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Welcome to Temple Israel | ||
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History Temple Israel was founded in 1850 as Congregation Rhyim Ahoovim (Beloved Friends). Temple Israel is affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the umbrella organization of Reform Judaism. We pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming community with a diverse population. Our membership includes Jews-by-birth and Jews-by-choice. Non-Jewish spouses and children are welcome to be an active part of our community as we join together to continue our rich heritage rooted in Torah. Spiritual Rabbi Jason Gwasdoff, his wife Lindy Passer and three sons moved to Stockton to become the spiritual leader of our community in 1993. His energetic and engaging style has led to many innovations in our worship services, life cycle celebrations, and programs of all kinds. Worship services are held on Friday nights at 8:00 PM and are open to the community. Special Family Services are held once a month on Friday nights at 7:30 PM and participation in the service is encouraged for children of all ages. Music Music is an integral part of Jewish worship. Lindy Passer serves as our Cantorial Soloist and director of our Adult Choir (Kolot), Teen Choir (Shirat Noar), and Junior Choir. Lindy also directs the annual Purim Shpiel that involves a large portion of our talented congregation. |
Education Judaism places great value on education. Karma Fordis Lindner directs our educational programs and serves as the temple administrator. Temple Israel has a Religious School for students in grades Pre K - 10 and Hebrew School for students in grades 4 - 7. Students who wish to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah attend both Religious and Hebrew Schools in order to prepare for this important milestone in Jewish life. Temple youth in grades 7-12 also participate in our youth groups that allow them to socialize and deepen their friendships with other Jewish youth. There are a wide variety of Adult Education classes including: Introduction to Judaism, Hebrew, History, Art, and Dance. Adult Education classes are open to non-members; however, children's programs are limited to children of member families. Activities and Info Temple Israel provides a range of activities for its membership and the Stockton community. We host a number of speakers throughout the year. We hold meetings with local politicians and organizations active in Jewish life and the state of Israel. Talented Jewish musicians travel to Stockton and perform at Temple Israel where they are warmly welcomed. More about Activities and Committees... The Temple Israel Food Fair is an annual event that attracts hundreds of visitors from Stockton and beyond. The entire membership of Temple Israel joins together to prepare traditional Jewish foods and work at the Food Fair. Kol Yisrael, The Voice of Temple Israel, is a monthly newsletter published by Temple staff and volunteers and mailed to all Temple members. Temple members are welcome to submit items for inclusion in the newsletter. Kol Israel is a treasure trove of information about our community. |
The Temple Israel Website, found at the address stockton.urj.net includes: explanations of programs at Temple Israel, a calendar of worship services, religious education and special events as well as photographs of past events. The website will allow Temple members to join the Temple Israel electronic mailist. Temple Staff can be contacted by email at the address: templeisraelstkn@yahoo.com. Temple Israel History The discovery of gold by James Marshall in the American River in 1848 brought hordes of people to California from all over the world. Nearly three hundred Jews came to Stockton during the Gold Rush to set up supply stores for the gold mines between the Merced and the Mokulumne Rivers.
The first Jewish Congregation, Ryhim Ahoovim (Beloved Friends), decided to build a place for public worship. Captain Charles Weber, the founder of the city of Stockton, donated a 100-foot square lot in 1850 on which Stockton's first synagogue was built.
In 1960, after outgrowing a second temple, the congregation bought three acres of land from the grandson of Captain Weber. The sanctuary was completed in 1972, and dedicated in December of the same year. The Temple has the distinction of being one of the three oldest congregations in California and its cemetery is the oldest Jewish cemetery in continuous use west of the Rocky Mountains. To learn more about Temple Israel, please call the Temple office at (209) 477-9306 or send e-mail: templeisraelstkn@yahoo.com |
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Temple Activities
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Affiliated Organizations
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Community Involvement "My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples" -Isaiah 56:7
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5105 North El Dorado Stockton, CA 95207 (209) 477-9306 stockton.urj.net templeisraelstkn@yahoo.com Rabbi Jason Gwasdoff Lindy Passer, Cantorial Soloist Karma Fordis Lindner, Educator |