About
Welcome – Baruch Haba!
Whether you are a newcomer, a visitor or a congregant, we invite you to take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with our congregation, the home of Reform Judaism in Omaha.
The first Jewish settlers, mostly merchants and businessmen, arrived in Omaha in 1856. Eleven men founded our congregation, the first in Nebraska, in January 1871. Following tradition, they immediately formed a burial society and established a cemetery in order to provide ritual services to the fledgling Jewish community.
The following summer, the first Confirmation service was held; and three of the seven confirmands became teachers the following year when the Sunday School was organized. For many decades, this was the only Jewish school in Omaha and served the entire Jewish community, regardless of affiliation or financial status.
Today, more than 770 families belong to Temple Israel. Our congregation continues to support and enhance its commitment to spirituality, education and tikun olam, “Repairing the World.”
