Our History Founded in 1849, Temple Israel is rich with history as the second oldest Reform Temple in Indiana. In 1874 it celebrated charter status in the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. UAHC founder Dr. Isaac Mayer Wise had visited Lafayette in 1867 to dedicate the congregation's first site at 7th and Alabama Streets in Lafayette. In 1969-one hundred years later-the congregation, led by Rabbi Burton E. Levinson, moved into its third and present location on Cumberland Avenue in West Lafayette. In May 2007, Temple Israel congregation celebrated the Rededication of Temple Israel after completing a one year, multi-million dollar expansion and renovation of the building.
Our congregation is especially proud of the distinctive metal sculpture, created by South American architect Edgar Tafur, that hangs on the bima wall in our sanctuary. The sculpture's menorah, Torah scrolls, and tablets remind us all of our religious heritage and the light of the Word.
ple Israel congregation celebrated the Rededication of Temple Israel after completing a one year, multi-million dollar expansion and renovation of the building.