Temple Adath Or (TAO) has reached a milestone in 5786, celebrating our 40th anniversary. Founded in the early 1980s, TAO was established as a beacon of Jewish thought and practice in a rapidly growing Jewish community. From its inception, we continue to offer a spiritual home that blends traditional Jewish rituals with contemporary interpretations, making religion accessible, joyful, and meaningful to a diverse population. Over the decades, TAO has become known for our extraordinary orchestra and musicality, expressing our joy for Judaism and for life through our music. We are a community who loves to study Torah. We offer a welcoming embrace and commitment to inclusivity and diversity of thought, embodying the values of Judaism to and within a loving community.
Throughout our history, TAO has been a hub for educational and cultural development. Early on, we recognized the importance of Jewish education and continue to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for children, teens, and adults. This commitment to learning has been a cornerstone of TAO’s mission, helping to ensure that Jewish understanding, traditions, values and our history are passed down and remain vibrant. The synagogue’s educational programs have grown significantly, featuring weekly interactive learning experiences to engage all ages.
TAO has also been at the forefront of service to community, reflecting the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. TAO initiated and participated in numerous outreach programs over the years, from feeding the homeless to community choirs to environmental stewardship. These activities serve the community and strengthen the bonds within TAO. As we celebrate our 40th year, these projects highlight our ongoing commitment to service and communal well-being.
As Temple Adath Or looks to the future, we embrace innovation while respecting tradition. The 40th anniversary is a celebration of the past and a time to look forward to and plan for our future. With dynamic leadership and an active community, TAO is poised to continue its role as a leader in Jewish Renewal. The synagogue remains dedicated to evolving and adapting in ways which meet the needs of our congregation while staying true to our core values and mission. By remaining faithful to our mission, and forging ahead with relentless enthusiasm, we ensure that TAO will be a vital part of our South Florida Jewish community for generations.
Rabbi Phillip Labowitz has been a significant figure in Fort Lauderdale’s Jewish community since 1973, with his tenure marked by extensive community involvement and leadership within the Jewish Renewal movement. Alongside his leadership at the Temple Adath Or, he has served on several community boards, emphasizing education and family services.
Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, his wife, was also deeply influential as a co-founder of Temple Adath Or. She was a visionary in the Jewish Renewal movement, known for integrating spiritual practices with daily Jewish life and promoting women’s roles within the context of biblical narratives. Her works, including “Miraculous Living: A Guided Journey in Kabbalah through the Ten Gates of the Tree of Life” and “God, Sex, and Women of the Bible,” explore the spiritual and sensual aspects of biblical women’s stories, contributing significantly to contemporary Jewish thought and practice.
Their son, Rabbi Marc Labowitz, continues the family’s legacy by leading Temple Adath Or with a focus on spirituality and community engagement. Under his leadership, the congregation emphasizes inclusivity and a deep connection to Jewish traditions, enriched by modern interpretations and a commitment to social action.
Together, the Labowitz family has shaped Temple Adath Or into a center for spiritual growth and Jewish Renewal, blending traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary relevance, fostering a community that is both vibrant and deeply rooted in Jewish values.
We honor and remember Rabbi Shoni, z’l, every year. Please stop by “440” to see her art, which is displayed throughout the space. We will also offer Rabbi Shoni’s art for sale online on our new store, Or Chanut.
