Boca Raton, FL – March 26, 2025 – A quarter-century ago, Rabbi Josh and Simone Broide arrived in Boca Raton, drawn by the vision of a growing Jewish community. Today, after 25 years of transformative leadership, outreach, and innovation, the Broides are making Aliyah – but their legacy in South Florida will live on.
On March 26, 2025, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS) will honor Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide at its Annual Gala Dinner, “A Night of Gratitude.” This evening will celebrate their unparalleled impact in shaping Jewish life in Boca Raton and serve as a heartfelt farewell before they embark on the next chapter of their journey in Israel, all while remaining actively involved in the South Florida Jewish community.
From a Small Jewish Community to a Thriving Jewish Hub
When the Broides arrived in Boca Raton 25 years ago, the Jewish community was growing but fragmented. Rabbi Josh Broide immediately recognized the need for a unified and welcoming Jewish environment, ensuring that Jews of all backgrounds—regardless of their level of observance—felt at home.
As the Founding Director of the Deborah and Larry D. Silver Center for Jewish Engagement, a division of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, and the Outreach Rabbi at Boca Raton Synagogue, Rabbi Broide has dedicated himself to connecting Jews with their heritage and with each other. Through his initiatives, thousands have been inspired to engage with Judaism in a meaningful way.
His groundbreaking work includes:
✅ Launching Partners in Jewish Life (PJL.org), fostering one-on-one Torah study and meaningful connections across denominations.
✅ Bringing together South Palm Beach County’s rabbis of all denominations, fostering
mutual understanding through regular meetings and programs at the Jewish Federation.
✅ Establishing innovative High Holy Day services for the unaffiliated, which have welcomed hundreds of Jews each year who might not otherwise attend services.
✅ Receiving the Jerusalem Unity Prize from the President of Israel for his efforts in uniting Jewish communities.
While the Broides are moving to Israel, Rabbi Broide will continue his work as Director of the Silver Foundation, based in Boca Raton, in an expanding relationship with its benefactors, Deborah & Larry D. Silver. He remains committed to strengthening South Florida’s Jewish community and will fly back to lead High Holy Day services and expand Partners in Jewish Life to new communities.
“I don’t think my relationship with South Florida is going to end when we move to Israel,” says Rabbi Broide. “This community has been our home, and our mission to strengthen Jewish life here is far from over.”
Simone Broide: A Quarter-Century of Transforming Lives
For 25 years, Simone Broide has been a pillar of leadership, compassion, and community building. From her early days running youth, outreach, and chesed programs at BRS to her groundbreaking work with Chai Lifeline, and now as Director of OU/Yachad South Florida, Simone has touched thousands of lives, supporting children, families, and individuals with disabilities.
Her unwavering dedication to inclusion and advocacy has ensured that every member of the Jewish community—regardless of ability—feels valued and embraced. At Boca Raton Synagogue and the Boca Raton Jewish Experience, Simone has developed transformative programs that have empowered women, inspired youth, and strengthened Jewish families.
“Over the past 25 years, we have celebrated the greatest simchas together—weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and new beginnings—and we have also stood side by side through life’s challenges. This community has been our family, offering support, love, and strength in every season of life. While we are excited to begin this next chapter in Israel, we leave with hearts overflowing with gratitude for the friendships, memories, and shared experiences that will remain with us forever.”
A Celebration of a Legacy—And a New Chapter
The Gala Dinner will be an opportunity for the entire community to express their gratitude for the Broides’ vision, dedication, and impact. It will be a night of heartfelt tributes, inspiring
speeches, and meaningful reflections on how two individuals helped transform Boca Raton into one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in the country.
Join Us for This Unforgettable Evening!
The Boca Raton community is invited to honor Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide at the BRS Gala Dinner on March 26, 2025.
✅ Reserve your seat
✅ Submit a tribute ad
Visit BRSonline.org/dinner to RSVP and take part in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of two incredible leaders who have made an everlasting impact.
For more details or media inquiries, please contact Judy at Boca Raton Synagogue at (561) 394-0394 or [email protected].
About Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS) Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS) is an Orthodox congregation committed to Torah learning, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a mission to foster a warm and inclusive Jewish environment, BRS has become a central hub for Jewish life in South Florida.
