Welcome to Temple Israel!

With a rich tradition that spans more than 150 years, Temple Israel is proud to be the largest Reform congregation in Greater Dayton. We are not the bricks and mortar, pews and prayer books, desks and dictionaries you can visit on Riverside Drive. We are a community of nearly 1000 individuals who pray, study and…often…just hang out together. We are children learning holidays and Hebrew and adults studying Torah and Talmud. We are families celebrating together and individuals sharing our stories. When we gather, we are happy to see each other, to catch up and to continue our traditions together. Temple offers each of us a place to celebrate births and marriages, to console each other during sickness or mourning, to learn and to grow as human beings and as Jews. We not only seek meaning here, we create meaning for ourselves and each other.


Among us, are Jews by birth, Jews by choice and non-Jews connected to Judaism; married and single, young and old, and people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and color. Some have lived their entire lives in Dayton, and others moved here last week. Some know a great deal about Judaism and others are just beginning to learn. We share an interest in Judaism and a desire to connect with each other and our tradition at Temple Israel.
We know it takes a bit of curiosity, courage or chutzpah to enter a new synagogue, but trust us…you’ll be among friends. You are always welcome to celebrate Shabbat with us and share in the community programs at Temple Israel. 

Mission

Temple Israel is committed to perpetuating a vibrant and relevant Reform Jewish community by cultivating sacred relationships, engaging in meaningful worship, providing challenging learning opportunities, and pursuing social justice for all people.

Vision

Temple Israel is a dynamic, vibrant, relevant spiritual center for Reform Judaism where all know they are welcome and feel they belong.