The jewel of the crown of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center is the Soffer Sanctuary, the focal point of Jewish life in Aventura. We thank Don Soffer and his family for their vision and understanding of the need to build a synagogue and school in this fast -growing Jewish community.
— William W. Landa,
Chairman of the Board
As we embark upon our 23rd year of worship in the Soffer Sanctuary, we are planning renovations with a new dome, magnificent stained glass windows, molding, new carpeting and new seats.
— Eugene Kessler,
Vice President & Building Chairman
With the start of a new year (5773 on the Hebrew calendar) upon us, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center is hosting a myriad of exciting events and services. Rabbi Jonathan Berkun expressed his enthusiasm, exclaiming: “As Rosh Hashanah approaches, there is a feeling of electricity in the air. Everyone is eagerly anticipating the sound of the shofar (ram’s horn) and the wake-up call it inspires. The New Year marks the time for Jewish people to lead better, more purposeful and more meaningful lives. I am looking forward to personally greeting the congregation and to ushering in this season of new beginnings as a community.”
Once a small, storefront synagogue and now a bustling spiritual home to more than 2,000 Jews, ATJC has many reasons to celebrate. This year’s High Holy Days will mark the 23rd year in the Soffer Sanctuary. As the congregation of ATJC renews itself spiritually, the synagogue leadership, under the direction of Chairman of the Board William Landa, President Marcy S. Resnik, Rabbi Jonathan Berkun, and Executive Vice President, Dr. Amir Baron, announces the launching of a “Building for the Future” campaign, to refurbish and enhance the sanctuary. This refurbishment will include the addition of eight magnificent stained glass windows, a beautifully crafted dome, new carpeting and seating enabling the Soffer Sanctuary to remain among the finest and most esthetically striking worship spaces in America. William Landa who is very enthusiastic about this project, offered to chair the campaign and appointed Eugene Kessler as Building Chairman, to direct and supervise the sanctuary renovations
NEW YOUTH LOUNGE
In January of 2012, the synagogue undertook the project of turning two classrooms at the Tauber Academy into a contemporary youth lounge to better serve teens after the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah. ATJC felt it was crucial to engage the congregation’s teenagers and help them develop Judaism as part of their growing, independent identities.
The 1,200 sq. foot lounge located in the George and Dorothy Barrie Youth Center is the home to ATJC’s weekly Hebrew High classes and to the Aventura Chapter of BBYO (B’nai B’rith Youth Organization). The lounge, designed by Eugene Kessler and Cindy Muchnick, contains foosball, air hockey, ping pong, a flat screen TV, modern furniture and a kitchenette. The renovation was funded in part by ATJC members, Dr. Barry and Marcy Resnik, Ari and Dr. Sheryl- Lynn Odzer, Sam and Meryll Katz, ATJC’s Brotherhood, Josh and Dana Krut, Laurence and Becky Herrup, and Dr. Amir and Sue Baron. So far, the lounge has hosted mock Passover seders, BBYO board meetings, speakers from Israel and much more. ATJC looks forward to filling the youth lounge with teens from the congregation and community this year.
HIGH HOLY DAYS
On Saturday, September 8, ATJC will usher in the High Holy Days with a moving Selichot service at 8:15 p.m.featuring the ATJC professional choir.
Erev Rosh Hashana services commence at 7 p.m. on September 16. Services resume September 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with family participatory services at 10 a.m., and on September 18 at 8 a.m. Tashlikh Family Services with apples and honey will take place at 5 p.m. at the Waterways Marina.
The celebration of the High Holy Days continues with Kol Nidre services September 25 at 6:45 p.m. On September 26, Yom Kippur services are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with family services at 10 a.m., Ne’ila and Havdalah from 6 – 7:45 p.m. A Break-the-Fast dinner will follow the sounding of the shofar.
For tickets or membership information, contact Melissa Galfond, Director of Membership & Programming at (305) 937- 1880 or melissa@atjc.org Visit ATJC online at www.atjc.org
