In the early 1990s, Beth El's founders wanted to create a cornerstone at the beach for the Jewish community. The founders wanted to provide a place of worship and socialization that welcomed all, where common values and new traditions could find a home. Over the years, that small group built a beautiful building and set down the roots for a vibrant Jewish presence at the beaches.

In 2008, after much discussion and input from many affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish individuals in the area, Beth El members voted overwhelmingly to change our bylaws from Conservative to Reform. With immense gratitude to our founders, and excitement for our future, we look forward to ensuring a Jewish presence at the beaches and to closely interacting with our extended family of Jewish organizations in greater Jacksonville.

Beth El currently includes members from Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Palm Valley, Ponte Vedra Beach, Amelia Island, St. Augustine, west of the beaches, and other parts of Jacksonville. We look forward to welcoming you.

Beth El in the News

• Apr 30, 2010 ... "Comedic rabbi to perform Saturday at Beth El" ...
  http://staugustine.com/living/religion/2010-04-30/comedic-rabbi-perform-saturday-beth-el

• Apr 23, 2010 ... "Beth El brings legal expert" ...
  http://jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2010-04-23/story/beth-el-brings-legal-expert-address-proposed-legislation

• June 12, 2009 ... "Rabbi receives national honor" ...
  http://staugustine.com/stories/061209/religion_061209_012.shtml

• June 6, 2009 ... "Beth El the Beaches Synagogue membership almost doubles since becoming Reform" ...
  http://jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2009-06-06/story/beth_el_the_beaches_synagogue_membership_almost_doubles_since_

• May 29, 2009 ... "The beaches first Reform Jewish congregation celebrated phenomenal growth" ...
  http://staugustine.com/stories/052909/religion_052909_010.shtml

• Nov 12, 2008 ... "These games raise funds for a cause" ...
  http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/111208/nes_354483339.shtml

• Nov 12, 2008 ... "Life is lived in stages"  ...
  http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/111208/nes_354485526.shtml

• Aug 6, 2008 ... "A 12-year-old Ponte Vedra Beach resident has become, as her rabbi said Tuesday, partners with God”  ...
  http://www.beachesleader.com/articles/2008/08/06/ponte_vedra_leader/
  feature_photo/doc4899233bc974e076304512.txt

• Jul 12, 2008 ... "Beth El, The Beaches Synagogue at 288 N. Roscoe Blvd. reopened as a reform congregation for the first time, and introduced its new spiritual leader, Rabbi Michael Matuson, to Jews from around the Beaches. About 250 people came to the event, overflowing the parking lot" …
  www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/071208/nes_302475106.shtml

• May 17, 2008 ... "Reform Congregation coming to Beaches ... A meeting to discuss a new synagogue drew about 350 people who were interested" ... For more of this story, click on or type:
  www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/051708/nes_279497877.shtml