During the 1960's, the Jewish presence in Sarasota became more apparent. Jews actively participated in all areas of local, civic, cultural and philanthropic life. By 1964, the people of Sarasota had elected David Cohen the first Jewish Mayor of the city. Cohen was also a founder, in 1949, of the Florida West Coast Symphony Orchestra.

Temple Beth Sholom became officially affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in September 1960. Many new activities were initiated by the young congregants at the Temple. The first Youth Group was organized by Linda and Sy Sherr. By 1965, the first Nursery School was established by Audrey Regen.

The United Synagogue Youth Group was started by Honey and Herb Salzman, and included Tommy Schechtman, Robin Schechtman, David Robbins, Sheri Gensler and Robbie Salzman. It was featured in the local newspaper accepting a proclamation by the Sarasota City Commission in recognition of the 22nd anniversary of the State of Israel.

Also publicized was a complete description of the second Bar Mitzvah of congregant Julius Aisner with Rabbi Bernard Shoter officiating. The new building boom of the early 1970's resulted in an influx of Jewish people from all parts of the world. Many of the new arrivals joined Temple Beth Sholom, increasing our membership to 300 families. It now appeared that the makeshift sanctuary, which had been constructed in part of the education building, was unable to accommodate the growing congregation.

Approval for the construction of a new synagogue came from the membership during the presidency of Bernard Katz. Continuing under the leadership of Harry Grosnoff, the succeeding president, a building committee was

formed. It included the following members: Norman Siegel, Herbert Salzman, Joel Sainer, Jack Weinman, Gerald Robbins, Bernard Katz, Marvin Silverman, Lewis Hanan, Howard Goldman, Michael Lieberbaum, Stanley Paver, Sam Idelson, Donald Metzger and Leon Pomerance. Construction of the building began in 1972 and was completed in 1974. Several days after the installation of the Ark, the synagogue was used for the first time by the evening minyan.

The dedication services of the new synagogue were held on Friday evening, November 8th and on Saturday morning, November 9th, 1974, led by Rabbi Barry Konovitch, officiating Rabbi since 1972, and Cantor George Goldberg. Another major milestone occurred under the leadership of President Michael Lieberbaum when the congregation, numbering 400 families, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first service at Temple Beth Sholom, on January 7-9, 1977.