History

There’s an old adage – wherever Jews live there must be a synagogue. In 1976 a small group of Jewish residents of Boynton Beach, began to feel a great need for a synagogue in Boynton Beach. And so, they began to meet in each other’s apartments in Village Royale on the Green. Eventually services were held in the Village Royal on the Green model apartment. Shortly thereafter a minyan was formed for daily services.

On April 13, 1976 Congregation Beth Kodesh was officially organized and on June 19th the first Holiday service was held on Shavuot. Congregation Beth Kodesh was incorporated in July, 1976 and became the first conservative synagogue in Boynton Beach. It held its first High Holiday service in the Administration Building at Village Royal on the Green. There were 240 people who attended that first year’s service. It was a truly memorable occasion for those attending the first Jewish High Holy Day services in Boynton Beach.

In 1983, as the number of worshipers grew, the Congregation moved from VRG to the Congregational Church in Boynton Beach where services were held.

In 1980, the building search committee had decided upon the current site; a 3.6 acre tract of land which was purchased for $50,000. The land was paid for by the generous contributions of the membership. In 1982 an architect and a builder were hired, and on October 24, 1982 the congregation broke ground and dedicated the land. This was done in an impressive ceremony attended by local political, civic and religious leaders. Construction of Congregation Beth Kodesh began in January, 1983 and was completed in September, 1983. The mortgage was completely liquidated by June 1984. Throughout the ensuing years Beth Kodesh thrived with growth in membership, activities and constant upgrades to its facilities. On February 18, 2001, Temple Beth Kodesh celebrated its Silver (25th) Anniversary with a dinner dance.

In 2004 Temple Beth Kodesh was devastated by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne which wrecked much destruction across south Florida and neighboring areas. Fortunately, we were able to hold services at VRG and had the use of a congregant’s apartment to hold minyan and to have an office. Through the tireless efforts of many, the building was completely restored and reopened for the 2005 High Holidays. Since 2005 under the leadership of Rabbi Michael Simon, Beth Kodesh continues to grow, attracting members from all areas of Palm Beach County and remaining a vibrant presence in the Jewish community. In February, 2012 Beth Kodesh proudly celebrated its 36th Double Chai anniversary. In 2016 we celebrated our 40th anniversary. Temple Beth Kodesh has a proud history and looks forward to many more years of continued growth and service to the Boynton Beach community.