The community, also known as “El Circulo,” was founded in 1961 to provide a home for Jews from Cuba.

When Fidel Castro came to power many Cuban Jews sought refuge in Miami Beach. These newcomers from Cuba were not welcomed by the existing Jewish community and developed its own close-knit community within the greater Jewish community. On September 22nd, 1961 there was a meeting of 13 people at the Lucerne Hotel of Miami Beach to form a community for Jews of Cuban descent. The name Cuban Hebrew Circle of Miami (Circulo Cubano Hebreo de Miami) was adopted. Years of dynamic growth followed.

In 1965 the El Circulo’s name was officially changed to Cuban Hebrew Congregation. That same year the congregation set up a table at Opa-Locka Airport to welcome refugees coming from Cuba. Until the early 1970s, El Circulo worked to help Cubans coming to South Florida through the Freedom Flights.

In 1982 ground was broken for a two million dollar synagogue building designed by Cuban American architect Oscar Sklar. After the building’s completion, in 1984 the new synagogue received a “Best Institutional Project” award from the Miami Beach Development Corporation. The Congregation, whose services had previously been in the Orthodox tradition, joined United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

The congregation dedicated its new large synagogue in 1985. The structure was designed by congregation member Oscar Sklar. The stained-glass windows of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Jewish holiday artwork on the bimah were designed by Inge Pape Trampler. Mexican artist Naomi Siegman designed the candelabras on both sides of the bimah. The name of the synagogue, “Temple Beth Shmuel,” honors Shmuel Schacter, the father of Jack Chester. In addition, the Olemberg Ballroom was dedicated by Isaac and Nieves Olemberg, in honor of Isaac’s parents.