Finding TAO was like finding treasure for me. In these challenging times it is more important than ever to find a community that can help provide a sense of belonging. In the TAO congregation, I have found a safe place to connect with like-minded and more importantly like-hearted people. Their services are extremely uplifting and filled with a depth of Spirit. I very much appreciate the diversity that TAO continuously weaves into their programming. Watching their community work with the homeless and the hungry is both inspiring and motivating. Perhaps most impactful for me (as a percussionist) has been to experience the beautiful sounds of the TAO orchestra. It has been an honor and pleasure to be invited to join these talented musicians and vocalists. If you are looking for an organization that is compassionate and engaged in community building, you have found such a home in TAO.
I never thought I would belong to a temple. Then I found TAO (Temple Adath Or). The Rabbis are, as my brother-in-law said, "the real thing." Love pervades our community. From the top down. In sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, we are there for each other. I have never experienced anything like this. Spiritual Leader, Rabbi Marc Labowitz, is third or fourth generation Rabbi. His mother, Rabbi Shoni Labowitz (z''l), who founded the temple with her husband, Rabbi Phil, was one of the first female rabbis and brought Jewish Renewal to South Florida, which is now the largest Jewish Renewal community in the southeast of the United States.
For learning, deepening my faith, sharing celebrations, feeling and giving love and care, the temple is always there for me. The Rabbis are highly accessible. The administration is deeply caring. The congregants are incredibly loving and supportive.
People from every faith are welcome and attend services and events. Words can never replace the feelings we have, and I hope you will come join us once for our virtual or (eventual) in-person activities, which there are many.
Thank you Rabbi Shoni, Rabbi Phil and Rabbi Marc. I am more complete and stronger in my spirituality because of you. I am a kinder, more loving person because of you. I will forever be grateful.
Temple Adath Or has changed my life, since I joined in 2010. Rabbi Marc has been an integral part of my spiritual life, but even more than that, the TAO community has become family. As soon as I joined, I knew I was "home." I grew up on Miami Beach, so my history with Judaism goes way back to a Conservative temple that I was confirmed at, then Reform and then Reconstrucionist. Jewish Renewal through TAO, has so much more to offer, with a richness and warmth you don't find anywhere else. We are liturgical, and have an incredibly talented orchestra, made up of volunteer musicians as well as professionals. Rabbi Marc plays the guitar. Rabbi Marc started an important charity called All Fed where we deliver food and clothing to the homeless, every week. The food comes from restaurants, groceries and farms that would otherwise throw away good food. Rabbi Marc also created The Homebound Choir, which was meeting regularly until Covid, giving homeless families a place to sing and enjoy music with other TAO volunteers and Rabbi Marc. I participate in everything we do which includes men's and women's spirituality groups, Wisdom-Kaballah classes, fun-raisers of all kinds, game nights, talent shows, and holiday get together's. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, our rabbi and staff have managed to organize some absolutely incredible ZOOM programming, including services, and teachings of all kinds. We have spotlighted various issues such as LGBTQ on Pride Month and have had programs on racism featuring notable authors and activists. We also have had a series led by one of our resident physicians on preparing for end of life. One of our other resident physicians, an Integrative Medical Specialist, is presenting a two part presentation on sustainable eating and nutrition. There's so much more! Come to our website and check us out or call us for more information. TAOcenter.net 954-888-1408
Temple Adath Or sets the bar for putting people before profit and makes an indelible difference in the local community. From helping to feed the hungry to supporting the homeless, to providing financial support to members who can't afford the dues, this community demonstrates compassion through action. This comes from the rabbi who informs the administration to the general membership, it is a community that helps make a difference in people's lives. My life has been changed for the better being a part of this temple.
TAO is my temple that gives back to the community. TAO through AllFed helps to feed those with food insecurity. We supply clothing and household items to those in need through our partners and our congregation.
TAO feeds the mind, body and spirit
Most synagogues are run by a board of lay people who make decisions based on finances. Temple Adath Or is not that way. TAO is led by its esteemed Rabbi Marc Labowitz, whose decisions are based on the spiritual well-being of the membership and individuals. It is an essential difference in that people are put before money. This sets the tone for a community of love, acceptance and togetherness. TAO stands for 'the way' in Taoism and also for 'together as one', which it is. If you seek a warm, welcoming, spiritual and meaningful Jewish community, please check out Temple Adath Or.