History of Jews in Florida

Enjoy an exhilarating and surprising overview of the history of Jews in Florida.
Presented by Marcia Jo Zerivitz, the Founding Executive Director of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

This history of the Jews of Florida from colonial times to the present is a sweeping tapestry of voices spanning centuries. Despite not being officially allowed to live in Florida until 1763, Jewish immigrants escaping expulsions and exclusions were among the earliest settlers. They have been integral to every area of Florida’s growth, from tilling the land and developing early communities to boosting tourism and ultimately pushing mankind into space.

The Sunshine State’s Jews, working for common good, have been Olympians, Nobel Prize winners, computer pioneers, educators, politicians, leaders in business and the arts and more, while maintaining their heritage to help ensure Jewish continuity for future generations. Today, Florida has the third largest population in the nation and the third largest Jewish community.

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