Congregation Etz Chaim first opened our doors in Miami in 1974, so that gay and lesbian Jews could find a safe and nurturing place of worship and community. Now located in Wilton Manors, Etz Chaim has been the spiritual home for generations of people in the decades since our founding. We continue to be a community that proudly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and heterosexual singles, couples, and families.

Hazzan Jerry Berkowitz

Jerry Berkowitz has been serving the Jewish Community with his voice and music since he was 8 years old and learned to read Torah at The Ramaz School, the Orthodox Yeshiva in Manhattan. Since 1976 Jerry has been leading services, reading Torah, Haftorah and all the Megilot, teaching Cantillation and Bar-Mitzvah lessons and generally giving support to at least three congregations and Jewish organizations at any given point in time. He has been Hazzan at Congregation Etz Chaim since 2009, and is a much appreciated member of the Congregation Etz Chaim family. If you ever need a sweet pick-me-up after a tough week, stop by Etz Chaim Friday Nights at 8pm. Jerry promises a great evening of music, song and prayer.

Board of Directors