The 2002 video history, The Story of Temple Israel, is available on VHS for $20 from the Temple Sisterhood Gift Shop.
Around 1854, Jewish families began arriving in Akron, Ohio and by 1865 the need to join together to worship, educate children in their faith, and socialize became the common bond that led a small group of 20 men to organize the Akron Hebrew Association. Thus, on April 2, 1865 a constitution, signed by these 20 men, became the framework that would guide the future of Reform Jews in Akron.
Isaac Levi, a founder and our first President
Isaac Levi was the Association's first president, and services and meetings were held in one room on Howard Street in downtown Akron. A school was established during that first year, and five years later the first confirmation of four Daughters of Israel took place. By 1871, the congregation felt able to support a rabbi and Rabbi Aaron Suhler became the first permanent rabbi.
Even in those days changes in worship rituals were debated. In 1871, after many weeks of discussion, it was decided that "any Gentleman shall be privileged to remain covered or uncovered." Also, during that year, the time of services was set at Friday at 8:00pm and has remained so ever since.
By 1885, the congregation had celebrated its first Bar Mitzvah, joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, and had purchased its first synagogue, the former St. Paul's Episcopal Church on High Street, where they remained until 1911 when the present synagogue on Merriman Road was built. Although still known as the Akron Hebrew Congregation, the name of the new synagogue was changed in 1911 to Temple Israel, a name submitted by Sylvia Whitelaw who won $10 for the suggestion.
The early rabbis were instrumental in securing a comfortable environment for the Jews of Akron. Rabbi Isidore Philo encouraged secular activities and community service was commended by the Akron Beacon Journal for his interest in public affairs.
Rabbi David Alexander
Under the leadership of Rabbi David Alexander the Sabbath School expanded and Boy Scout Troop No. 2 was formed. Also, under his guidance in 1920, a new constitution was adopted giving women membership in their own right, an equal voice, voting privileges and the right to serve on the Temple Board.
Later important rabbinic leaders included Rabbi Morton M. Applebaum who began the Institute of Christian Clergy, which is still an important link with the Christian community. Rabbi David M. Horowitz, now Rabbi Emeritus, continued the tradition of the early rabbis by initiating numerous programs to expand the scope of social action and outreach, and attract wide membership participation.
Growth in Temple membership resulted in two major renovation projects. The first culminated with the laying of the cornerstone of the new addition on May 10, 1952. In 1987, the Renaissance Project was undertaken to add new administrative offices, additional classroom space, and enlarge the kitchen and social hall. Other areas were refurbished resulting in an even more beautiful and welcoming place of worship.
The auxiliary organizations of Temple have provided support since 1868 when the Schwesterbund was formed to provide help and financial aid to those who needed it. In 1911, Temple Israel Sisterhood was established with the stated purposes of supervising the kitchen, arranging congregational dinners, and providing treats for the Sunday School students. Temple Brotherhood started as a Men's Club in 1937 with duties of fund-raising, ushering, and providing lay leadership when needed.
The education and involvement of Temple youth have been priorities since the opening of the religious school in the fall of 1865. The Temple Youth Group began in the early 1950s and is still an active group today.
The purposes and goals set forth by the founders of The Akron Hebrew Association provided a framework that has lasted for over 135 years with few modifications. Temple Israel is still a place to gather for worship, educate children and adults, and to socialize.
Read more ... past Presidents of Temple Israel
Read more ... past Rabbis of Temple Israel
Read more ... Rabbis originally from Akron Ohio
Read more ... past Cantors of Temple Israel
Read more ... History from 1975-present
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Temple
Israel is a member congregation of URJ the Union
for Reform Judaism: Serving Reform Congregations in North America,
and is located in the URJ Northeast Lakes
Region serving OH, MI and parts of NY, PA, & IN. 
