With its sanctuary filled to standing-room only, Temple Israel — Palm Beach County’s first Jewish organization and the only Reform temple in West Palm Beach — recently held its final Shabbat service in its historic waterfront home on North Flagler Drive, closing a deeply meaningful chapter in the congregation’s 103-year history.
Founded in 1923, Temple Israel has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Palm Beach County and a visible presence along the West Palm Beach waterfront for 75 years. The final service brought together hundreds of current and former congregants, clergy, and community leaders for an emotional evening of reflection and gratitude as the congregation prepares for its next chapter following the sale of its campus as part of West Palm Beach’s broader waterfront redevelopment.
“This night reminded us of a truth that has carried Temple Israel for more than a century,” said Rabbi Ryan Daniels, who shared a meaningful sermon alongside Rabbi Carlie Daniels and Rabbi Emeritus Howard Shapiro. “Our greatest treasure is not our building, not our programming, not even our history. It is our relationships. It is the connections we share that give Temple Israel its soul.”
The service was both a farewell and an affirmation, honoring a sacred space that has hosted generations of lifecycle moments while reinforcing that Temple Israel’s identity is rooted not in bricks and mortar, but in its people and values.
Over the years, the temple has given birth to some of the area’s most significant Jewish leaders and major Jewish organizations that make up Jewish life in the Palm Beaches.
As Rabbi Shapiro has previously reflected, “You have stood as the welcoming face of the Jewish people on Flagler Drive for a century. You are the address for social action in the community. You are the Jewish library; you have given birth to rabbis, to educators … to Jewish professionals … you have been mother and father and done well for this people Israel. That is our legacy and the roots we take us with us during this exciting next chapter.”
Community leaders, including Palm Beach County Commissioner and congregant Gregg Weiss and Commissioner Christina Lambert, joined congregants for what temple leaders described as one of the most emotional Shabbat services in recent memory.
Looking ahead, Temple Israel is temporarily holding services at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown West Palm Beach, an interfaith partnership that leaders described as both meaningful and timely.
The congregation plans to relocate to its new permanent home and campus along Clear Lake in central West Palm Beach.
