Mission Statement
The mission of Temple Israel is to strengthen and
enhance all of our lives through the practice of Reform Judaism. We aspire to
attain these goals through Torah (study). Avodah (worship) and Aydut
(community). We strive to fulfill tikkun olam, recognizing our
responsibility for a better world through acts of loving kindness, justice and
mercy. Our close congregational community is dedicated to Jewish growth
and commitment, helping our members understand and live their unique Jewish
identity, with a lasting involvement in Jewish life.
History
Temple Israel of Lawrence was founded in 1908 and was then known as Temple Israel of Far Rockaway. Meetings originally were held in rented quarters. A Temple was then built at the corner of Roanoke and State Streets in Far Rockaway. It was a lovely, white, colonial style building which is still standing and is now occupied by another Jewish Congregation. It is today known in our community as "The White
Shul."
The present building of Temple Israel was dedicated in 1930, and it was then that we became Temple Israel of Lawrence. It was designed by S. Brian
Baylinson, architect, winner of numerous awards in architecture in the United States and throughout the world. A member of the New York Historical Buildings Committee, he created a Sanctuary for Temple Israel, which is acknowledged throughout the country as one of the most distinguished worship centers in the United States. The publication on Synagogue architecture, entitled, "Synagogues of New York City," highlighted Temple Israel of Lawrence as an outstanding suburban Synagogue structure.
In 1948, as part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Temple Israel, a School Center was created to better serve the needs of our large and expanding Religious School. The Center was dedicated in 1950.
In 1966, following a major fundraising campaign, a beautiful new Religious School, together with magnificent new social facilities, was erected. In addition to a number of modern classrooms, the building contains areas for special enrichment programs, children's and adult library, school auditorium, a Chapel for worship and meetings, Kiddush Room, Banquet facilities for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, etc.
The Nursery Department, an outstanding early childhood education center, has beautiful classroom facilities; indoor and outdoor play areas, gymnasia and two in ground pools.
Our Temple today stands on the peak of its strength. Our Religious and Nursery Schools have unusually large enrollments. Our auxiliary bodies offer varied and interesting programs in which the entire Congregation, from the youngest child upward, are invited to participate.
We, of Temple Israel, believe that no program can remain static and unchanging. We shall continue to seek new forms and new ideas in order to maintain the ideals of a creative and living Jewish faith.
Holidays and Community At Temple Israel, our year is not
based solely on the calendar year, but also on the Jewish liturgical year.
The High Holy Days, Succot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, Shabbat
- these holidays give meaning to our synagogue life.
At Temple Israel, we observe and
celebrate these special times together, as a community and as a family.
Torah Study
Our Torah is the primary source
for our history, our faith, and our Jewish understanding of the world.
We rely on the ancient skill of
the storyteller to bring the Torah to life , and to engage us in the personal,
ethical, and religious dilemmas of our people, to give us access to the
times we have prevailed, and the compassion with which we have faced adversity,
and to provide a guide for the everyday decisions we all must confront in
our lives.
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