R7E - Approve Plaque Honoring Rabbi Tibor Stern

Resolutions - R7 E

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

2:05 p.m. Public Hearing

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends approving by 5/7 th vote, the establishment of a commemorative plaque located at 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive in honor of Rabbi Tibor Stern, following a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to Section 82-504(a) of the City Code.

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.

On May 14, 2025, the Committee discussed the item and recommended in favor of establishing a commemorative plaque in Rabbi Stern’s honor.

ANALYSIS

On June 23, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission adopted a Resolution accepting the recommendation made at the May 14, 2025, Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC” or the “Committee”) meeting to approve the establishment of a memorial plaque on 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive in honor of Rabbi Tibor Stern. Furthermore, said Resolution set a public hearing on July 23, 2025, pursuant to Section 82-504 (a) of the City Code, to consider whether to approve the proposed commemorative plaque by a 5/7ths vote; and directed the City Clerk to provide public notice of the hearing consistent with the requirements of Section 82-504(a)(6).

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.

The Administration recommends 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.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The fiscal impact for this Project is approximately $5,400.00.

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 approving by 5/7 th vote, the establishment of a commemorative plaque in front of the facility located at 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive in honor of Rabbi Tibor Stern, following a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to Section 82-504(a) 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

2:05 p.m. PH, Approve Plaque to Honor Rabbi Tibor Stern, 41 St & Pine Tree Dr. (SM) PKS 5/7

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)

Not reached on 7/23/2025 - R7 C