About Temple Israel
Getting involved...
The Jewish Reform Congregation of Ottawa-Temple Israel (hereinafter called “Temple Israel”) is a Jewish community dedicated to Torah (study), Tzedakah (charity) and Avodah (worship).
Staff
Executive Director Heather Cohen joined the staff of Temple Israel in May, 1989. She enjoys helping the congregants, working with the staff, and keeping the “dog picture wall” updated.
Temple Israel Board of Directors
December 2010
Executive
President Lorne Rachlis
1st vp Michael Parkin
2nd vp Linda Steingarten
Treasurer Steve Mendelsohn
Secretary Dara Lithwick
Past President Mark Holzman
Board of Directors
Reg Angel
Stephen Asherman
Mark Bowman
Barbara Fradkin
Karen Ginsberg
Mark Hammer
Shaina Lipsey
Margot Montgomery
Stephen Morris
Deirdre Neuss
For more about who we are, visit Joining Temple Israel.
June 2011
At the direction of the president and rabbi, a new logo has been created for Temple Israel. Several years ago, Rachel Tennenhouse, niece of Temple Israel’s Cantorial Soloist, Barbara Okun, designed a flame graphic to be used on printed documents. Under the direction of Communication Chair, Debbie Holzman, Temple Israel member and graphic designer Vicki Kearney took the flame design and added the name "Temple Israel". The new logo has a standardized look and will appear on all of Temple Israel’s promotional material.
Let’s Make History Together!
A new “Archives Committee” has been formed at Temple Israel and we’re looking for your help.
We are asking everyone who was involved over the years with Temple Israel’s Board, Committees, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Frosty, Religious School, Missions etc., to turn in your files!
We are offering “amnesty” to all those who have records stashed away in basements, offices, attics and garages who wish to participate in this historical “round-up” of Temple’s records. We need records that date from 1966 to 2006 and we need them NOW!
To mark the successful “harvest” of the congregation’s historical records, the Archives committee will be sponsoring a Kiddish this winter to honour all those who have contributed to this important endeavor.
Please contact Temple Israel’s Archivist
Sol Shmelzer at 613- 521-7844 or Heather Cohen at 613-224-1802 to discuss delivery.
Thank you.
Archives Committee members: Sol Shmelzer, Sami Sourani, Margo Rosen, Laurie Dougherty, Heather Cohen
Temple Israel's History
Since its founding in 1967, Temple Israel has established for itself a significant niche in the Ottawa Jewish Community as the standard bearer of Liberal Judaism in the nation's capital. The Congregation can look back with satisfaction on its growth from a marginal group, meeting for Friday evening worship services on the premises of the old Montefiore club, to an active and ital congregation of over 385 families with a building of its own and ambitious plans for the future.
Some Significant Dates In Our History
• Friday, December 2, 1966 - The Jewish Reform Congregation of Ottawa held its first religious service and Oneg Shabbat at the W.E. Gowling Public School. The membership numbered 17 families.
• March 12, 1967 - The constitution was ratified and the name, Temple Israel, chosen. The membership numbered 29 families.
• 1967 - Temple Israel Religious School was started; the choir was formed; and the first consecration service was held.
• September 1971 - The congregation moved into the James Street Synagogue.
• 1974 - Membership now numbered 80 families.
• April 27, 1975 - A ground breaking ceremony took place at 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, and construction began on the first permanent home for Temple Israel.
• 1980 - The construction of the BIMah and Ner Tamid was completed.
• 1988 - Membership reached 300 families.
• 1991 - Temple Israel celebrated 25 years.
