Our Story
Ramat Shalom Synagogue was founded in 1976 and remains a vibrant, growing, innovative Jewish community in the heart of Broward County.
We invite you to make Ramat Shalom your Jewish home.
Everyone asks, is Ramat Shalom Conservative, Reform, Orthodox? Well. We’re not a fan of labels. They’re limiting and exclusive – everything we’re not. This being said, Ramat Shalom was founded almost 50 years ago as a Reconstructionist Synagogue. Reconstructionism is the younger sister of Conservative Judaism. While we remain committed to the values Reconstructionism, mainly the idea that Judaism ability to thrive is grounded in its ability to evolve in meaningful and relevant ways, Ramat Shalom disaffiliated from the Reconstructionist Movement several years ago.
Rabbi Andrew Jacobs was ordained at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and earned a master’s degree at the Jewish Theological Seminary which is affiliated with the Conservative Movement. His wife, Rabbi Cheryl Jacobs is Conservative rabbi.
Cantor Jodi Rozental was mentored by Irving Shulkes, Cantor Emeritus at Temple Sinai, a Reform congregation in North Miami Beach. Cantor Jodi has worked extensively within the Reform Movement and is a member of the Guild of Temple Musicians (GTM), an affiliate of the Reform Movement’s American Conference of Cantors.
Today, instead of affiliating with a specific movement, Ramat Shalom embraces the tradition of the Conservative Movement, the emphasis the Reconstructionist Movement places on studying our past in order to create a meaningful future, and the creativity of the Reform Movement. Together, Rabbi Andrew and Cantor Debbie create a spiritual home that is uniquely Ramat Shalom and welcoming to all. Please come and experience us!
