The ties that bind: Michael-Ann Russell JCC and Temple Sinai celebrate a new connection

On September 26th, the Jewish Community of North Miami-Dade will dedicate the George J. and Lila M. Berlin Community Bridge with a ribbon cutting ceremony and family “Sukkot” celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dedication ceremony will begin in the Feinbloom Sanctuary of Temple Sinai at 11:15 a.m., followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony at the edge of the Oleta River. The celebration will continue as guests cross the bridge, and will include Klezmer music, refreshments, children’s entertainment, and additional activities.

The Berlin Community Bridge links Temple Sinai and the Michael-Ann Russell JCC into one regional campus. Historically the Oleta River separated the two properties. Gary Bomzer, executive director of the MARJCC explains “The Berlin Bridge connects our JCC to Temple Sinai subsequently creating the North Dade Jewish Community Campus with the JCC as the mid-point between Hillel Community Day School, and Temple Sinai. The vision of our new North Dade Jewish Community Campus focuses on the synergy between the best Jewish organizations in our community working together to meet the needs of our dynamic and multi cultural Jewish community.”

The concept of a bridge to bring the two institutions together was the dream of George J. Berlin who was a principal with Turnberry Associates and a builder of the City of Aventura. Additionally, George was one of the founders of the Aventura Marketing Council, and was a leader of the Jewish community with his wife Lila, by his side. He served on the boards of Temple Sinai, the Michael-Ann Russell JCC, and was active with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Berlin saw the benefit of one large campus serving the Jewish population of North Dade. Together the two institutional partners will be able to offer joint cultural arts programs, youth programs, social exchanges, adult education, facilities utilization, security and more.

“The George J. & Lila M. Berlin Community Bridge fulfills a long-standing dream of creating a true center of North Dade Jewish life. It will offer endless possibilities for spiritual, educational, cultural, and recreational growth for our community,” remarked Rabbi Alan E. Litwak, spiritual leader of Temple Sinai.

Temple Sinai and the Jacobson Sinai Academy are located at 18801 NE 22nd Avenue, North Miami Beach.

The Michael-Ann Russell JCC is located at 18900 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach.

The event is free and open to the community. For further information call Dani Einsohn, Temple Sinai Director of Development 305-932-9010.


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1 COMMENT

  1. Wow, I remember when they first proposed this bridge over the Oleta River back in 1972. I am glad that they finally got the project done. It is a lovely bridge. By Gregg L. Friedman MD.

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