Cantor Murray E. Simon is a native of Philadelphia, PA where he earned the degree of Bachelor of Music in Performance from Temple University. He also attended the Boston Conservatory of Music where he received his Master of Music degree in Voice. Recognizing his love for interpreting the liturgical music of the synagogue, Cantor Simon enrolled at the Hebrew Union College - School of Sacred Music in New York City. Cantor Simon served several prominent congregations in the New York City and Boston communities before coming to The Jewish Center of Princeton, where he spent 14 years as cantor. He has also held positions as national president of the Cantorial Alumni Association of the Hebrew Union College, national president of the American Conference of Cantors and is currently a member of the National Executive Council of the Cantors Assembly. He is the producer of the highly-acclaimed historic DVDs, "Great Cantors of the Golden Age" and "Great Cantors in Cinema" in conjunction with the National Center for Jewish Film at Brandeis University. Cantor Simon is the recipient of two honorary Doctor of Music degrees (Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Theological Seminary) in recognition of his many achievements and contributions made to the cantorate.

Temple Beth El celebrates Shabbat with joyous, musical, and participatory services. TBE congregants have migrated to Southwest Florida from all directions bringing diverse backgrounds of worship and traditions. During our worship services, we join together to sing joyful music that uplifts and excites our souls, as well as experience traditional and meditative moments that connect us to past generations and our deepest selves. 

Our Erev (Evening) Shabbat services begin at 7:30pm every Friday evening and includes reading from our sacred Torah scroll. We use the Reform movement’s prayerbook, Mishkan T’filah and the prayers are also projected on screens to be easily visible and accessible. The service includes both Hebrew and English readings and lasts a little over an hour. The dress for in-person services is "business casual" – most wear a button down shirt, khaki pants, nice blouse, dress, skirt or dressy slacks. 

You are also welcome to join us via Zoom or Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/TempleBethElofFortMyers- a Facebook account is not required). Please email the office (manager@templebethel.com) for the Zoom link