in the atmosphere of a time when Jewish families were establishing roots in a new land, all while maintaining ties to rich cultural and religious traditions.

Each session is more than a lecture — it’s a chance to connect across time and culture. Whether you're a local who grew up hearing tales of your grandparents’ Miami beginnings or a newcomer curious about the layers beneath the city’s sun-kissed surface, the Miami Beach Jewish History Talk offers something for everyone.

Expect to hear about early Jewish entrepreneurs who opened some of the city's first Kosher hotels, community leaders who fought to end housing discrimination, and local artists and thinkers whose work continues to impact the cultural scene. The talks also highlight how Jewish Miamians have contributed to the broader movements for civil rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and interfaith collaboration.

The series is part of the museum’s larger mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the Jewish experience in Florida. By focusing on Miami Beach, these talks hone in on a locale that played an outsized role in shaping Florida’s Jewish narrative.

Organizers note that part of what makes these talks so meaningful is the audience participation. Many attendees bring their own stories and questions, enriching the conversation and helping to preserve even more slices of history. The museum encourages intergenerational visitors — grandparents, parents, and children — to attend together and reflect on how personal and communal histories intertwine.

As Miami Beach continues to evolve and welcome new waves of residents and visitors, understanding its layered past becomes all the more important. In a time of increased awareness about identity and inclusion, revisiting the roots of the Jewish community in Miami Beach is both timely and essential. It’s a reminder that cities are shaped not only by skylines and beaches, but by the people who dream, struggle, and build within them.

Whether you attend for the historical insight, the community connections, or simply to appreciate the beautifully restored museum space, the Miami Beach Jewish History Talk offers a rare and meaningful way to engage with the city’s cultural heart.

Plan Your Visit

Event: Miami Beach Jewish History Talk

Dates: Saturdays — May 10th and May 24th

Location: Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Admission: Free and open to the public

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-miami-beach-jewish-history-talk-tickets-1064467313389

Come with curiosity, leave with connection — and perhaps a deeper appreciation for the many hands that have helped shape this coastal gem.