Temple Beth Am Library: A Year of Learning, Discovery, and Community
As we look back on our previous season of programs at the Temple Beth Am library, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the remarkable growth and accomplishments we have achieved during the past year.
Over the last twelve months, our library has continued to evolve into one of South Florida’s most significant centers for Jewish learning, culture, and community engagement. Today, it is recognized as one of the largest Judaic libraries in Florida, offering an extensive collection of books on Jewish history, genealogy, education, culture, religion, fiction, and non-fiction. More than simply a place for reading, the library has become a vibrant educational and cultural venue serving both Temple members and the broader Miami community.
Under the umbrella of the Sunday Salon series, held monthly throughout the school year, the Reading Room has welcomed distinguished speakers, authors, scholars, and researchers who have shared their knowledge and inspired meaningful discussion.
September, Jeffrey Dorn introduced us to The Jew’s Ring, an intriguing exploration of a mystical and historical mystery. Then, in October, in response to many questions, we conducted a Surveying Our Library presentation that highlighted the library’s resources and demonstrated that it is far more than a repository of books—it is a center for learning and community.
December, brought us to a deep discussion with When Music Hurts, an examination of Wilhelm Wagner, moderated by Jason Calloway. This thought-provoking program examined whether audiences should continue to embrace the works of celebrated artists whose personal views or actions were openly antisemitic.
January, Professor Henry Green presented the history and experiences of Sephardic Jews whose stories are often overlooked. His research was presented with his most recent publication, The Forgotten Exodus: Sephardi Voices.
March, featured Genie Milgrom, who gave a fascinating presentation on tracing Converso ancestry and the new resources now available to researchers.
April, Dr. Abraham Benyunes joined us in to host an insightful discussion on Sephardic Jewish Identity in America and its continuing evolution.
May, Dr. Annette Fromm led us on a journey through Jewish Food Traditions Around the World, illustrating how cuisine preserves culture and memory.
June, we wrapped up our Sunday Salons in with the president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami, Paulette Bronstein, who gave a powerful presentation showing how genealogical discoveries can be transformed into meaningful family narratives and historical understanding.
In addition to these programs, our library has continued to host the weekly Thursday workshop, From Roots to Story. Meeting around the table in an interactive format, participants explore family history, analyze photographs and documents, examine historical events, and discuss how broader cultural and historical developments have shaped their families’ experiences across generations.
While the Sunday Salon series has taken a summer recess, the Thursday workshops continued to meet, providing participants with ongoing opportunities for learning, research, and fellowship.
The growing attendance at our programs demonstrates the community’s desire for meaningful educational experiences and confirms the library’s role as an important cultural and intellectual resource within Temple Beth Am and throughout Miami.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami and to Yoram Millman, Immediate Past President and Vice President of Programming, for their ongoing partnership and support of the Temple Beth Am library’s educational and cultural initiatives. We also thank our outstanding presenters for generously sharing their expertise, and the many participants whose enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement have helped transform our library and reading room into a vibrant center of Jewish learning, family history, and community life.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting season in the fall.
If you’re interested in joining us, please email [email protected].
Etta Gold
Congregational Librarian