Join Us

Dear Prospective Member,

I am delighted that you are interested in becoming a member of our sacred community.

I know what it means to be a member here. Nearly twenty-five years ago, I joined Temple Israel after moving with my family from Washington State. Leaving my small synagogue in Olympia was hard because it had been my first introduction to Jewish community. I was not sure what to expect from Temple Israel. But from the moment I joined our temple, I felt at home.

Members warmly welcomed me and I quickly became involved in weekly Torah Study sessions led by the rabbi. With her support and encouragement, I enrolled in the adult B’nai Mitzvah class and taught in the religious school. The friendships I established during that time have supported and sustained me over the years. It was Temple Israel’s people who ultimately inspired me to apply to rabbinical school.

I remained a part of Temple Israel during my years in school, serving as student rabbi, and then as the assistant rabbi. Since 2006 I have been the rabbi here. Serving this sacred community is my passion. Every day I am privileged to help others grow in mind and spirit through the richness and wisdom of Judaism. Every day I see how our members care about each other, and how they strive to make a positive difference in our community and in the broader world. Temple Israel has been, for me, “the doorway to a richer and more meaningful life.”

It is my wish that our community become this doorway for you as well.

Shalom,

Rabbi Jennifer Jaech