Media Contact
Stephanie Butler
Director of Community Programs
director@selmatemple.org
Media & Press
Temple Mishkan Israel is preserving and sharing the history of Jewish life in Selma while expanding its role as a center for education, cultural programming, community engagement, and historic preservation.
Members of the media can download press materials, background information, logos, and photographs below.
November 2026
The First Four Months
When I started at The Selma Temple in June, one of my first priorities was to listen. I wanted to understand Mishkan's history, understand Selma, learn what work had already been done, and meet the people who care about this community. I spent a lot of time reading old plans and assessments, meeting with community leaders, preservationists, historians, clergy, tourism professionals, and getting a clearer picture of both the challenges and what is possible.
Four months later, a lot has changed… READ MORE
Current Announcement
Past Announcements
July 2026
The Selma Temple Receives $75,000 Alabama Historical Commission Grant
Temple Mishkan Israel has been awarded a $75,000 Education Trust Fund Historic Sites Grant from the Alabama Historical Commission to support critical preservation work on its historic synagogue building. The project will help protect an important piece of Alabama's Jewish heritage while expanding the Temple's capacity to welcome visitors, offer community programs, and interpret the history of Jewish life in Selma within the broader story of Alabama and the American South.
"The Selma Temple Board of Directors and I are grateful for the support of the Alabama Historical Commission," said Stephanie Butler, Director of Community Programs. "This grant is an important investment in preserving both our historic building and the stories it represents."
For additional information about preservation efforts or media inquiries, please contact the Temple through our Contact page.
May 2026
Temple Mishkan Israel Announces Stephanie Butler as Director of Community Programs
Temple Mishkan Israel has announced the hiring of Stephanie Butler as Director of Community Programs, marking a major new phase of programming, preservation, and community engagement.
Media Resources
Background Information
Selma Temple Initiative Backgrounder - History of Temple Mishkan Israel, the Selma Temple Initiative, and future plans.
Fact Sheet - Key facts about Temple Mishkan Israel, the initiative, and current priorities.
Media Phot Kit (ZIP) - Includes high-resolution images of Temple Mishkan Israel, Stephanie Butler, Ronnie Leet, and photo credits.
Temple Logo (PNG) - For print and digital media.
Temple Logo (Vector PDF) - High-resolution logo for publications and design.
About Temple Mishkan Israel
Founded in 1870 and dedicated in 1900, Temple Mishkan Israel preserves and shares the history of Jewish life in Selma while expanding the Temple's role as a center for education, cultural programming, community engagement, and historic preservation.