Emanuel Congregation (formerly Temple Emanuel) is a Chicago synagogue that was founded in 1880. It is a

Reform Jewish Reform Judaism, also known as Liberal Judaism or Progressive Judaism, is a major Jewish denomination that emphasizes the evolving nature of Judaism, the superiority of its ethical aspects to its ceremonial ones, and belief in a continuous searc ...

Synagogue located at 5959 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL.

History

Fourteen German-speaking Jews founded Emanuel Congregation in 1880. The first president of Emanuel Congregation was Zacharias Sinzheimer. Originally founded on Orthodox ideology, Emanuel gradually shifted towards

Reform Judaism Reform Judaism, also known as Liberal Judaism or Progressive Judaism, is a major Jewish denomination that emphasizes the evolving nature of Judaism, the superiority of its ethical aspects to its ceremonial ones, and belief in a continuous searc ...

by adopting ''

Minhag America ''Minhag America'' is a siddur created in 1857 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise that was intended to address conflict between sides supporting and opposing traditionalism in early Reform Judaism in the United States. The prayer book was accepted by the ...

'' in 1889, choosing to worship with uncovered heads, and, finally, uniting with Congregation Or Chadosh in 1894. Another notable change in the early years of the congregation is its formal shift from speaking German to English in 1901. Between the years 1880 and 1923, the congregation had only six rabbis, with Rabbi

Felix A. Levy Felix Alexander Levy (October 20, 1884 – June 16, 1963) was an American rabbi who mostly ministered in Chicago, Illinois. Life Levy was born on October 20, 1884, in New York City, New York, the son of Alexander Levy and Catherine Bergdoll. Hi ...

serving for forty-seven years. During Rabbi Levy's time, the congregation grew considerably, with over three hundred members at one point during the time he served. While there were times of higher membership, such as during Rabbi Levy's time, there were also multiple times when Emanuel Congregation's membership dwindled, which was often due to the northward movement of the members. In order to continue to serve their members, the congregation moved locations, such as in 1896 when membership was declining and the congregation moved to a lot on Buckingham Place near Halsted Street, where they built a new building. In 1916, the building at this location was badly damaged by a fire. After this, the building was rebuilt and rededicated. The congregation grew once again, which led to another location change in 1949 to a lot on Sheridan Road at Thorndale Avenue. The newly built temple was dedicated in 1955 and is where Emanuel Congregation currently resides.

References

{{Jewish-org-stub German-American culture in Chicago Reform synagogues in Illinois Synagogues in Chicago 1880 establishments in Illinois Religious organizations established in 1880 German-Jewish culture in the United States