The Jewish community in Sarasota holds a deeply personal place in my heart. It’s warm, welcoming, wonderfully active, and full of opportunities to connect. With so many ways to get involved in Jewish life, Sarasota has become the perfect place for many individuals and families to grow meaningful roots.
As a longtime Sarasota Realtor, I’ve had a front-row seat to the growth and vibrancy of our local Jewish community. I know that moving to a new city is about more than finding the right house — it’s about building a home. Over the past 20+ years, one of the greatest joys of my career has been helping Jewish couples and families relocate, settle in, and find their place here.
You may even be surprised at what Sarasota has to offer!
My Jewish Life in Sarasota: A Personal Connection
I moved to Sarasota 28 years ago, and as I raised my three daughters, I was intentional about building a strong Jewish life and community for our family. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, I experienced a very centralized Jewish community—everyone lived close by, and life naturally revolved around synagogues, youth groups, and long-established connections.
Sarasota was different. The Jewish community felt more spread out, and at first, it wasn’t immediately clear where to start. But once I began getting involved, I discovered a warm, welcoming, and steadily growing community.
My husband, Ben, and I joined Temple Beth Sholom, where our children attended preschool and later became Bat Mitzvahs (my husband celebrated his Bar Mitzvah here as well). We also became deeply involved with the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, where I served on the board for nine years. Now, I serve on one of the Federation’s national boards as a way to strengthen and give back to the community that has given us so much.
The Jewish Population in Sarasota, Florida
Jewish life in Sarasota has expanded significantly over the past two decades. Today, there are around 35,000 Jewish individuals living in the Sarasota-Manatee area.
A 2019 Brandeis study found that the Jewish population has grown by 86 percent since 2001, with the number of Jewish children doubling during that time. This growth has helped create a more vibrant and diverse community.
Unlike some cities, Sarasota doesn’t have one specific “Jewish neighborhood.” Instead, Jewish residents are spread throughout Sarasota-Manatee, including Sarasota County, Lakewood Ranch, coastal areas and Downtown Sarasota, and Manatee County.
This geographic diversity is part of what makes Jewish life in Sarasota so dynamic, and there are many ways to find your place.
Synagogues & The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee: Finding Your Kehillah
For anyone looking to connect through synagogue life and formal organizations, Sarasota offers a wide range of options. The largest synagogues in Sarasota are (in no particular order) Temple Emanu-El, Temple Sinai, and Temple Beth Sholom. Other congregations in the area include Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key, The Jewish Congregation of Venice, Chabad (in Sarasota, Downtown, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, and Venice), and Kol HaNeshama.
Temple Emanu-El
Temple Emanu-El is a Reform synagogue in Sarasota known for its warmth and friendliness. Led by Rabbis Glickman and Shefrin, Temple Emanu-El is home to over 750 member households. The synagogue offers daily programs, musical Shabbat services, an Early Learning Center, a religious school, and other family-friendly programming.
Temple Sinai
Another Reform congregation, Temple Sinai serves around 275 member families. The synagogue emphasizes inclusion, diversity, and social action. It offers adult and youth groups, a Gan (preschool), religious school, and community programs that support learning and connection.
Temple Beth Sholom
Temple Beth Sholom is Sarasota’s Conservative synagogue. It offers a full-service, egalitarian congregation with regular Shabbat services, a daily minyan, youth groups, a Men’s Club and Sisterhood, and lifelong learning opportunities. The Temple currently has around 400 member families.
Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
While not a synagogue, the Jewish Federation serves as a central hub for Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee. It offers newcomer welcome programs, children’s camps, teen travel opportunities, cultural events, volunteer options, Israel advocacy, philanthropy initiatives, and more.
Sarasota’s Jewish Federation is a unique and special place, committed to creating beautiful spaces to engage the community. It has undergone substantial renovation and development over the last several years, establishing event spaces, sports facilities, and a beautiful Holocaust Memorial Garden. The Ora, a premier event space with one of the largest ballrooms in town, opened just last year. And even more recently, the Larry Greenspon Sports Complex opened and became the home of SunCourt Sports and a destination for tennis, pickleball, and fitness.
The Cultural Pulse: Arts, Festivals, and Food
Beyond synagogue walls, Jewish culture thrives in Sarasota:
Festivals and Food
The Sarasota Jewish Food Festival, hosted by Temple Sinai and local Jewish delis, is a community favorite. Sarasota’s best Jewish delis are Palm Avenue Deli and The Original Wolfie’s Restaurant. Don’t forget the matzo ball soup!
Arts and Entertainment
For those interested in the arts, the Sarasota Jewish Theater puts on plays with Jewish themes, new works by Jewish playwrights, and interactive community discussions. The Federation also offers a Jewish Film Series each year, bringing meaningful stories to the local community.
Other Ways to Get Involved in Sarasota's Jewish Community
Beyond synagogues and cultural events, there are many additional organizations that help build Jewish community:
Social Groups and Jewish Community Building
In addition to these organizations, many of the neighborhoods around town host holiday events, such as Chanukkah parties and Passover seders.
Families
Advocacy
Ready to Find Your Sarasota Home?
Finding your community is an essential piece in making a new place feel like home. Because the Jewish community in Sarasota has been such a meaningful part of my life, I am deeply committed to helping my clients find their place here, too.
If you have questions about the Jewish community in Sarasota, Florida, or you’re ready to make Sarasota your home, I’m here to help you every step of the way. Contact me at 941.266.0529 or [email protected].
L'Chaim — to life in Sarasota!
