Temple Israel (Westport, Connecticut)
Temple Israel is a reform Jewish synagogue located in Westport, Connecticut. It was established in 1948. Currently, about 850 families are members of the community.
| Temple Israel | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 14 Coleytown Road, Westport, Connecticut,  United States |
| Geographic coordinates | 41.1770917°N 73.3552353°W |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Synagogue |
| Completed | 1959 |
| Website | |
| www | |
History
The congregation was founded in 1948. The temple was dedicated in May 1959.
Throughout the 1960s, under the leadership of Byron T. Rubenstein, Temple Israel became a hotbed of social change and activism, with speakers including James Baldwin, Margaret Mead and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1964, Rabbi Rubenstein protested as part of the St. Augustine movement, and was arrested along with 16 other Jewish leaders. This was the single largest mass arrest of rabbis in American history.
The synagogue was substantially renovated and expanded in 1990, more than doubling the capacity of the sanctuary. In 2002-2003, another expansion of the temple substantially expanded the religious school wing, which houses the Leo and Libby Nevas Religious School and the pre-school program.
In 2012, the temple board simultaneously announced the retirement of Rabbi Robert Orkand and Cantor Richard Silverman, as well as the departure of Associate Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf, Cantor Scott Harris, and Executive Director Sandy Silverstein.[1] This wholesale staff shakeup, particularly the choice to let Rabbi Mendelson and Cantor Harris go, caused considerable controversy within the congregation.[2] Eventually, this pressure led to the board's decision to offer an ultimately rejected extension contract to Rabbi Mendelson.[3]
On May 12, 2015, two protesters entered Temple Israel with the intent to disrupt a luncheon. Initial reports that they were armed led to lockdowns at the temple's pre-school, as well as the nearby Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools and the pre-school at the Unitarian Church. The protesters were arrested and charged with criminal trespass and breach of peace.[4]
Leadership
Executive Director: Bryan Bierman, 2021 - present (he has been on staff since 2012) Director of Programming and Member Engagement: Stephanie Schwartz 2022-Present Director of Early Childhood Education: Lindsay Weiner, 2022-Present
Current Board President: John Kaufman Immediate Past President: Eileen Berenyi
Clergy
Current Clergy Senior Rabbi: Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, 2014-present Senior Cantor: Cantor Julia Cadrain 2021-present Associate Rabbi and Director of Education: Rabbi Elena Nemitoff-Bresler 2020-present Assistant Rabbi: Rabbi Zachary Plesent, 2021-present Assistant Cantor: Rabbi Becky Mann, 2023-present
Former Senior Rabbis
- Rabbi Byron T. Rubenstein (1959-1982), notably a friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a participant in the June 1964 St. Augustine movement, and a subsequent arrestee along with 16 other Jewish leaders in the largest mass arrest of rabbis in American history
- Rabbi Robert Orkand (1982-2013), former president of ARZA (2008-2012)
- Rabbi Rick Shapiro (June 2013-June 2014), Interim Senior Rabbi during the search process
Former Associate and Assistant Rabbis
- Rabbi Jonah Pesner (1997-1999), current Director of the RAC and Senior Vice President of the URJ
- Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf (2004-2013), current Rabbi of the Port Jewish Center in Port Washington, New York
- Rabbi P.J. Schwartz, (2013-2017), now serves as Rabbi of Temple B'nai Sholom in Huntsville, AL.
- Rabbi Danny Moss (2017-2021), now serves as Rabbi of Temple Beth Tikvach, CT
Former Cantors
- Cantor Vicki Axe (1984-1988)
- Cantor Richard Silverman (1988-2012), composer of common Reform melodies for passages and prayers including Tree of Life/Etz Chaim and Mi Chamocha
- Cantor Dan Sklar (2012-2020)
Former Executive Directors
- Lisa Goldberg, 2012 - 2021
- Sandy Silverstein 2001-2012
Our Mission, Vision, Values
VISION:
We aspire always to be a flourishing center of Jewish life.
MISSION:
We draw from the depth and richness of Judaism to help one another thrive: building community and connection, cultivating awe and wonder, living with hope and purpose, offering healing and comfort, pursuing social justice.
VALUES:
THE ETERNAL PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE OUR WORK We believe that Judaism teaches us how to live a good life and how to improve our world. We value inclusivity; we believe that each person’s presence matters and each has something important to contribute to our community. We treasure tradition and we believe that 21st century Reform Judaism requires openness, creativity, innovation, and a willingness to experiment. We affirm Jewish pride and cultivate Jewish resilience. We believe that joy and celebration are hallmarks of the Jewish experience. We believe that Jewish ritual, prayer and music imbue our lives with meaning, offer healing and comfort, strengthen our resilience, and fortify the bonds of our community. We believe that the State of Israel is central to Jewish life.
References
- James Lomuscio (January 26, 2012). "Five Departures Signal 'Bumpy Road' for Temple Israel". WestportNow.com. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- "Westport Temple Israel's planned transition outrages many members". Jewish Ledger. February 1, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- James Lomuscio (March 23, 2012). "Temple's Sweeping Changes Now Softened". WestportNow.com. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- James Lomuscio (May 12, 2015). "Two Unarmed Men Held in Temple Israel Incident". WestportNow.com. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- https://tiwestport.org/mission-values/