Sarasota Hasidic Society

Who We Are

A Home for the
Jewish Soul

The Sarasota Hasidic Society was founded in 1987 by a small group of observant Jewish families who sought a place of authentic Hasidic warmth along Florida's Gulf Coast. What began as Shabbat gatherings in a private home has grown into a thriving congregation of over two hundred families.

Rooted in the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and guided by the Chabad-Lubavitch tradition, we believe that every Jewish soul carries an infinite spark of the Divine. Our doors are open to Jews of all backgrounds — whether you are deeply observant or just beginning your journey.

We offer regular prayer services, Torah classes, holiday celebrations, and lifecycle events, all infused with the hallmark Hasidic spirit of joy, music, and profound connection to G‑d and community.

🕍 Our Shul

A warm, spirited sanctuary where davening comes alive through Hasidic melody and heartfelt kavvanah every weekday, Shabbat, and Yom Tov.

📚 Torah Study

Daily shiurim in Talmud, Halacha, Chassidus, and Parasha. Classes for all levels — from beginners to seasoned scholars.

🌟 Community Life

Shabbat dinners, holiday programming, a mikvah, Jewish day school partnerships, and chesed initiatives throughout Sarasota County.

🤝 Outreach

We welcome every Jew unconditionally. Our outreach programs connect unaffiliated Jews with their heritage, community, and G‑d.

Jewish Faith & Hasidic Thought

What We Believe

Hasidic Judaism is built upon the foundational pillars of Torah, the eternal covenant between G‑d and the Jewish people, and the revolutionary teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, who revealed that every person, in every moment, can achieve closeness with G‑d through joy, prayer, and love.

One G‑d (Monotheism)

We affirm the absolute Oneness of the Almighty. G‑d is infinite, eternal, and the sole Creator of all existence — a truth known as Yichud Hashem.

Torah from Heaven

The Torah — both Written and Oral — was given by G‑d to Moshe at Sinai. It is our eternal guide and the blueprint of creation, binding upon all generations.

Mitzvot & Sacred Action

The 613 commandments sanctify every aspect of life. Through mitzvot we transform the physical world into a dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechina).

Ahavat Yisrael

Love of every fellow Jew is the great principle of the Torah (Rabbi Akiva). Hasidic teaching extends this to an unconditional, boundless love of every Jewish soul.

Tefillah — Prayer

Prayer is the "service of the heart." Hasidism teaches that sincere, heartfelt prayer — with joy and concentration — is a profound encounter with the living G‑d.

Simcha — Joy

The Baal Shem Tov taught that depression is a great obstacle to spiritual growth. Serving G‑d with joy is not merely permitted — it is obligatory and transformative.

Mashiach & Redemption

We await the coming of Mashiach, who will usher in an era of universal peace, wisdom, and the knowledge of G‑d filling the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Shabbat & Holy Days

Shabbat is the cornerstone of Jewish life — a weekly foretaste of the World to Come. The festivals (Yamim Tovim) reconnect us to our people's eternal story.

Tzedakah & Justice

Giving charity is not merely generosity — it is an act of justice. The Tanya teaches that the divine soul expresses itself most fully through acts of loving-kindness.

Our Community

Meet Our Members

Our community is made up of families and individuals from all walks of life, united by a shared love of Torah, tradition, and one another. We are proud to introduce some of our beloved members.

Rabbi Menachem Goldstein

Rabbi & Spiritual Leader

Rebbetzin Rivka Goldstein

Women's Programs Director

Shmuel Berkowitz

Gabbai

Chaya Leah Friedman

Education Coordinator

Yitzchak Rosenbaum

Board President

Esther Miriam Katz

Chesed Chairwoman

Dovid Schneerson

Torah Study Coordinator

Bracha Levine

Youth Program Director

Pinchas Weiss

Cantor (Ba'al Tefillah)

Malka Blumenthal

Mikvah Director

Leibish Shapiro

Outreach Coordinator

Tziporah Horowitz

Secretary

Naftali Stern

Community Liaison

Devorah Laya Cohen

Sisterhood President

Moshe Aryeh Glick

Treasurer

Upcoming

Community Events

Apr12

Pesach Seder — Community Night

Join us for our annual communal Passover Seder. Open to all. Registration required.

Apr26

Shabbaton Weekend Retreat

A full Shabbat immersion experience: prayer, Torah study, singing, and camaraderie.

May11

Lag BaOmer Bonfire & Music

Celebrating the great sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai with music, dancing, and fire.

May31

Shavuot All-Night Torah Study

Receive the Torah anew! Study through the night with our rabbis and scholars.

Jun8

Women's Circle Monthly Gathering

A beautiful evening of inspiration, Torah wisdom, and sisterhood. All women welcome.

Jun22

Youth Shabbat Program

An engaging afternoon program for children ages 5–13. Stories, crafts, and singing.

SarasotaHasidic Society

A Home for theJewish Soul