Celebrating
more than 83 Years
of continued service in Daytona Beach
Shalom - Temple Israel, its Officers, Board of Trustees, Rabbi, Cantor,
Staff and members welcome you to the fellowship of our congregational family. This brief
introduction will acquaint you with the activities and opportunities that await you as a
member of our congregation. We hope you will find them interesting, inspiring and
enjoyable, and that you and your family will come to look upon Temple Israel as your
spiritual home.
Temple Israel offers a diversity of programs and services that combine the traditions of
our heritage with the interests and needs of our synagogue members. We continually seek
ways to enhance these offerings and welcome suggestions from our congregants.
Minyans - Weekday Minyans are led by Rabbi Gary G. Perras, Rebecca Cook,
our Ritual Assistant, and knowledgeable lay-people in the Korash-Madorsky Chapel. They are
held at 8:30 a.m. every Monday and Thursday, Rosh Chodesh, and Chol ha-Moed.
Religious Services - Shabbat and Holiday services are conducted by Rabbi
Gary G. Perras and Rebecca Cook, our Ritual Assistant in our contemporary Harry and Bella
Pepper Sanctuary. Service times are listed in the weekly service bulletin and bi-monthly
synagogue bulletin.
Temple Israel Religious School - Our Religious School offers enjoyable
classes for grades kindergarten through confirmation. An experienced staff, innovative
curriculum and small classes contribute to meaningful Jewish education and enrichment. Our
School Building has ample classroom facilities.
Pre-School - Our Pre-School incororates Judaica and early learning techniques into toddler
activities. It is a community Pre-School open to children ages 2-5. Classes are held on
weekdays. For information call the Pre-School administrator, 386 - 252 - 3163.
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Classes - These classes are designed to take an
adult through the preparation needed to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a momentous
achievement! New classes begin every other year.
Adult Education - Two semesters of Adult Education classes are held each
year in addition to other courses. These courses cover a wide variety of Jewish subject
matter, based on congregational surveys.
How To Be Jewish - Those seeking greater knowledge of Jewish traditions
join together to study and exchange ideas. These informative Sunday breakfasts or evening
dinners review the life cycle, customs and colorful traditions of Judaism.
Tot Shabbat - These lively religious services are designed especially for
pre-religious school children. They include stories and music or initial introduction to
worship in the synagogue.
Shabbat Dinners - Families are invited to join together to celebrate
Shabbat. Through these dinners, families can participate in a very meaningful traditional
Shabbat.
The Marvin Roth Memorial Library - The library offers thousands of
up-to-date books, records, and videotapes with Jewish content. The library is open during
regular office hours.
Chevra Kaddisha (Holy Society) - The men and women of the Chevra Kaddisha (Holy
Society) perform the rituals necessary to prepare the remains of the deceased for Jewish
Burial, including Taharah, washing, dressing and Shomrim (honor guard) for the deceased
prior to burial.
The Arms of Temple Israel - Temple Israel has something for everyone.
Sisterhood - The women's arm of Temple Israel is a dynamic group of women of all ages that
is active year-round. Sisterhood holds social and educational events, fund raisers and
participates in other charitable endeavors. Sisterhood also provides the catering services
for special functions.
Men's Club - The men's arm of the Temple sponsors social and cultural
activities, such as lecturers, round table discussions, breakfasts, picnics, dances and
sports events.
USY - Kadimah - These youth groups afford teenagers the opportunities to
enjoy fun, social and educational programs in a Jewish atmosphere.
programs and outings are designed to blend Jewish Learning with the energy that comes with
becoming an adult.
Minyanaires - This organization of men and women participate in morning
Minyan. They arrange and provide the quorum for Kaddish at the Shiva home.
A Brief History of Temple Israel - Before the founding of Temple Israel
small groups from the Jewish community met in private homes. The Daytona Hebrew
Association was established in 1924. The official name was soon changed to Temple Israel,
and congregants worshiped in three older buildings.
In 1953 Temple Israel affiliated with the United Synangogue of
Conservative Judaism.The current riverside site was purchased in 1958 and the new Temple
was dedicated in 1981.
As the congregation has grown over the past eight decades, our members' needs have
changed. The evolution of Temple Israel reflects our ability to change. We are proud and
grateful for the contributions and accomplishments of our members throughout our history.
As we enter this new era, we look forward to an exciting, rewarding and gratifying future.