Temple Solel

Congregation History

Six families in Fort Mill, South Carolina founded Temple Solel, a Reform congregation, in 2011. Solel is Hebrew for pathfinder. From 2011 until 2021, Temple Solel leased church rooms for their services and meetings.¹ On account of their growing congregation and a desire to hold community events, they began to look for a larger space to rent. In 2022, they partnered with Grace Presbyterian Church, and now hold services, meetings and events there regularly. To make the congregation feel more welcome, the church suggested they put a Mezuzah on the Church doorpost.²

Russ Cobe, an experienced lay leader, leads Shabbat services as well as High Holy Day services. The congregation meets on the second and fourth Friday of the month. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood meet regularly and host events for themselves and the larger Jewish community.³ The congregation also participates in the Rock Hill and Fort Mill community by, for example, attending the Rock Hill Pride Festival. Though small, the congregation is quite active.

Endnotes

1. “Temple Solel SC – Our Story.”
2. Monday, “Presbyterian Church & Jewish Temple Partner – Sharing Lessons of Hospitality.”
3. “Temple Solel SC – Our Story.”

Monday, Laurabree. “Presbyterian Church & Jewish Temple Partner – Sharing Lessons of Hospitality.” CN2 News, December 8, 2022. https://www.cn2.com/presbyterian-church-jewish-temple-partner-sharing-lessons-of-hospitality/.

“Temple Solel SC – Our Story.” Accessed August 14, 2023. https://www.templesolelsc.org/ourstory.