ABOUT OUR TEMPLE

Temple Beth David (TBD) has a storied past. It began in 1981 when a few Jewish families gathered for Sabbath services in private homes. This humble beginning was to be the foundation for the first formal Jewish presence in Gwinnett County, Georgia. As TBD began to take shape, space was utilized within local schools, a hospital, a day-care facility, and finally a local church for classes and/or places of worship.

The year 1984 was to hold special significance for the temple and its congregation. As the membership slowly grew, the temple leadership had the foresight to purchase property for a future building site within the Snellville area while continuing to operate out of a local church. At the same time, TBD had the great fortune to acquire its very own Torah.

In July of 1987, Rabbi Richard Baroff became the temple's and Gwinnett County's first full-time rabbi. He continued his service to the congregation until June 2001.

Three years later in January of 1990, the congregation gathered on its land for a very emotional ground breaking ceremony. Just six months later, a dream became a reality when the first Sabbath service was held in the new sanctuary.

To date, Temple Beth David has grown to over 125 families. With this growth has come the rewarding responsibility of providing a continued spirit of worship and service that does not sacrifice the family closeness that has been our trademark. TBD offers a deep and emotional experience through its weekly services, holiday celebrations, and life-cycle events. Furthermore, TBD provides a rich and diverse educational program.

Service to the Jewish community and the community-at-large remains at the heart of TBD's mission. Our community service has included participation in Hunger Walks, aid to the Temple Homeless Shelter, food collections/donations, pinch-hitting on Christmas for our non-Jewish neighbors, and volunteering at homes for the aged.

So while we reflect and celebrate our past, TBD looks forward with the hope that continued good fortune will allow us to remain and grow as an integral part of both the Gwinnett and The Atlanta communities. It is also our hope that other interested families will become active in our future also.

In May of 1996, we doubled our holdings with the purchase of an adjoining piece of property and with it two structures. The main structure is referred to as the SHAC. The Social Hall and Activity Center (SHAC) is used to house our meetings, Boy Scout troop gatherings, preschool playgroup, and social events. In the Spring of 1999, the SHAC was renamed the Gurt Docterman Building. It was dedicated in the memory of this devoted and beloved TBD member.

Exciting things are happening at Temple Beth David. We have recently hired a new rabbi, Rabbi Bluming, and built a new sanctuary. It was officially opened on September 9^th, 2001. On this day Snellville Mayor Brett Harrell proclaimed September 9^th to be Temple Beth David Day in the city of Snellville. In 2003 we were officially annexed into Snellville.