Temple B'nai Darom, the second oldest synagogue in Florida, traces its roots to the "United Hebrews of Ocala", a small group of Jews who organized for religious purposes over 100 years ago. The name "B'nai Darom" (meaning sons (or children) of the South) was officially adopted in 1963. Our Sanctuary at 49 Banyan Course was built in 1976 and a new wing was added in 1978 with a meeting room and social hall. In well-planned, progressive steps, improvements and additional facilities continue to be added. It is the result of continued hard work of dedicated people who are aware of the need of Jewish people in the Ocala/Marion County area to have a social center for our many worthwhile activities and a place of worship that is a source of pride for all of us.

We cordially invite all newcomers and other Jewish residents of this community to attend our services and social functions, and hope that you will consider applying for membership.

Rabbi Harold S. Jaye became the Rabbi of our congregation in May 1987. Rabbi Jaye, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and was ordained in 1970 at the Hebrew Union College. In 1980, he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Brandeis University. He was the cantorial soloist with the Hebrew Union College and serves as Cantor for our synagogue. As spiritual leader, Rabbi Jaye's major responsibility is to bring the message of Judaism to the pulpit and adult education programs. He is active in congregational life and is available for personal counseling of individual members.

Services are held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m., followed by an Oneg Shabbat and the first Saturday of each month from October to May, followed by lunch. We use the Reform Prayer Book (Gates of Prayer) for all worship services. A sincere effort to accommodate the needs of Jews of a wide variety of religious backgrounds is made by our Rabbi

The Temple has its own cemetery, B'nai Darom Memorial Gardens, dedicated in October 1984. Temple members who wish to reserve space for themselves and/or their family, are required to pay for perpetual care in advance. Additional rules and regulations regarding the Cemetery can be obtained from the Cemetery Committee upon request.




We have three (3) categories of membership:

  1. FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:
    Husband, wife and unmarried children under 22 - $400/year.
  2. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP:
    Man or woman, exclusive of spouse (for specific reasons) - $200/year.
  3. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP:
    Single man or woman (including unmarried children under 22 years old) - $200/year.

BUILDING FUND
A condition of membership is a one-time pledge, for classification #1 in the amount of $300, and for classifications #2 and #3 in the amount of $150. This pledge may be paid in one lump sum OR in equal payments amounting to one-third of the total for each year.

SCRIP FUNDRAISER
Need a gift card, buy it thru the Temple and the Temple earns money. Many stores and restraurants to choose from, contact Jeff Helicher at 629-9000 for more information.

General Membership Meeting Saturday, December 11th 10:00 a.m.
Following the General Membership Meeting The Temple will sponsor a full Chicken/Latke Lunch at 12:00 noon, $8.00 per person. Reservations -Sheila at 352-861-3003.

CONTACTS

Dr. Harold S. Jaye
Rabbi and Cantor
352-624-0380


Leesburg Area
Anne Lange
352-245-1212

Villages-Lady Lake Area
Natalie Raw
352-753-8551

Summerfield-Spruce Creek Area
Anne Lange
352-245-1212