We look forward to welcoming you to our community and telling you more about all the different worship opportunities, programming and ways to get involved and connected at Temple Israel. We will be happy to provide you information about the costs, obligations and privileges of membership.
We invite you to make an appointment with Executive Director, Nate Shapiro. He will be happy to answer your questions and show you around Temple Israel. A member of our Membership Team will also call you back to answer questions informally and personally.
Thank you again for your interest in joining Temple Israel. We look forward to your becoming part of our congregational family.
Benefits of Membership
Pastoral Care
Lifecycle Rituals
Youth Learning Programs
Caring Congregation
Adult Education
Temple Israel is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization.
Gateway Program
Gateway is a joint membership of the Jewish Community Center and a Synagogue of your choice. This program offers a unique way for adults to become involved in the Omaha Jewish community. This program is offered only to adults who are not current members of the JCC or a synagogue. When you join Gateway, you will have membership privileges at the JCC facilities as well as membership at the congregation of your choice. If you are interested in joining please contact Member Services at 402-334-6552.
Circle of Giving
The Circle of Giving recognizes congregants who donate funds to Temple Israel in addition to paying dues. This annual support helps Temple Israel create an inclusive, connected, and expanding Reform Jewish community in Omaha.
Up to 40% of Temple Israel’s operating budget is not covered by dues, donations, sponsorships, and grants.
Donations to the Circle of Giving help close that gap so that inspiring programs, learning opportunities for all ages, and celebrations are accessible, safe, and welcoming to all in our community.
The Circle of Giving will build a culture of philanthropy to ensure the sustainability and vitality of our congregation into the future – so that our shared values of Torah, tzedakah, and tikun olam continue for generations to come.
If you choose to join the Circle of Giving and wish to be publicly recognized, your name will be included on the wall in the Temple Israel building as well as in publications throughout the year.
Levels:
• $10,000: Benefactor
• $3,600: Champion
• $1,800: Sustainer
• $540: Friend
Interfaith Couples
The Reform movement has a proud history of serving the needs of interfaith couples, couples considering interfaith marriage, those seeking conversion to Judaism, Jews-by-Choice and all those who are interested in Jewish values and traditions. At Temple Israel, we:
Welcome Jews and non-Jews who seek to learn more about Judaism.
Embrace Jews-by-Choice as full members of the Jewish community.
Invite interfaith couples into the congregation. We encourage non-Jewish partners to study, explore and understand Judaism so they may form a comfortable relationship with Judaism and the Temple community.
Encourage people to make Jewish choices in their lives through community support, adult education and other Jewish resources.
The Temple Israel clergy are an important resource for interfaith families, whether it be for counseling or to learn more about Judaism. At Jewish lifecycle events, we include the non-Jewish spouse as fully as possible. Children of interfaith couples are welcomed with open arms in our religious school and non-Jewish grandparents are included in the B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. In the event of divorce, the non-Jewish spouse may continue to affiliate with the congregation. Upon the death of the non-Jewish spouse, he or she may be buried in the Temple Israel cemetery, however the burial service shall follow Jewish tradition as per cemetery policy. If you have questions about outreach, please contact Executive Director Nate Shapiro.