Alameda's Temple Israel was founded in 1920 as a conservative congregation, but since 1985 it has been affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. The congregation is small, made up of around 135 families with more than half of them intermarried. The Temple is inclusive, "We warmly welcome those who were born into Judaism, those who have chosen it and those who are connected to it through their personal relationships," said a representative. Temple Israel has play groups for young children, a religious school, adult education classes and roster of other social and religious events.
Rabbi Allen Bennett led the congregation from 1996 until his retirement in 2012. Rabbi Barnett Brickner took over as his replacement in July of 2012.