Our History
Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center is a vibrant and diverse Conservative congregation in the heart of Aventura, Florida, an exciting multi-cultural and multi-generational community in North Miami Beach. We offer a wide range of spiritual, cultural, educational and social programming for members of all ages.
The highly active congregation, together with its inspiring clergy, values Jewish learning, spiritual worship, service to the community and support for the State of Israel. Our beautiful campus contains a magnificent sanctuary, chapel and multiple social halls; a unique Holocaust Memorial designed by Israeli artist Frank Meisler; and “The Tauber Academy,” a state-of-the-art Jewish Early Childhood Education Center.
We are a synagogue of strength, security, and stability. The congregation continues to grow and expand while the clergy, staff, and membership constantly strive for improvement and excellence. The mission to foster Jewish life within the City of Aventura is an ongoing challenge. Our synagogue strives to create an open, warm, inviting and inclusive community that gives Jews in Aventura a sense of rootedness and belonging.
In a modern era in which Jews often struggle to connect with Judaism and with the Jewish community, the mission of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center is now more important than ever. All are welcome to attend our online meaningful prayer services, holiday special event, or adult education. Please like and follow us on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
OUR HISTORY
Our History in Words
The history of ATJC starts shortly after the Six Day War in 1967 when Turnberry Associates of Duquesne, Pennsylvania bought 785 acres of northeast Dade County swamp. The company was led by Don Soffer, who graduated Brandeis University in the 1950s and joined his father Harry in developing suburban shopping centers. By 1969, a $700 million development plan of 24,000 units with a mall and a resort had been drawn up by Soffer and Arlen Realty and Development.