Stephen Muss (z”l) believed that true greatness lies not in what we build for ourselves, but in the legacy we leave for generations to come. The visionary businessman and philanthropist, who passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the age of 97, was known throughout South Florida as the titan who helped revitalize Miami Beach and a major contributor to the enormous hotel growth seen today in Miami-Dade County.
Muss will also always be remembered as a steadfast supporter of various Jewish causes, including Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI), which has transformed the lives of over 35,000 high school students, including 10,000 from the South Florida region, turning them into powerful advocates for the land and people of Israel and into leaders of Jewish communities nationwide.
“When I learned of Muss' passing early Sunday morning, I wept not only for the loss of a remarkable individual, but for the loss of a guiding light of the Jewish People,” said AMHSI Head of School Dr. Stephen Kutno. “While I did not have the privilege of knowing Stephen personally, our lives, and all the lives at AMHSI, are deeply intertwined with his. Without Stephen Muss, our school, our students, our alumni, and our community would not be what they are today. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of AMHSI.”
Muss first got involved with AMHSI in 1980, when the school was called “High School in Israel.” After donating a significant philanthropic gift, the school was renamed in honor of Stephen’s father. For years, Muss remained one of AMHSI’s biggest supporters, even serving as Chairman for nine years. Muss also helped spearhead the partnership between AMHSI and Jewish National Fund-USA in 2014, which helped significantly expand AMHSI’s reach.
“Stephen Muss was a dreamer, a visionary, and an incredibly charitable man,” said AMHSI Chairperson and President Emeritus Ron Werner. “Stephen believed wholeheartedly in our mission to educate Jewish adolescents. For many years, he would write a check to AMHSI for whatever the operating costs were. He didn’t want a ceremony or a plaque; he just did it because he cared. Stephen leaves behind a legacy that he and his loved ones can be proud of.”
Through his decades of leadership and philanthropy with AMHSI, Muss ensured that thousands of Jewish American teens could experience a transformative semester abroad in Israel, learning their history in the land where it unfolded and forging lifelong bonds with Israel and the Jewish People.
“Muss’ strength and commitment to our School knew no bounds,” added Alexander Muss High School in Israel Board Member Joel Reinstein. “He was always there; our living safety net. His vision and love for our School was the constant that kept us on track when times were tough. Stephen knew that the merger of our School with Jewish National Fund-USA was necessary; Stephen made this happen. I will deeply miss this giant of a man. I will always remember his dedication and love for AMHSI.”
Recently, AMHSI opened a second campus in Be’er Sheva, fulfilling a lifelong dream of Muss’.
“Muss' vision was that we would have multiple AMHSI campuses, educating thousands of students a year and instilling Jewish and Zionist values to ensure that we had a Jewish future and a strong Israel,” added Werner.
In addition to his support for AMHSI, Muss’ philanthropy extended throughout the entire Miami area. He previously served as Board Chair of Temple Emanu-El and on the board of the Miami Art Museum. Muss was also the founder of the Stephen Muss Foundation, which provides grants to Jewish agencies, temples, and schools. Muss also received the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Friend of Israel humanitarian award for his giving efforts in the community.
A loving grandfather, dedicated father, brilliant businessman, and generous philanthropist, Stephen Muss will be truly missed.
To donate to Alexander Muss High School in Israel in honor of Stephen Muss, visit amhsi.org.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.
