Jewish Cultural Tour Itinerary

Greater Miami and Miami Beach is home to a thriving Jewish community with a cultural history that dates back to the 18th century. From historic museums and synagogues to kosher and Israeli restaurants, Shabbat-friendly hotels, a Holocaust memorial and plenty of social events, we’ve gathered all the intel you need to immerse yourself in Jewish Miami.

Explore Jewish History, Art and Culture in Miami Beach

Jewish Museum of Florida–FIU

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU’s collection is housed inside 2 historic Art Deco synagogues in South Beach. The permanent exhibition, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to Present, features photos and artifacts exploring the Florida Jewish experience over the centuries. The museum also hosts a wide variety of fascinating temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

South Beach is home to the poignant Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach at the corner of Meridian Avenue and Dade Boulevard. It features a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of an arm rising from the earth by artist Kenneth Treister, surrounded by a tranquil pond with lily pads. A memorial wall is engraved with the names of thousands of the 6 million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.

The memorial’s recently opened Education Center features an innovative exhibit that enables visitors to engage in real-time, simulated conversations with Holocaust survivors, ensuring their stories endure for generations to come.

Jewish Miami Beach Walking Tour

The Miami Design Preservation League offers a Jewish Miami Beach Walking Tour (available by appointment) during which a local expert shares the history of the Jewish people in Miami Beach over the last century, including stories of influential individuals and institutions, as well as an overview of the area’s unique architecture.

Miami Jewish Film Festival

In January, the Miami Jewish Film Festival takes place at various cinemas throughout the destination, offering a unique opportunity to screen the latest films that explore Jewish themes, by Jewish filmmakers.

Savor Jewish Food

Dine at Top Kosher, Jewish & Israeli Restaurants

One of the best ways to get a taste of Jewish culture is through its cuisine, and Miami has a wide range of restaurants to choose from. In Surfside, Kosh is a classic kosher steakhouse with an extensive kosher sushi menu.

Also in Surfside, Josh’s Deli offers a playful take on traditional Jewish deli fare that has earned the recognition of the Miami MICHELIN Guide. Expect creative renditions on everything from matzo ball soup andd latkes to hand-cut, house-cured corned beef sandwiches.

Meanwhile, Roasters ‘N Toasters is a staple of the bustling 41st Street corridor in Miami Beach, with additional locations throughout the destination. This is the ideal place to get your lox and bagel fix, alongside a huge menu of classic Jewish deli staples in a diner-like setting.

Explore Mediterranean and Israeli Cuisine

You’ll also find great Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine, including at Abbalé Modern Mediterranean Kitchen and Motek, both with bright and inviting outposts in South Beach, Aventura, Brickell and beyond. These go-to spots serve fresh, comforting dishes like shakshukah, hummus, mezzes, pita sandwiches, falafel and more. 

For an upscale experience, head to Aviv by celebrated chef Michael Solomonov, located inside the 1 Hotel South Beach. The menu is anchored by the generous Tayim platter, which includes Solomonov’s signature creamy hummus with wood-fired saluf bread and assorted salatim, plus a mezze and entrée with choices like halloumi baklava, spiced beef Moroccan cigars, lamb merguez and butterflied dorado.

Visit a Jewish Bakery

When it comes to Jewish bakeries, Zak the Baker in Wynwood has developed a popular following for its artisanal challah, sourdough loaves and chocolate babka. It’s also home to a kosher café serving daily sandwich and soup specials.

In North Miami Beach, Sonny’s Bakery is beloved for its crave-worthy rugelach and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), a tradition of the Hanukkah celebration and delicious any time of year.

Shabbat-Friendly Stays

Check into a Shabbat-Friendly Hotel

With a strong Jewish community, Miami Beach is home to hotels and condos designed to observe the traditions of Shabbat and other Jewish holidays with ease. The Alexander Hotel is a lavish, all-suite oceanfront resort in Mid Beach that has catered to Jewish guests who observe the Sabbath since the 1960s. The on-site restaurant, Silan, is a glatt kosher fine dining restaurant that also offers Shabbat meals prepared in advance for pre-order.

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach also caters to Jewish guests with residential-like accommodations in its various towers, especially during Passover, with options for kosher meal and other traditions observed.

Judaica and Kosher Products

Stock up on all your Shabbat and Judaica needs at a number of specialty retailers throughout the destination. In Aventura, Aspaclaria Judaica is a one-stop-shop for everything from mezuzahs and menorahs to toys and games, jewelry and kosher wine. 

In Aventura, you'll also find the sprawling Kosher Kingdom supermarket, along with Sarah’s Tent, a specialty kosher shop and deli for groceries, baked goods, Judaica and so much more. It also offers delivery and catering services. 

Torah Treasures Miami in Miami Beach is a well-stocked Judaica store with books and gifts, serving as a trusted resource for the community.

Eruv Boundaries

For observant Orthodox Jews, Miami Beach is home to one of the largest Eruv boundaries in the United States, designed for navigating the area during Shabbat. It stretches from South Pointe Park in South Beach, continues through Mid Beach and North Beach, and connects seamlessly to the Eruvs in Surfside and Bal Harbour. 

Regular inspections ensure that the Eruv remains intact and kosher, providing peace of mind for both residents and visitors who wish to observe Shabbat while enjoying mobility throughout the city.

Discover Jewish Community and Events

Celebrate Shabbat and Jewish Holidays

In Miami, there’s a congregation for every Jewish tradition, from Orthodox to Conservative and Reform. To find the right synagogue for you, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Young Israel of Greater Miami are great resources.

In the heart of South Beach, Temple Emanu-El is a Conservative congregation within a beautiful historic synagogue, while nearby Temple Beth Shmuel is the Cuban Hebrew Congregation of Miami.

Dive into Community and Cultural Hubs

In Pinecrest, Temple Beth Am is a Reform synagogue, home to The Hub, a destination for dynamic cultural, social and recreational events, ranging from yoga and comedy nights to chef’s table dinners and visiting lecturers. It hosts programming with impressive guests, from legendary actress Tovah Feldshuh to iconic chef Yotam Ottolenghi, to name just a few.

The Alper JCC Miami in Kendall is another community hub for Jewish arts and culture. The robust programming here includes a Jewish Book Festival from October through May, the Holocaust Impact Theater program for high school students, an art gallery, fitness and wellness classes and so much more. You’ll find other JCCs throughout Miami, including in Miami Beach and North Miami Beach.