Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco, California is one of the three oldest Jewish congregations in California, and one of the largest Jewish congregations in the United States. A member of the Union for Reform Judaism, Congregation Emanu-El is a significant gathering place for the Bay Area Jewish community.
History During the Gold Rush in 1849, a small group of Jews held the first High Holy Days services in a tent in San Francisco; it was the first Jewish service on the West Coast of the United States. This group of traders and merchants founded Congregation Emanu-El sometime in 1850, and its charter was issued in April, 1851. The 16 signatories were mostly German Jews from Bavaria.
In 1860, Reform rabbi Elkan Cohn joined the Emanu-El congregation; in 1877, he led the congregation as the first in the West to join the Reform Movement. As the Reform Movement in Judaism spread in the United States during the early twentieth century, the synagogue became affiliated with this framework.
In 1884 Julie Rosewald became America's first female cantor when she began serving in Emanu-El, although she was not ordained. She served as a cantor there until 1893.
The congregation's landmark Sutter Street synagogue was destroyed by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fire.Mirsky, Maya (7 June 2023). ‘Dedicated to the cause of Judaism’: Years after devastating 1906 quake, Emanu-El rose again JWeekly. Retrieved on 1 January 2026. The synagogue was rebuilt on its current site and dedicated over three days, April 16, 17, and 18 in 1926.New Temple Emanu-el Will Be Dedicated in San Francisco Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved on 1 January 2026.
In 2025, a $97 million renovation project was completed. A new floor level was added below street level to house offices, and a third floor of classrooms was added to house a pre-school. The grand arched main entrance was renovated, while the domed main sanctuary, the Martin Meyer sanctuary, and the small chapel were not altered.
Among its major programs today, the synagogue includes worship, youth and adult education programs, and also a major emphasis on social justice.
Clergy
Notable members
Notes
References
Further reading Rosenbaum, Fred, Visions of Reform : Congregation Emanu-El and the Jews of San Francisco 1849–1999, Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2000, Rosenbaum, Fred, Architects of reform: congregational and community leadership Emanu-El of San Francisco, 1849–1980, Western Jewish History Center, Judah L. Magnes Memorial Museum, 1980 Voorsanger, Jacob, The Chronicles of Emanu-El, Spaulding Press, 1900.
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