Temple Judea, the only Reform congregation in Coral Gables and one of South Florida’s longstanding Jewish institutions, has assembled an exceptional team to restore, renovate, and reimagine its historic Morris Lapidus-designed campus.
ELM ARCH will serve as project architect, RedDoor Construction as construction partner, and award-winning architecture and interior design firm CetraRuddy will lead the interior design vision. Together, the three firms bring complementary expertise to the next phase of Temple Judea’s LEV – From the Heart Capital Campaign. They will preserve the character of Lapidus’ original design, while creating welcoming, accessible and inspiring spaces that meet the congregation’s evolving needs.
“Temple Judea has always been more than a building. It is our spiritual home, a center of learning, a place of connection and celebration, and a gathering place for Jewish life in South Florida,” said Senior Rabbi Judith L. Siegal. “Through LEV, we have the extraordinary opportunity to honor the vision and history that brought us to this moment while thoughtfully preparing our sacred home for the generations who will follow us.”
Lawrence Lambert, president of Temple Judea, said, “This is much more than a renovation. It is the careful stewardship of an architectural and spiritual legacy honoring what Morris Lapidus created, celebrating what generations of Temple Judea families have built and imagining what comes next.”
Coral Gables’ Jewish Community
Temple Judea’s story began in 1946, when a small group of Jewish families living in and around Coral Gables gathered in private homes, storefronts and at the University of Miami Hillel Center for worship and fellowship. In September 1948, the congregation formally organized as the Coral Gables Jewish Center, joining what is now the Union for Reform Judaism. In 1956, it officially became Temple Judea.
By the early 1960s, as Miami’s Jewish population expanded southward, Temple Judea recognized the need for a larger campus to accommodate its growing congregation and vibrant programs of worship, education and community life. With assistance from the University of Miami, the congregation acquired its prominent location along US1 and selected internationally renowned architect Morris Lapidus to design its new home.
Preserving A Morris Lapidus legacy
Best known for iconic Miami landmarks including the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels, Lapidus brought his distinctive sense of movement, drama and experience to Temple Judea.
The campus was conceived not simply as a collection of buildings, but as a journey through Jewish communal life. Its signature three entrance arches came to symbolize the pillars of worship, learning, and assembly — the essential elements of a thriving Jewish community.
Today, the arches remain a recognizable Jewish beacon along US1, welcoming members, visitors and the broader community.
The LEV project will protect this architectural legacy while addressing contemporary priorities including accessibility, technology, comfort, flexibility, and community connection.
The campus transformation will include the restoration of Temple Judea’s historic architecture; the renewal of its sanctuary and communal spaces; enhanced accessibility and inclusion; updated technology, sound and lighting; strengthened security; and interior and exterior environments designed to support worship, learning, celebration and human connection.
“From the beginning of this campaign, we have said that our past is not separate from our future; it is the foundation upon which we build,” Lambert added. “Our vision honors the importance of Morris Lapidus’ architecture while ensuring that these spaces remain vibrant, relevant and welcoming for everyone who worships, learns, celebrates and gathers here.”
LEV – From the Heart
The LEV – From the Heart Capital Campaign is Temple Judea’s collective commitment to restore, renovate and reimagine its sacred campus for the future.
“Lev” means “heart” in Hebrew, reflecting both the role Temple Judea has played in the lives of generations of families, and the campaign’s central purpose: ensuring that the congregation remains a vibrant center of Jewish life for generations to come.
In a joint statement, LEV Campaign co-chairs Margie Baron and Michael Spritzer, and Julie and Gary Simon, said, “This is one of those rare projects where history, architecture, faith and community come together. We have an extraordinary responsibility to preserve an important part of Coral Gables and Miami architectural history, while creating a Temple Judea that will inspire people for the next 80 years. LEV is about honoring where we have been and having the courage and imagination to envision where we are going.”
Temple Judea is a thriving congregation of nearly 700 households dedicated to worship, lifelong Jewish learning, community, inclusion and tikkun olam. The congregation is guided by its foundational statement: “Through a strong Jewish community, we better ourselves and the world.”
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