A handful of Sun City residents looking for a spiritual home started Temple Beth Shalom in 1968. In the beginning, the congregation would meet at the Fairway Center in Sun City before moving to the Sun Dial Center in 1975.

 

Rabbi Albert Michels became the first permanent rabbi for the congregation, and was officially installed in 1972. In 1976, the congregation purchased land and began construction a year later.

 

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Rabbi Michels said, “At last, we have a home. We no longer have to wander in the desert.” The congregation has seen tremendous growth in the West Valley and is still located on North 101st Avenue in Sun City.

 

Since 1972, Temple Beth Shalom has had only five rabbis serving the congregation. 

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