Our Rabbi

It is an honor to serve as the Rabbi of Temple Israel.  As the chief Spiritual and Relational Officer of the Shul I relish opportunities to engage in meaningful ways. 

Our temple community thrives when we strive every day to honor the inherent holiness of every person. Every Temple Israelite matters! This “matterness” is key to my understanding of sacred community. 

One of my teachers spoke of a sacred community as a Sukkah - diverse intertwining branches enrich our shared community. As the rabbi I believe that a community that honors and affirms diversity in all of its forms is better for doing so. Our shared Sukkah must welcome all who seek a Kehillah Kedosha, a sacred Jewish community. 

We begin a new chapter in the story of Temple Israel and I welcome you to be active partners in this miraculous ongoing creation.

Rabbi Shields