
Temple Beth Orr Sanctuary.
By Sharon Aron Baron
In 1972, when Coral Springs had only one road in and out, 12 Jewish families started a congregation.
Meeting at the Westinghouse Home Center on University Drive just north of Sample Road, their first Shabbat Service was held on August 11, 1972, with Rabbi Emanuel Schenk. They called the Congregation the Coral Springs Hebrew Congregation.

Westinghouse Home Center in Coral Springs in 1972, {Coral Springs}
Coral Ridge Properties helped the congregation buy the property on the corner of Royal Palm and Riverside Drive, where the current building is still located.
Now known as Temple Beth Orr, Hebrew for Temple of Life, congregants celebrate 50 years in the city of Coral Springs.
Rabbi Laura Rappaport said the journey and evolution of Coral Springs and Temple Beth Orr are intimately linked.
“I am thrilled to serve as rabbi during this exciting time for the homegrown Jewish community of Coral Springs. It is a time to reflect on how our perennially close-knit, warm, and welcoming congregation has changed with the times and will continue to do so into the future.”
Steve. Marcus, Temple Beth Orr’s president, invites the community to celebrate the journey by holding several events this year.
“What Temple Beth Orr has meant to both the Jewish community in Northwest Broward and the cities of Coral Springs, Margate, Tamarac, Coconut Creek, and Parkland cannot even begin to be measured.”
Events commemorating the Golden Anniversary will be held throughout the year, including:
Open House
Held on Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm will be an Open House which includes the Kuhn Early Childhood Center, Rosenberg Religious School, youth programs, and Sisterhood, Brotherhood.
Temple Beth Orr welcomes the public to tour the facility and ask questions. There will be food, fun, and activities for all ages, including a bounce house and a BBQ.
50th Anniversary Shabbat service
Held on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 6:30 pm – with a special congregational Oneg — or dessert — following the service.
The Arts & Scholars Week
On December 7-11, 2022, The Arts & Scholars Week includes a lecture by Rabbi Mark Gross titled “Israel’s Music in Wartime: Window Into the Soul of a Nation.” Discover how, even amidst more than 70 years of ongoing conflict, the songwriters of the reborn Jewish State have reflected aspiration and affirmation.
There will also be a Special Study with Rabbi Laura Rappaport and an Art and History Tour of Temple Beth Orr.
Comedy Club Night
On Saturday, January 21, 2023, don’t miss Comedy Club Night. Tickets will be sold for this event.
Throughout the year
Temple Beth Orr holds canasta, mahjong, bingo, choir, and family services.
“We are so excited to bring these events to the congregation this year,” said Cathy Glassman, chairman of the event. “These events span the involvement our members have at the Temple – religious, educational and social—there’s something for everyone here,” she added.

Temple Beth Orr of Coral Springs Gala Committee.
For more information about Temple Beth Orr, contact the main office at 954-753-3232 x201.
Temple Beth Orr is a multi-generational and multi-ethnic community comprised of singles, couples, interfaith, and gay and lesbian families located at 2151 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs, FL 3307. For more information: Contact office@templebethorr.org, Templelebethorr.org, or call 954-753-3232 x201.
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