Temple Israel, the largest and last-standing Reform synagogue for a four-state region serving 1,500 households, has embarked on a transformative, once-in-a-generation campus renewal plan. Titled “Vision 2026” for its urgency to realize a vision today, the project is a strategic investment to ensure that our congregation remains a beacon of excellence and an enduring home for generations to come.
One of Temple Israel’s most important gateways to Jewish life for our congregation and greater community, the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center (ELC) , on her 36th anniversary, is expanding not only in square footage but also innovation—in curriculum, in space, in security, and in technology—to ensure our position as the premier preschool in Memphis.
The Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive community that fosters curiosity, growth, and a love of learning. Grounded in Jewish values and an integrated approach to academic excellence and social-emotional development, we believe in shaping confident, capable, and compassionate thinkers to be the leaders and dreamers of tomorrow. Our school, which serves children ages 6 weeks through Junior Kindergarten, proactively weaves Jewish values into the fabric of everyday learning and, as a result, our families’ everyday lives.
WE ARE A LAUNCHPAD.
EXPAND & ENHANCE
OUR PRESCHOOL
This campaign resolves a two-decade facilities deficit, finally giving educators the environment they need — and families expect.
Current classrooms were built for a different generation of childcare and have been thoughtfully redesigned with 2026 standards of safety, accessibility, and developmental practice while adding natural light, child-height fixtures, and sensory-smart design, none of which exist in the current footprint. Without an expansion of multiple classrooms, Temple Israel must continue turning away dozens of Jewish community families each year.
We are where Curiosity grows.
PROJECT FEATURES
A new two-story, 3,000-square-foot atrium designed as a multi-purpose space for indoor movement, preschool Shabbat, holiday events, and more — a safe and inviting central space
Children’s library to nurture a love of reading
Learning labs for our children to grow as they explore Hebrew and Judaics, music, art, support services, specialty classes, and electives
Indoor dedicated play space
Outdoor learning and gardening spaces
Outdoor playground renewal and expansion to offer developmentally appropriate experiences
School safety and security upgrades
New technology and modernized furnishings
New administrative offices, meeting spaces, and teacher workroom and resources
WE ARE OUR JEWISH FUTURE.
JOIN US
Temple Israel is precisely where giving grows generations.
Vision 2026 is not a single project, but a coordinated investment in long-term sustainability. At the same time, Temple leadership continues to steward a complex operating budget that sustains daily Temple life. Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to excellence, responsibility, the future of Temple Israel, and a critical mass of Jewish children and adults for the greater good of the Memphis Jewish community and Southern Judaism.
Whether you are a newcomer or a native, a graduate or grandparent, we are all beneficiaries of those who came before us.
Together, let’s shape the leaders and dreamers of tomorrow—l’dor vador, from generation to generation.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to make a meaningful pledge today toward this once-in-a-generation renewal of the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center—an investment in our children, our families, and the future of our community.
Your gift may be fulfilled through a multi-year payment plan between now and 2030.
Donations can be made by credit card, ACH, donor-advised funds, or with appreciated stock. Once you select a gift amount and payment method that works best for you, our team will follow up to ensure the process is simple and seamless.
Donors who pledge $1,800 or greater over 5 years will be recognized on permanent artistic signage in our Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center (see rendering).
Every contribution, large or small, is crucial in making this vision a reality.
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These visionaries bring substantive investment to not only our facilities but in Temple’s future and into the next generation of families.
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Infuse enrichment into our new two-story, 3,000-square-foot atrium designed as a multi-purpose space for indoor movement, preschool Shabbat, holiday events, and more — a safe and inviting central space for children and families to gather and make memories.
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Provides new classroom furnishings, play spaces, and creative learning materials that make our children’s daily environment inspiring and joyful.
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Supports enhancements to outdoor learning environments — from shade structures to garden spaces — where curiosity and connection blossom.
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Funds interactive stations for sensory learning, imaginative play, and exploration.
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Just like Leo the Lion, our ELC mascot, this gift brings spirit to every learning moment in our school.
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Provides art supplies, easels, and materials that nurture imagination and expression.
Vision 2026 Donors
As of June 4, 2025
Anonymous
The Arney, Gronauer, and Scheidt Families
Julie and Lawson Arney
Josie and Steve Ballin
Carol and Bert Barnett
Golden and Stephen Bearman
Drs. Lauren Arnold and Brandon Bell
Julie and Byron Besser
Marcy and Michael Blen
Sherry and Peter Blumberg
Mickey and Arthur Buring
Bonnie and Elliot Cohen
Marilyn and Harvey Cook
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Dinkelspiel
Amy and Richard Dorsey
Beni and Mike Dragutsky
Edie and Eric Efron
Rebecca Belz and Sam Fargotstein
Margaret and Shepard Fargotstein
Rhonda and Lenny Feiler and Family
Gloria and Eddie Felsenthal
Freddie Felt
Janis and Pat Finan
Cyndie and Larry Fogarty
The Fogelman Family
The Folz Family
Milton Fortas Bequest
Lisa and Jonathan Frisch
Leah Gafni
Lisa Menuskin and Neil Gibson
Sharon and Michael Goldstein, Julie and Michael Goldstein, Jessica and David Goldstein
Richard Greenberg
Sheril and Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Helen Gronauer and Family
Suzanne Gronemeyer
Sheliah and Scott Gruber
Lauren, Bill, Jacob, and Benjamin Hackney
Isabel Vasconez and Adam Hanover
Marci and Geoffrey Hirsch
Peggy and LR Jalenak
Elise and Richard Jordan
Justin and Ben Katz
Faith and Leonard Kaye
Marty Kelman
Denise, Jeffrey, Hannah, and Martin Kerlan
Ronni Z. Kirsch
Gabby and Zach Kisber
Karen and Michael Koplon
Susanne and Bruce Landau
Geri and Hal Lansky
Barbara Lapides and Family
Jami and Adam Lazarov
Debbie and Ron Lazarov
Laura and James Linder
Alla and Nathan Lubin
Melissa and Brian Lurie
Jan and Jack Magids and Family
Leigh and Danny Mansberg
The Meskin Family
Taylor and Benjamin Orgel
Robin and Billy Orgel
Sally and Michael Pelts
Mary Lynn Perl
The Plough Foundation
Lisa Usdan and David Portnoy
Ann Rabinovitz
Wendy and Steve Radke
Judy Ringel
Shelli and Sheldon Rosengarten
Jennifer and Mike Ross
Wendy and Cary Rotter
Debra and Alex Saharovich
Sherry and Alan Samuels
Betsy and Andy Saslawsky
The Herbert Shainberg Foundation
Lisa and Howard Silver
Farryl and Josh Silver
Katie and Ryan Silverfield
Marcy Wurzburg Stagner
Jill and Ken Steinberg
Terri and Scot Struminger
Sharyn Tritsch
Cathy and Craig Weiss
Edward J. Wise Bequest
Barrie and Kenneth Wurzburg
Carol and Ralph Yaffe
Hollie and Greg Ziskind
If you have a specific preference for how your name is displayed as a generous donor to Vision 2026, please contact Jen Kollath at (901) 937- 2795.