History

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In 2009 six Jewish Lakewood Ranch residents met to discuss ways to address the interests

of its growing Jewish population. The community had received little direct attention from Jewish institutions in Sarasota-Manatee because it was regarded as an

outpost without much of a Jewish presence. In 2010, the group formed a

club under the auspices of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall with Lenny Drexler as its Founding President. There the first

Jewish Club event took place. Over 100 people attended.

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Since that auspicious beginning, the number of Jewish families in Lakewood Ranch

has increased tremendously. According to the 2019 population study commissioned

by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and conducted by Brandeis

University, the Jewish population of Lakewood Ranch has

nearly tripled since 2009 to about 3200 people. 

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In view of such explosive growth, The Jewish Club has expanded its programming and,in keeping with its mission, continues to offer social, cultural and educational opportunities that enhance the quality of Jewish life.