Our Mission & Values
Temple Israel is a sanctuary for prayer and inspiration, a vibrant center for Jewish learning, and a congregational home for living Torah. We are a source of strength and a force for good for Reform Jews, the greater community, and the world.
We are a vibrant center for Jewish learning.
L’dor vador, from generation to generation – Temple is a community that nurtures the spirit of lifelong learning and exploring Jewish identity. Starting with our Early Learning Center and young family programs, spanning our religious school, teen programs, music offerings, adult learning opportunities, Judaism classes, social justice initiatives, and every community within and beyond the walls of our buildings, we have something for every season of Jewish life.
We are a congregational home for living Torah.
At Temple Israel, our mission is to extend “radical hospitality” to all we encounter. Just as the semi-circle of our sanctuary remains outwardly open, we remain committed to making space for the entire community and directing our Jewish values to reach beyond the walls of our buildings.
We are a source of strength for Reform Jews, the community, and the world.
We are a force for good.
We are proud to partner with local organizations and initiatives that reflect the Jewish values of the Reform Movement and our commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), including Jewish Community Partners, Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA), and the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH).
Our mission and values extend from the Reform Movement, and we are proud partners of this larger home family, including the following national organizations: Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp.