Temple Beth Shalom will celebrate its 40th anniversary as a congregation at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the synagogue at 227 NW Beal Parkway.
- Mayor Nic Allegretto read a proclamation recognizing the milestone during the May 19 Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting, calling Temple Beth Shalom the oldest and only reform synagogue in the city.
The congregation traces its roots to 1977, when it was first established as the Jewish Brotherhood. In 1978, it evolved into the Jewish Community Center as a way to represent the interests of the Jewish community in the city. It was formally recognized as a synagogue in 1985.
Judge Erwin Fleet and 50 charter families are among the temple’s founding members.
Allegretto credited the congregation with enriching the community for decades through financial contributions and service to organizations including Sharing and Caring, Opportunity Place, One Hopeful Place and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m honored to proclaim a spiritual celebration in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Temple Beth Shalom in the City of Fort Walton Beach and encourage everyone to celebrate and honor this rich history with sincere gratitude through the gift of fellowship and community awareness,” Allegretto said in the proclamation.
More information about Temple Beth Shalom is available at tbsfwb.com.
