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

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages jemerman December 19, 2024

Holocaust

Photo of Adrien Brody in a scene from the movie "The Brutalist"

Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" opens with Hungarian architect, Jewish Holocaust survivor, and soon-to-be freshly minted U.S. immigrant László Toth in the shadowy depths of a ship headed into New York Harbor.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman December 12, 2024

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes

Photo of the words "Proud Jews" written in chalk on the sidewalk

Right before Sukkot, I noticed the word "JEW" carved into my sidewalk. I began to grind out the word, but rather decided to replace the space by adding "Proud JEWs" to the sidewalk.

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation jemerman December 11, 2024

Hanukkah

At Fat Torah, Hanukkah is our favorite holiday. Hanukkah in particular is a holiday that celebrates fat. On Hanukkah, we remember that miraculous oil that was meant to only last for one day and ended up lighting the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem for eight days. Eating foods fried in oil, in fat, is a key part of this commemoration.

Winterfaith

Winterfaith jemerman December 6, 2024

Secular Holidays

Photo of two kids sitting on a snow board surrounded by a lot of snow and trees

"Winterfaith" seems a much more apt description for me than "interfaith." We're not observing two religions; I was raised Jewish, and my partner was not. Together, we are raising our children as Jewish campers, and even after 15+ years of our relationship, 11 of which with at least one child, the winter holidays are when our "interfaith" background proves to be the most challenging.