Temple Sinai is excited to share a new step in strengthening Jewish life in North Miami-Dade with an agreement to sell the two educational buildings on the north end of our campus to Scheck Hillel Community Day School, helping expand Jewish education and deepen collaboration across our shared campus community.
Dear Congregants:
We are writing to share an important and exciting update about the future of our campus — one that reflects our long-term vision and enduring commitment to strengthening Jewish life in North Dade.
For many years, the two educational buildings at the north end of our campus have been leased to BridgePrep Academy. As their lease approaches its natural conclusion in June 2028, our Board has taken this opportunity to examine how these buildings can best support our Sinai community and the broader Jewish community moving forward.
After a year of thoughtful discussion, extensive due diligence, and a vote of our Board, we have entered into an agreement for the sale of the two north-end educational buildings to Scheck Hillel Community Day School. Hillel has been planning an expansion for several years and has reached a point where additional space is essential to accommodate its significant waiting list.
This decision reflects a larger vision: to strengthen the “bridge” — both literally and symbolically — that connects Temple Sinai, the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, and Scheck Hillel Community Day School in order to create a strong North Miami-Dade Jewish campus. Providing for more Jewish educational space aligns with our mission and deepens the vibrancy of Jewish life for families in our area.
It is important to be clear: this is not a decision driven by financial distress. Temple Sinai is on strong footing. The sale of these two buildings — which the temple has not used in a substantive way for many years — allows us to take meaningful steps toward long-term communal strengths. The proceeds of the sale will enable us to:
- Launch significant campus improvements and renovations
- Grow our endowment that will support our congregation for generations
- Retire our current mortgage
- Implement an expanded, collaborative campus-wide security plan in partnership with Hillel and the MARJCC
Just as important, the agreement under negotiation protects Temple Sinai priorities and guarantees continued access to the spaces and infrastructure essential to our religious and community life. Specifically, Temple Sinai will:
- Convert the Pollack Educational Administration Building into flexible programming and educational space
- Maintain access to the north-end portion of the campus when Hillel is not in session
- Continue running all of our youth education programs (Gan Sinai, Sun Sinai, Club Sinai, Sinai Learning Lab, and Camp Sinai) without interruption
- Retain full parking access and full use of the Berlin Community Bridge
- Participate in joint management of common areas and coordination of renovations through an HOA-style structure
- Uphold protections related to pool maintenance and relocation needs
We also want to reassure you that hosting a school that practices a different form of observance does not change Temple Sinai’s identity. We will continue to be the warm, inclusive, pluralistic Reform community we have always been. Welcoming another Jewish institution enriches our campus and strengthens our community; it does not alter our practices, values or governance. We are especially proud of the cooperative spirit with Scheck Hillel; a collaboration rooted in mutual respect and a collective responsibility to unify and strengthen Jewish life across North Dade.
This has been a long and involved process. We want to express our gratitude to BridgePrep Academy. They have been valued tenants, and we are committed to supporting a respectful and thoughtful transition. BridgePrep will continue to operate on our campus through the full duration of the lease, and we have been communicating closely with their leadership and ensuring ample time for planning.
We express our deepest appreciation to Scheck Hillel Community Day School for their partnership throughout this process, as well as the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Michael Ann Russell JCC for their continued support and collaboration. Finally, we would like to thank the Temple Sinai Board of Trustees, the senior staff, and particularly Norman Leopold and Darren Friedman for their leadership and counsel which made this project a reality,
We will continue to update you as plans progress and are excited for what lies ahead. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
With appreciation,
Henry Hirsch, President
Alan Litwak, Senior Rabbi
FAQs
Q: What is the timeline?
A: While an agreement has been reached, there is still a process required to close the transaction. This includes a due diligence period and legal work to transfer the property. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 12-18 months, once the county authorizes a property subdivision. Scheck Hillel will take full possession of the buildings in July 2028, after the conclusion of the lease with BridgePrep.
Q: Why are we not renewing BridgePrep’s lease?
A: BridgePrep’s lease concludes in July 2028, and this moment gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen our campus and the North Dade Jewish community. Transitioning the buildings to Hillel allows us to create a unified Jewish educational corridor that aligns with our temple’s mission, values and long-term vision.
Q: Where will BridgePrep students go?
A: BridgePrep has more than two years to plan their next steps. We have been in ongoing communication with their leadership and are committed to supporting a respectful and thoughtful transition.
Q: Is there any legal dispute?
A: No. All parties are acting within the terms of the existing lease agreements. Our conversations with both organizations have been collaborative, respectful and focused on what is best for the students, families and broader community. Both Sinai and Hillel have had excellent teams (lay, legal, and staff) who are committed to maintaining this throughout the transition process and into the future.
Q: Why can’t both schools share the space?
A: The current structures cannot accommodate two full schools with distinct academic schedules, security needs and operational requirements.
Q: Will this require renovations or upgrades?
There may be some modifications as the transition approaches. Any necessary work will be communicated in advance, and we will work in coordination with Hillel to minimize disruption to Temple Sinai programs, holidays and daily operations. This includes a collaborative, expanded security plan benefitting the entire campus.
