RECOGNIZING THE LIPSCHITZ, STEIN & KUTTLER FAMILIES
Rabbi Max Lipschitz began his career with his first pulpit in Madison, WI for his first 10 years in the rabbinate as a graduate of Yeshiva University. An Orthodox ordained rabbi to serve his entire career with distinction in the Conservative Movement. He accepted his appointment as Rabbi of the Jewish Center of Monticello Park and moved to N. Miami Beach in 1959.
Miriam & Rabbi Max, and two little ones, Sandy (6) and Shelley (4) and soon to arrive, Fayanne, six months later, lived in NMB where they remained for the rest of his life. They would face a major challenge to build a synagogue and a community and they did just that! Together with synagogue leadership, Rabbi led the community in a major fundraising campaign to build what was to become the new home of Beth Torah Congregation in 1962.
An unbelievable architectural masterpiece where the JC of Monticello Park stood on NE 11th Avenue and 163rd St. The small synagogue building became the nursery school, religious school and offices. The rest of the new sanctuary building and roof was in the shape of a Jewish star.
Rabbi Max led Beth Torah with distinction for the rest of his career until retiring and becoming an active Rabbi Emeritus. He led the merger with Adath Yeshurun and the move to Ives Dairy Rd. On his retirement, the Rabbi Max A.
Lipschitz Judaica Museum was established at Beth Torah and Rabbi Max was to be known as the Founding Rabbi thereafter.
North Miami Beach grew and prospered because of Beth Torah which, in the 1960’s, had over 1100 families, with over 1,000 children in Religious School and over 400 in USY.
The “PK’s” – Preacher Kids, as they dubbed themselves grew up at the Hebrew Academy on Miami Beach and in USY at Beth Torah.
Sandy became a Pediatrician in Troy, Michigan and has been living in that area ever since. His maternal grandfather was Rabbi Moshe Lehrman z”l of B’nai Moshe in Oak Park, MI, Brother of Rabbi Irving Lehrman, z”l, of Temple Emanu-El, Miami Beach. Sandy is married to Lynn and has two daughters, Brooke & Alexa.
Shelley married Stuart Schochet z”l, and lived in New Jersey where they raised three boys. We all remember when the “king”, Moshe, was born followed by Ari & Yehuda. Stuart passed away in 2016.
Rabbi Max married Rhoda Stein in 1976 and together they created family life at Beth Torah and throughout the community.
Rhoda & Stanley Stein, z”l, were members of the JC of Monticello Park in 1958. He served on the Board of Directors and Rhoda was Sisterhood President, Ways & Means VP and a member of the Board of Directors for 15 years.
Rhoda raised her son, Robbie, and daughter, Kate, at Beth Torah where they attended Religious School and became a Bar & Bat Mitzvah. Robbie married Dale Kaplan from S. Dade and have resided in Gainesville where Dale is a Veterinarian, and raised their two daughters, Sara & Gracie.
Kate raised Anthony & Daniel Abato in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Anthony is married with one child and one on the way.
Rhoda’s children and grandchildren admired, respected and loved Rabbi Max.
Fayanne was married and birthed 3 daughters, Rebecca, Danielle and Talia, born and raised at Beth Torah and still involved in congregational life. Rebecca was married at Beth Torah on January 30th to Tim Dornford. Danielle has been married for 9 years to Karl Rudolph and have two children, Max and Abby. Talia, now 26, continues to be involved in numerous social action and mitzvah projects at Beth Torah and throughout the community. She is always right there to wish everyone a “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Anniversary” on Facebook.
Rabbi Max & Rhoda have 19 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Beth Torah, the N. Dade Jewish Community and many organizations locally, nationally and in Israel are thriving today because of the profound leadership of Rabbi Max. His legacy endures forever in our hearts and lives.
The Lipschitz, Stein & Kuttler Family has been a part of Beth Torah history for 63 years. Shushan Purim celebrates the 10th yahrzeit of our beloved rabbi who passed away in 2011. May his memory always be for a blessing and may the generations past, present and future thrive on the legacy he left for all of us.
Each week one of our generational families will be recognized by our congregation blessed
by the rabbis at both the “virtual” Friday evening and Shabbat morning services.
Over 50 families have been identified with 50 + years of membership at Beth Torah and another
25 families as their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who are currently members of Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus.
To view the Services:
Friday night: https://btbrc.org/livestreaming/
Click on Perez Chapel at 7:00 pm
Shabbat Morning: https://btbrc.org/livestreaming/
Click on Perez Chapel at 9:30 am
