All About Temple Beth Shalom

At Temple Beth Shalom, we believe that our success emanates from the strength of our Synagogue Family. We strive to provide the kind of worship services, programs, activities and relationships that help to reinforce the bond between individual family members and the Synagogue. In these ways, we reinforce the vibrant relationship between ourselves, our people, the world-at-large, and God.

Diversity is the key word of our congregation, our members come from Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox backgrounds and we meet in the heart of the "All America" City of Ocala, Florida. Our "Synagogue Family" extends throughout Marion, Levy, Alachua, Citrus, Lake and Sumter Counties, as well as Orlando. During our 30 plus year history, we have successfully responded to the life-cycle needs of individuals and families who have become involved in our worship services and religious education programs. We also offer other cultural and social events and activities - all of which are designed to provide valuable guidance, support and fellowship.

Temple Beth Shalom is a member of the (URJ) Union for Reform Judaism, participating in the Southeast Region. We invite you to visit their informative web site: http://urj.org for enrichment and resources.

By definition, a synagogue is "a gathering place for the community." Ours is a house of worship, study and assembly. It is the nucleus of our cultural, spiritual, and social awareness and activity.

Temple Beth Shalom was organized in 1975 with approximately twenty-five family units and was incorporated on March 2, 1976. Our founding members wanted a traditional service with rabbinical leadership as the major focal point. To meet these goals, they met in homes, rented stores, and a warehouse until they purchased a modest former church. Since acquiring their "home" in 1977, they added a social hall, kitchen, rabbi's office, temple office and expanded our sanctuary To better serve our growing membership we doubled the size of our social hall in 2004. We have the second oldest Jewish cemetery in the State of Florida.

Ocala is a rare gem of a city. Richly mounted in the rolling hills of Marion County - just off Interstate 75 -- you and your family are bound to fall in love with the dazzling variety of beauty in Ocala and Central Florida -- just as we did.

View this "Slideshow Tour of Ocala" narrated by WOCA personalities Robin and The Giant. Ocala is the "Horse Capital of the World." The pace is a bit slower, the residents polite and patient; there is an exquisite charm to the area, unique to Florida. In Marion County you drive down scenic roads, and view rolling hills, open spaces and expansive horse farms. What a grand place to choose to live, all the amenities of a city with all the charm and freshness of the countryside on your doorstep.

You will fall under the spell of this delightful way of life and decide to stay. Here is your opportunity to see what being out of the rat race really means. While there is growth, Ocalans are trying hard to safeguard their rural peace and tranquility. Please consider relocating as a part-time or permanent resident and become a valued member of Temple Beth Shalom, ready to take part in all that it offers. You will have an opportunity to experience everything that makes Ocala/Marion County great and different.

Congregants have relocated here from all over the States and Canada for our wonderful, safe way of life. Young or young at heart, our vibrant mix of housing options, from single-family homes to 55+ communities, to luxurious ranch and farm estates means that you have fair-priced options in your choice of lifestyles. This most beautiful county is ideal for families wanting a wonderful area to raise children safely, or couples planning for retirement. Marion County has excellent school systems, both public and private. You can read more about our great community at Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce , Ocala Magazine, Ocala.com, Ocala Style magazine, or The Star-Banner and South Marion Citizen newspapers.

Here you will find one of the largest civic theaters in the state, as well as the Central Florida Symphony Orchestra. We have a gem in the Appleton Museum of Art located right near Silver Springs Amusement Park and Wild Waters. Home to E-One and Taylor Bean, our county's industry is technology-based, and features clean industries, plus our world famous horse farms. HeathBrook and On Top of the World, the Colonnades are both opening up town centers. Dillards and many other fine restaurants and businesses are looking forward to calling Marion County, home. Fresh air, blue skies and 3 seasons delight the residents.

Ocala has two new state-of-the-art high schools, Forest and West Marion, which hosts a school of the arts. Locally there are state and private colleges. We are within an hour of the University of Florida, in Gainesville, where there is a chair in Jewish studies, a Hillel, plus an outstanding library available for research.

Healthcare and Hospital options are plentiful and highly rated. From Assisted living communities to nursing homes, you are assured of quality care. Veteran's can feel secure that their needs are being met. Regionally there are wonderful centers such as the Moffat Cancer Institute, with a branch locally. The Mayo Clinic and Shands Teaching Hospital are close by and maintain excellent standards of care.

Just a short drive and you can be experiencing the amenities of the Gulf or Atlantic coasts, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, and Gainesville. You can easily take advantage of many theme parks, theatre, symphony, museums and sporting events. In St. Petersburg, you will find the Salvador Dali Museum and a Holocaust Museum.