The Edmond J. Safra Synagogue located in Aventura, Florida was a project originally conceived by several members of the community from Brooklyn, New York and Deal, New Jersey.  In the early 1990’s, under the leadership of Ossie Harary, Eddie Sitt z”l, Sam “Sonny” Gindi z”l, Lou Franco z”l and Amerique Ashear z”l, a group of men would meet in a small room in the North Tower of Turnberry, on Saturday Mornings, and say their prayers. During the week, they prayed at various synagogues along Dixie Highway or above the Police Station in Aventura Mall. That was the beginning of our vibrant and spirited Sephardic Synagogue of Turnberry which later became The Edmond J. Safra Synagogue.

In 1997 with the help of several community members including Messrs. Ralph Tawil, David Braka, Sr. z”l, Ivor Braka, Manny Haber and Lou Massry the acquisition of the land on which the Synagogue stands was completed.  As talk of a Synagogue being built in Aventura began to circulate, in addition to the financial contributions received from families living in Brooklyn and Deal, we received funding from families living in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.  We now truly had become an international Synagogue.

In September, 1998, early in the pre-construction stages, Mr. David Braka, Sr. z”l, Chairman Emeritus made the following statement:  I wish to thank the numerous individuals who morally and financially support the project (of building this Synagogue) and the many friends who are committed to the religious values this synagogue shall represent.  I appreciate each and every one of you.

During the construction, trailers were erected where prayers began and the day to day responsibility of running the synagogue fell upon Mr. Clement Soffer. While he resided in Aventura, he gave of himself unconditionally to better our Synagogue in any way possible.

This Synagogue is dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest philanthropist of the 20th century, Mr. Edmond J. Safra z”l. Since his passing in 1999, his wife, Mrs. Lily Safra has continued in his legacy of kindness and generosity.

In September 2001 we officially opened our doors and as a community celebrated the High Holidays for the first time in our beautiful water front sanctuary.

The Edmond J. Safra Synagogue is known throughout the world as one of the most magnificent Synagogues and visited by thousands of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Our Synagogue is a jewel in South Florida and a proud Sephardic house of worship that demonstrates and projects the beauty and the dedication of the Syrian Sephardic community. It reflects the high standard of dedication to the Almighty.

We welcome you and your families to participate with us in our services, classes and programs for all segments of our beautiful community. We are a unique Synagogue supported strictly LESHEM SHAMAYIM, similar to our original Beit Hamikdash that was supported by the people in beautifying and strengthening the house of the Lord.