Growing & Fostering Our Jewish World

Seats 2

Temple Israel is a Reform Temple that promotes the enduring and fundamental principles of Judaism. Through prayer, study and friendship we strive to enrich our lives and insure Jewish continuity in Highlands County.

Temple Israel is a caring center of Jewish activity in the Florida Heartland. We reflect a concern for individuals, as well as the community at large, while promoting an acceptance and adherence to our traditions.

Our beautiful Sanctuary and our Cantor provide warm and meaningful Shabbats, Torah Studies, Festivals, and High Holy Days, as well as all Life Cycle ceremonies. We offer educational activities for children as needed, as well as for adults. We also have a Women’s Lunch Bunch, which meets every month.

Everyone is encouraged to participate with us in our beloved Jewish heritage.

Cantor Riselle Bain on WNMF – SUNDAY SIMCHA – 25 November 2019

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard jemerman November 18, 2024

Death and Mourning

As we head into the holiday season, I am acutely aware of how much different this year is going to be than previous ones. I will be celebrating without my mom for the first time. My mother died in January 2021, and I'm still dealing with the unexpected waves of grief that wash over me, sometimes out of nowhere. As I head into this first winter holiday season without her, I'm not quite sure I know what to expect, other than everything is going to be very different.

The Cost of Free Land

The Cost of Free Land jemerman November 14, 2024

Native American issues

The author's Great-Great-Uncle Louie Sinykin posing with men in Dakota garb in South Dakota's Black Hills. Date unknown.

When I was a child growing up in the 1980s, the story I learned about Thanksgiving followed the classic script: it highlighted amity between the Pilgrims and their Indigenous neighbors. Due to this connection, the hunger of the European settlers was met with squash and turkey.

Ten Things We Say When We Talk About Antisemitism

Ten Things We Say When We Talk About Antisemitism sdolgov November 4, 2024

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes

URJ leaders have had thousands of conversations about antisemitism over the past years, especially after October 7th. The following list summarizes the ideas that arise most often in these discussions.

Putting the “Serve” Back in "Deserve"

Putting the “Serve” Back in "Deserve" sdolgov November 1, 2024

As the Jewish community grapples with fears of our eroding security in post-10/7 America, nobody wants to consider the question of whether we have enjoyed that security up to this point by right or by debt.