Temple Judea welcomes new congregational leader; community invited to Nov. 10 installation
The Floridant/10286713

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- After a decade of service in Israel, a dynamic spiritual leader and multilingual Jewish educator with a musical background is the new rabbi of Temple Judea, Fort Myers' Conservative synagogue.

To formally welcome Rabbi David Arias, Temple Judea is hosting an installation ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 10 at noon. The public is invited to attend the complimentary event, which includes a ceremony, luncheon, live music and family-friendly activities. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.tjswfl.org. (https://www.tjswfl.org/)

Arias joins Temple Judea from the Moriah Congregation in Haifa, Israel, leading the country's oldest Conservative synagogue in its third largest city. A native of Chile, Arias earned an undergraduate degree in music composition in his home country before moving to Israel, where he both served in the military and was ordained as a rabbi.

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Arias, who relocated to Southwest Florida over the summer with his wife and young children, calls the move an opportunity of a lifetime.

"We came to Temple Judea, as a family, as Israelis, to bring a bit of the promised land to this corner of paradise in Southwest Florida," he said. "We've felt nothing but love since our arrival."

"From its founding more than 50 years ago, our congregation has both grown and evolved – much as our city, county and region have similarly blossomed," said Jan Klein, Temple Judea president. "As we look to a future of further growth, investment and continued community service, Rabbi Arias is at the forefront of that effort."

In addition to his rabbinical duties, Arias has served as a cantor and prayer leader in Jewish communities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Europe, Israel and now the U.S.

"As a rabbi and musician, I love to integrate both worlds and deepen the spirituality of Jewish tradition through its texts and melodies," he said.

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About Temple Judea

Temple Judea (https://www.tjswfl.org/) is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue located at 14486 A&W Bulb Rd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The synagogue serves approximately 120 households, proudly affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Temple Judea perceives its congregation as a "family of families" and prides itself on being a warm and supportive community.

In addition to prayer services, Temple Judea also provides for the educational needs of the community with a preschool, Hebrew school and adult education classes. For more information, visit tjswfl.org (http://www.tjswfl.org/), email tjswfl@gmail.com or call 239-433-0201.