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

Rabbi Shields is joining us from Temple Kol Tikvah of Lake Norman in Davidson, North Carolina where he was a founding Rabbi. He is leading Temple Israel to the next phase in its remarkable evolution; a phase characterized by innovative and energetic Rabbinic leadership that has and will rejuvenate our congregation with a renewed sense of Ruach (Spirit) and Kesher (Relationship).

We will mark our Rabbi-Congregation Covenant with Rabbi Shields with his formal installation, November 9th at 6:30 pm, as our next Rabbi, and step forward together into this new chapter of Temple Israel’s story. We will be joined by Rabbi Amy Morrison. 

Join us as we find ways to collectively sanctify this transformation and further fan the flames of our shul’s spiritual growth and imagination.

In addition to joyful presence, if you would like to support Temple Israel in this next new phase and are able, donations are welcome to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. Or, if you would like to sponsor the events of the weekend, please contact installation@templeisraeltlh.org. 

RSVP for ALL events is required here.

All Installation Weekend events take place at Temple Israel, Tallahassee's Jewish Community Center, 2215 Mahan Drive. All events are free and open to the public. Voluntary donations in the amount of CHAI ( $18) are appreciated and can be made with your RSVP.

Schedule of Events

Friday, November 8:
Challah Braid & Bake | 6 PM
Junior congregation service | 6:30 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat. Lech L’cha-Go forth Temple Israel | 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 9:
Shabbat Morning Service | 10 AM
Sisterhood Cookbook luncheon | 11:30 AM
Hors d'oeuvres | 6 PM
Installation of Rabbi Shields & Havdalah, followed by a dessert reception | 6:30 PM

Sunday, November 10:
Block Family Religious School pancake breakfast with the rabbi | 9 AM
Religious School T'fillah led by Rabbi Shields | 10 AM
 

Monday, November 11:
The Matzo Ball Diaries | 7 PM - tickets can be purchased here. More information can be found here.  

Music for the weekend provided by Bagels & Biscuits.
Dress for the weekend is smart casual.

If you have any questions regarding the weekend's events, please email installation@templeisraeltlh.org.