History: 1980's

Downtown Sarasota experienced a renaissance during the 1980's, characterized by the redevelopment effort that included landscaping, parks, public art, a multi-screen movie house, and a theatre and arts district. Upscale housing developments and condominiums built throughout the Gulf Coast attracted newcomers, both visitors and permanent residents, in unprecedented numbers.

In the early 1980's Rabbi Max Roth became the new officiating Rabbi, and under the tenure of the first woman president of the Temple, Audrey Watson, women of the congregation became involved in religious services for the first time.

Beginning in 1985, the largest building expansion program in the history of the Temple was established by Co-Presidents David Band and Lewis Hanan. The

first phase of the expansion, the Martin and Mildred Paver Religious School, was dedicated in 1988. This was followed by the second phase, the Schoenbaum Religious Center which housed the Band-Desenbcrg Chapel, the Kalin Administration Wing, the Rose and Joseph Idelson Library, the Sisterhood Judaica Shop and the Joann Idelson Alterman Youth Lounge. Completed in 1989, the same year that Diane Nathanson began serving as our Cantor, the newly expanded complex was dedicated on October 14, 1990.

With the enhancement of our synagogue facilities, Temple Beth Sholom became a cultural center for all our members, both young and old. During the administration of President Barbara Rothstein, the first Tot Shabbat

was organized and brought a new dimension to our Temple family. Continuing the many youth group activities, Jerrold Leeson, then education and Youth Director, encouraged the students of our Religious School to meet Jewish children in surrounding communities when they joined either Kadima, Halutzim or United Synagogue Youth.

In response to these new programs and to the need created by many anticipated social events, the Madeline Sainer Social Hall was renovated, thanks to a gift from Sidney and Gail Kobernick.

Over the course of the history of Temple Beth Sholom the visions of many dreamers have shaped the physical development and the congregational components of our Temple. Our history demonstrates a new vibrancy that existed in the final decade of the twentieth century and promises to serve as a harbinger of commitment and dedication in the twenty-first century.