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About Us

Temple IsaiahTemple Isaiah & Jewish Community Center Palm Springs is a non-denominational Jewish spiritual community in which we constantly endeavor to keep ourselves attuned to the three pillars of Jewish Life: Torah (intellectual growth), Avodah (spiritual practice), and Gemilut Hasadim (fixing the world).

We aim to empower our members, and those who come through our doors, to create for themselves intellectual growth when it comes to Jewish heritage, practice, and theology. We empower those to taking a creative approach to spiritual practice; whether that means praying rituals, at home meditation, yoga, art, and/or spending time in nature. Ultimately encouraging all to develop an ongoing culture around caring about Other.

Founded in 1940’s, located in the heart of the city, Temple Isaiah and Jewish Community Center has always played a major role in the cultural and social aspects of Palm Springs. Whether it’s civic needs, social needs, or cultural needs, we aim to be a center in which the energy pulsates positivity. The synagogue invites Jews of all ideologies and non-Jews into becoming closer to Jewish tradition by offering weekly services, educational classes, and social gatherings.

History of Temple Isaiah

 

On December 17, 1947, the Jewish Community Center of Palm Springs was organized. Stanley Rosin was elected the first President.

By 1949, the Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah was the outgrowth of the efforts of two organizations: the Palm Springs Jewish Women's group and the Thursday Night Men's Club. Meetings, club functions and religious school classes were held at members' homes.

Plans for the Center were drafted and presented to the congregation by Building Chair, Leo Baker. The late Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles and Palm Springs' Mayor Charles Farrell turned the first shovels of earth at the ground breaking. All this was made possible by funds raised by members of the community. The initial building site was 225' by 115' and the  Chapel  seated 350 with a social room for 150.
 

In 1956 the completed Center's physical facilities consisted of a modern sanctuary, library, offices, patio, meeting and classrooms. Temple Isaiah had won recognition and praise from architects and laymen as being among the finest facilities of its kind in the country. The unifying experiences of the war years and the leaderships' vision of unity instilled a philosophy of total service which strengthened and grew. Its service to the Conservative, Reform, and Orthodox communities evoked much interest from coast to coast. This unique Temple/Center was now the focal point of all organized Jewish communal life in the Palm Springs area.

Groundbreaking for our school building took place in May 1962.

The growth of our Temple/JCC made it imperative to expand, and in 1987 Temple Isaiah added the new Bochner Sanctuary, Tash/Agam Ark, Warsaw Ballroom, Levy Hall, Vener Reception Hall, and a new kitchen. The importance of Jewish continuity and respect for the beliefs of others has been taught within these walls for more than half a century. These principles will be our cornerstone for generations to come. Temple Isaiah of Palm Springs is a welcoming and inclusive congregation embracing Judiasm that is relevant for today while remaining committed to Jewish traditions, values, and ethics.

It continues today as a vibrant spiritual and cultural home for all Jews in the Palm Springs desert communities.

TIMELINE

HISTORY:

  • December 17, 1947 - the Jewish Community Center of Palm Springs was organized. Stanley Rosin was elected the first President.

  • 1949 -  the Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah was the outgrowth of the efforts of two organizations: the Palm Springs Jewish Women's group and the Thursday Night Men's Club. Meetings, club functions and religious school classes were held at members' homes.

  • Plans for the Center were drafted and presented to the congregation by Building Chair, Leo Baker. The late Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles and Palm Springs' Mayor Charles Farrell turned the first shovels of earth at the ground breaking. All this was made possible by funds raised by members of the community. The initial building site was 225' by 115' and the  Chapel  seated 350 with a social room for 150.

  • 1956  - The completed Center's physical facilities consisted of a modern sanctuary, library, offices, patio, meeting and classrooms. Temple Isaiah had won recognition and praise from architects and laymen as being among the finest facilities of its kind in the country. The unifying experiences of the war years and the leaderships' vision of unity instilled a philosophy of total service which strengthened and grew. Its service to the Conservative, Reform, and Orthodox communities evoked much interest from coast to coast. This unique Temple/Center was now the focal point of all organized Jewish communal life in the Palm Springs area.

  • 1962 - The groundbreaking for our school building took place

  • 1987 - The growth of our Temple/JCC made it imperative to expand and added the new Bochner Sanctuary, Tash/Agam Ark, Warsaw Ballroom, Levy Hall, Vener Reception Hall, and a new kitchen. The importance of Jewish continuity and respect for the beliefs of others has been taught within these walls for more than half a century. These principles will be our cornerstone for generations to come. Temple Isaiah of Palm Springs is a welcoming and inclusive congregation embracing Judiasm that is relevant for today while remaining committed to Jewish traditions, values, and ethics.

  • Today - It continues today as a vibrant spiritual and cultural home for all Jews in the Palm Springs desert communities.

Mon, March 18 2024 8 Adar II 5784