Taking a bow after the staged reading of “In the Voice of our Mothers.”
Lighting the Hanukah Menorahs
Temple Israel was formed to serve a growing Jewish community.
A Jewish presence in the Catskill area predates the turn of the 19th century. Immigrant merchants and their families were the first to arrive, and, as their numbers grew, lay services in homes became inadequate to accommodate everyone. The result was the first Temple Israel. Founded in 1923 by the more affluent merchants and professionals in the area, it opened its doors on Catskill’s Main Street in 1936. A congregant, Philip Schlenker, who led services during this period, took the role so seriously that he dedicated himself to his studies and eventually became an ordained rabbi.
Then the first Temple Israel was claimed by fire
In 1973, fire ravaged the Main Street synagogue . The damage was not confined to the structure and virtually nothing was spared - Torahs, prayer books, memorabilia – all were consumed by the flames. Insurance gave the congregation a choice – rebuild the Main Street temple or start anew in another location.
The congregation chose to build a new Temple Israel in Catskill
On land together with a new Torah donated by the Zwickel family, our present Temple was built. Through the efforts and generosity of other founding families – the Margoliuses, Meadows, Orens, and Snappers, among others, new prayer books were procured. Then, led by Rabbi Philip Schlenker, today’s Temple Israel opened in 1977.
Join us at worship anytime
All are welcome. Our service is Reform, and uses the Mishkan T’filah prayer book. Kippot are optional and dress is usually casual. After the service, everyone is invited to stay for Kiddush and a delicious Oneg … courtesy of a Temple member.
Shabbat Services
Shabbat services are held every week. Typically, there is a family-oriented service on the first Friday of each month, morning Torah services on the second and fourth Saturdays, and a Kabbalat Shabbat service and potluck dinner on the third Friday. Please refer to the calendar for exact service dates and times.
Festival & Holiday Observance
We celebrate all of the festivals and many Jewish holidays. Please check our calendar and join us.
Our Spiritual Leader - Rabbi Zoe B Zak
Our congregation is led by Rabbi Zoe , who welcomes all with great warmth. Her spiritual and musical background is reflected in all that she does, whether leading songs, prayers, or chanting Torah. Rabbi Zoe is honored to celebrate with the community at times of joy and to be there in times of need. You may reach her at (845) 853-5134 or by email at RabbiZoe@templeisraelofcatskill.org
Religious Instruction
We have a thriving Hebrew School for children as young as four years old. Details are provided under the Gesher Hebrew School page. B’nai Mitzvah study for both children and adults is available under the guidance of Rabbi Zoe. Traditional as well as non-traditional approaches are explored in order to determine the most meaningful path for each student.
Continuing Education
Temple Israel offers both in-person and online opportunities for learning. These include weekly Torah study that meets on Zoom; a monthly “Nosh ‘n’ Learn” class with a wide range of guest authors, Rabbis, and scholars; and a monthly Rosh Chodesh gathering featuring music, art projects, poetry, and Jewish text study.
Building Community
Many of our Shabbat and festival celebrations extend beyond services and include joining in community for potluck dinners, hosting inspired speakers, and participating in Tikkun Olam to serve the greater community. We also have groups that come together to play Mah Jongg, watch a movie, or host a fundraising event. Everyone is always invited to attend, as these programs are open to both members and non-members, which is part of what makes Temple Israel and its community of congregants so special.
Membership dues
Our annual dues structure is very reasonable. All financial discussions are strictly confidential, enabling everyone to join. For membership information, contact our Membership Chair at templeisraelofcatskill@gmail.com
Additional benefits
Temple facilities are available for lifecycle events. We also maintain a cemetery in Catskill which is available to all members and their families. (For more information, see our cemetery page.) Additionally, as a member synagogue of the Union of Reform Judaism, congregants are entitled to and receive all publications, goods, and services provided by that organization.
Our location is convenient