Vision & Purpose

We believe in the richness of Judaism and in a committed Jewish life, through which we strengthen God's presence in the world. Every Jew is invited to build and explore their own spiritual identity.
We are a Conservative Congregation in Lee County, rooted in tradition while embracing modernity. We learn and apply Jewish values and practices to meet the challenges of our times; we walk together as a community.


At Temple Judea, we gather for services, prayers, and study of different areas of Jewish wisdom. We deepen our spiritual well-being and celebrate together the significant events of our lives (life cycle events); our festivals; and the harmony of remembrance and learning in the calendar.


We teach and educate children in Jewish tradition through our Religious School and are partners with parents in the first steps of their children’s education through Temple Judea Preschool. We participate as a core Jewish organization in community-wide activities and events to build a stronger Jewish community in Fort Myers and to bring our love of God and Israel to others.

Meet the Rabbi

View Rabbi Arias on YouTube

  • וְטַהֵר לִבֵּנוּ לְעָבְדְּךָ בֶּאֱמֶת״

    “Purify our hearts to serve you truly.”


    Rabbi brings a deep passion for Jewish life, learning, and community. Born in Chile and rooted in the Conservative (Masorti) Movement, he studied music before making Aliyah to Israel, serving proudly in the IDF, and receiving his rabbinical ordination from the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary in Jerusalem. Blending his love of music and Torah, he has led prayers and taught across the world, infusing services with warmth, melody, and cultural diversity. Together with his wife, Daiana, and their two children, he is proud to bring the spirit of Israel and the joy of Jewish tradition to Temple Judea of Southwest Florida.

    Rabbi Arias invites you to come and visit. Want to schedule a meeting? https://calendly.com/rabbidavidarias

Meet the Team

Meet the Presidents

  • Co-President

    My family joined Temple Judea shortly after moving to Fort Myers in 1988. Since then, I have worn many hats on the board and in other aspects of Temple life. I served my first term as President from July of 2023 to July of 2025. I am currently in my second term but this time as Co-President. In my leadership position it is extremely important to me to involve others in leadership roles and for congregants to take an active part in our activities. I am available on most Mondays at the synagogue from 11 am to 3 pm. During this time, and at other times, you can reach me via email, text, or a phone call. Consider being part of our Temple Judea Family.

    giaof3@gmail.com

    239-823-9452

  • Co-President

    A native of Houston, Texas. After living in New York City for many years, he moved to Fort Myers, where he is a full-time resident, in early 2022. James has three daughters and lives with the middle one, Sarah. While James has worked for law firms, the Department of Justice, and banks, he is quite happy working at home now in a solo tax practice as well as handling finances and contracts for Temple Judea.

    jmann7674@gmail.com

TEMPLE JUDEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025 – 2026

  • Jan Klein

    Co-President

    giaof3@gmail.com

  • James Mann

    Co-President

    jmann7674@gmail.com

  • Brian Simon

    VP Finance & Planning

  • Karen Whitman

    VP Membership & Ritual

  • Jane Bernstein

    VP Religious School & Fund Raising

  • Sandi Falk

    Secretary

  • Dan Fox

    Past President

  • Treasurer: OPEN

Members-at-Large

  • Chely Dosoretz

  • Barry Epstein

  • Mindi Simon

  • Samantha Kleiman

  • Fran Yungher

  • George Litman

Organizational Representatives

  • Jodi Cohen & Mindi Simon

    Co-Presidents Chaverot

  • Joyce Rosinger

    Hazak

  • Alana Adler

    Preschool

Committees

  • Rabbi David Arias

    Adult Education Chair

  • Howard Baum

    Buildings & Ground Chair

  • JoAnn Lewin & Sarah Mann

    Membership Chair

  • Alana Adler

    Religious School Chair

  • Karen Whitman

    Ritual Chair

  • Amit Erlich

    Security Chair

  • Social Action Chair: OPEN

  • Youth Chair: OPEN

  • Budget Chair: OPEN

Contact us