C7G - Approve Plaque Honoring Rabbi

Resolutions - C7 G

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends the City Commission approve the Resolution and set the public hearing for July 23, 2025.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On March 19, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission approved the referral of item C4 T, sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner, to discuss at the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC” or the “Committee”) installing a memorial plaque on 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive in honor of Rabbi Tibor Stern.

ANALYSIS

The referral memo described Rabbi Tibor H. Stern as a distinguished Torah scholar, spiritual leader, and prolific author whose influence extended across communities in the United States and beyond. The memo further went on to describe his accomplishments. His rabbinic career began with leadership roles at Congregation Kerem Israel in Kansas City, Missouri, and Beth Israel in Oakland, California.

In 1955, Rabbi Stern arrived in Miami Beach, where he served as the spiritual leader of Beth Jacob Congregation until 1964. He then became the Rabbi of the Jacob C. Cohen Community Synagogue, a position he held from 1964 to 1990. Later, he continued his leadership as the Rabbi of Congregation Chevra Shas of Tower 41.

A visionary in strengthening Jewish life in Miami Beach, Rabbi Stern played a pivotal role in establishing the Miami Beach eruv in 1982 and served as chairman of the Miami Beach Eruv Council. Additionally, he chaired the Rabbinic Building Commission during the reconstruction of the Daughters of Israel mikvah.

Beyond his local impact, Rabbi Stern was a respected leader in the broader Orthodox Jewish community. He served as vice president of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the U.S. and Canada and was a member of the Executive of the Rabbinical Council of America. A dedicated philanthropist, Rabbi Stern was actively involved with numerous charitable organizations, particularly the Bikur Cholim hospital in Israel. His intellectual contributions were vast, authoring

over 35 volumes of scholarly works and Torah publications that continue to be revered worldwide.

On May 14, 2025, the Committee discussed the item and recommended in favor of establishing a commemorative plaque in Rabbi Stern’s honor. Pursuant to Section to 82-504 (a) of the City Code, this recommendation is being transmitted to the Mayor and City Commission for consideration and, consistent with the requirements of Section 82-504 (a)(6), setting a public hearing for July 23, 2025.

If the Commission ultimately approves honoring the life of Rabbi Tibor Stern with a memorial plaque to be installed at 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive (the "Project") in accordance with Section 82-504 of the City Code, the Project will consist of installation of the commemorative plaque, including design, fabrication, installation, and necessary improvements to the area. The total cost for this Project is approximately $1,500.00.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The fiscal impact for this Project is approximately $1,500.00.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

The Administration recommends adopting the Resolution accepting the recommendation of the PSNQLC at its May 14, 2025, meeting to establish a commemorative plaque at 41 st Street and Pine Tree Drive, in honor of Rabbi Tibor Stern. Furthermore, said Resolution setting a public hearing on July 23, 2025, to consider whether to approve the proposed commemorative plaque by a 5/7ths vote; and directing the City Clerk to provide public notice of the hearing consistent with the requirements of Section 82-504(a)(6) of the City Code.

Applicable Area

Middle Beach

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Facilities and Fleet Management

Sponsor(s)

Mayor Steven Meiner

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Set PH/Accept Rec/Establish Commemorative Plaque in Honor of Rabbi Stern. (Meiner) FF

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)