Temple Beth Shalom

Temple Beth Shalom was founded in 1982 by a small group of Jewish families who recognized the need for a Reform Jewish identity in Polk County, Florida. Located in central Florida along the I-4 Corridor, Polk is sometimes considered a part of the Tampa Bay Area; however, some of its eastern communities have closer ties to the Greater Orlando metrop... olitan area. Though the majority of our members are from the two largest cities, Lakeland and Winter Haven, we also have members from Haines City, Auburndale, Bartow, and Lake Wales. Beth Shalom is a welcoming congregation. Our greatest benefit might be our size: we are large enough to satisfy the needs of our members yet small enough to provide a relaxed setting with genuine warmth and friendliness. In a region where Jewish people comprise a very small minority, Beth Shalom is our extended family. Interfaith families are welcome. Temple Beth Shalom associated immediately with the Union for Reform Judaism. During our early years, we gathered in facilities leased from schools, churches, and community organizations. Our first Religious School - fifteen children and six teachers - was held in a chandelier showroom. In our first year, we celebrated three Bar Mitzvahs and a confirmation. In the early 90's, we purchased land on Bradbury Road midway between Winter Haven and Lakeland. On April 26, 2003, 21 years after our first meeting, we dedicated our own building. In addition to a newly remodeled sanctuary, our facility includes a social hall, two classrooms, a kitchen, a library with a collection of children's books as well as contemporary fiction and non-fiction for adults, and an office which also serves as the rabbi's study. The building is located on a lovely, landscaped lot that is large enough for future expansion. In the late 90's, even before we had our own building, Temple Beth Shalom purchased a section of the Rolling Hills Burial Park of Winter Haven. This area is marked by two stone pillars donated by Beth Shalom families. You will find a separate ...Read More