Thank you to those who participated in our Logo Challenge and creatively shared insight into how you view Temple Israel. One of the themes that came across in all entries was the Star of David. A symbol that doesn’t need an explanation to show that an institution is Jewish. Another theme was the architecture and our buildings.

“Who wouldn't instantly recognize a silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, or the Empire State Building,” said congregant Mickey Estefan, Jr, “…the buildings are iconographic”. Mickey went on to say that the silhouette and the archway of the Bertha Abess Sanctuary are what inspire a physical and spiritual pathway, a connection of what can be as you walk through the door.

The Gumenick Chapel design has been published in many synagogue architectural books. The colors of the stained glass become magical throughout the day based on the position of the sun. As you drive by on NE 19th Street you can’t miss the shape of the external walls and how they inspire creativity.

Local tour companies include Temple Israel as they share the history of Miami with tourists.

The logo is a modern interpretation while honoring our historic beginning in the 1920’s. It was created by our own congregant, the very talented, Alisa Pitchenik Charles.

Says Alisa, "The star is the Moorish design from the Bertha Abess Sanctuary, as well as the arch in the art deco color and the stained glass is from Gumenick. It is a portion of the window/art that represents the universe circling the earth to represent the importance in Judaism that we are a part of a greater whole. The font is a clean art deco font reminiscent of the past."