Greater Miami & Miami Beach is home to a thriving Jewish community and cultural history that dates back to the 1800s. From art, memorials and museums to synagogues, social events, restaurants and hotels, we’ve gathered up everything you need to immerse yourself in the destination’s Jewish culture.

Explore Jewish History in Miami Beach

Jewish Museum of Florida–FIU

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

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

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

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, tells stories about prominent individuals and institutions, and provides an overview of the area’s unique architecture.

Discover Jewish Arts & Culture

The Alper JCC (Jewish community center) in Kendall is a hub for Jewish arts and culture. Its robust programming includes the Berrin Family Jewish Book Festival from October through May, the Holocaust Impact Theater program for high school students, and an art gallery with thought-provoking rotating exhibitions.

In January, the Miami Jewish Film Festival takes place at various cinemas throughout the destination and provides an opportunity to see the latest films by Jewish filmmakers that explore Jewish themes.

Savor Kosher & Jewish Cuisine

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.

For a modern take on traditional Jewish deli fare, Josh’s Deli, also in Surfside, has become a classic for creative renditions on everything from matzoh ball soup to latkes and hand-cut, house-cured corned beef sandwiches.

Roasters ‘N Toasters on Miami Beach’s 41st Street corridor, with locations in Aventura and Pinecrest, is a great place to get your lox and bagel fix. It also serves a huge menu of Jewish deli staples, including potato latkes, smoked fish platters, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, brisket and more.

You’ll find great Israeli cuisine at Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen in South Beach and Aventura and Motek, which has numerous locations. They serve fresh, comforting dishes, from shakshukah to hummus and mezzes, pita sandwiches and more, in bright and inviting settings. There’s also Aviv, a new upscale Israeli restaurant in 1 Hotel South Beach by celebrated chef Michael Solomonov.

Visit a Jewish Bakery

Zak the Baker in Wynwood is an artisanal Jewish bakery with a cult following for everything from challah and sourdough loaves to chocolate babka and quiche. It’s also home to a cafe serving daily sandwich and soup specialties.

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 & Kosher Comforts

Check into a Shabbat-Friendly Hotel

With a strong Jewish community, Miami Beach is home to hotels and condos that can accommodate the traditions of Shabbat and other Jewish holidays, like Passover. The Alexander is an all-suite oceanfront resort in Mid Beach that dates back to the 1960s and has always catered to Jewish guests who observe the Sabbath. Its on-site restaurant, Silan, is a glatt kosher fine dining restaurant that also offers Shabbat meals prepared in advance for preorder.

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Mid Beach also caters to Jewish guests with residential-like accommodations in its various towers, especially during Passover, with options for kosher meals.

For Orthodox Jews, an extensive Eruv boundary is maintained in Miami Beach and the surrounding area to facilitate movement during Shabbat. The Miami Beach Eruv is one of the largest in the United States. It stretches from South Pointe Park in South Beach, continuing 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.

Shop for Judaica and Kosher Products

Stock up on all your Shabbat and Judaica needs at a number of specialty retailers. Aspaclaria Judaica in Aventura is a one-stop-shop for everything from mezuzahs and menorahs to toys and games, jewelry and kosher wine. Also in Aventura, Kosher Kingdom is a large kosher supermarket, and Sarah’s Tent is a specialty kosher market and deli for groceries, baked goods, Judaica and much more. It also offers delivery and catering services.

Celebrate Shabbat & the Holidays

Attend Services at a Local Synagogue

There’s a congregation for every Jewish tradition in Miami, from Orthodox to Conservative and Reform. Temple Emanu-El is a Conservative synagogue in the heart of South Beach, while nearby Temple Beth Shmuel is the Cuban Hebrew Congregation of Miami. There’s also Temple Beth Am, a Reform synagogue in Pinecrest. To find the right synagogue, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Young Israel of Greater Miami are great resources.

Enjoy a Shabbat Dinner or Community Gathering

In addition to Shabbat services, Temple Beth Am is a cultural hub with yoga, comedy nights, chef’s table dinners, lectures by the rabbi and more.

For a Shabbat feast, La Mer Mediterranean does Shabbat Under the Stars dinners featuring glatt kosher cuisine by Chef Olivia Ostrow and a warm community to enjoy them with at an oceanfront location at Nana Beach Club in Mid Beach.

You’ll also find a wonderful array of events, from Shabbat dinners and services to Hanukkah parties, speed dating events, community service and outdoor activities, through groups like The Tribe and the Miami Sephardic Club.

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