The Jacksonville Shabbos Shul Scene

By: Breindy Lazor

At the center of Jewish life in Jax are the warm and welcoming shuls in our frum community.  On any given Shabbos, it’s not uncommon for members of one shul to stop at another for a minyan, kiddush, luncheon or just the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors at the different shuls.

Let’s explore, on a typical Shabbos, three thriving shuls in the Mandarin neighborhood which are filled with families, singles, empty nesters and anyone and everyone in between. 

Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida, located on Haley Road, may be roughly 30 years old but the vibe is young and happening, especially on Shabbos.  Entering the shul foyer, the sounds of children playing and attendees davening mingle together with the smells of the rebbetzin’s kugel and the kiddush fare being prepared.  Heartfelt Chabad niggunim coming from inside the shul are the backdrop for mothers with small children catching up in the entrance hall.  Every Shabbos there is a kiddush and most Shabbosim, there is a community lunch meal open to all following davening.

Just across San Jose Blvd, we find Etz Chaim Synagogue, home to an OU Ashkenaz minyan, as well as a Sefardic minyan on Shabbosim. Navigating the maze of strollers in the entry way, one can hear the distant sounds of children chattering at Shabbos groups down the hall.  In the recently remodeled sanctuary, the room is filled with the sounds of adults and children singing. The Jerusalem stone surrounding the Aron Kodesh and the picture windows opening out to the scenes of nature on Etz Chaim’s campus, serves to further elevate the atmosphere.  Shabbos davening is always followed by a kiddush and often an enhanced affair celebrating a birth or similar joyous occasion as members and non-members mill around to meet up with fellow community members.

Our newest addition in the shul scene is the Shtiebel, located in the heart of the frum community. The Shtiebel currently runs a Friday night minyan only, where the air is electrified by the energy and vitality of attendees.  Filled with ruach and a Carlebach davening that brings the rafters down, the Shtiebel experience starts even before Mincha with pre-Shabbos treats like homemade herring, whiskey, kugel and cholent.  The Friday night davening is described by members in one word: community.  Bonding starts over food, l’chaims, and traditional toiameha lovingly prepared by dedicated members.  This shared experience soon leads into powerful tefillos that include singing Carlebach tunes and other heimishe niggunim, dancing during parts of Kabbalas Shabbos, and shmoozing following davening. To learn more about the Shtiebel feel free to call (347)-450-7071.

The Shabbos shul scene in Jax is a colorful combination with multiple shuls and minyanim that have something for everyone.  On your visit to Jax, be sure to mix it up by shul hopping to and from the Shtiebel, Etz Chaim and Chabad to really get the full Jax flavor!

Check here for Shul locations and more information.