The essence of Temple Emanu El springs from founding Rabbi Alan Singer Green's love of song, poetry and Hebrew tradition. These elements, combined with his exceptional warmth and lack of pretension, were woven into the fabric of our congregation where they continue to this day.
Temple Emanu El was formed in 1947, as young, post-war families boomed and Jewish Clevelanders were leaving the city for new suburban neighborhoods. Cleveland's only two reform congregations at the time collaborated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations to launch a third Reform congregation. Experienced leaders from those two temples were "loaned" as organizers, acting as partners to Temple Emanu El's young Board of Trustees. Thus, Temple Emanu El, the first Reform temple in Cleveland's suburbs, was created.
Growth was rapid. By the end of the first year, 350 families had joined our congregation. By the third year, nearly 500 families were members. For more than six years, we used borrowed space. Shabbat services were held at Bellfaire Children's Home. Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights provided space for High Holiday worship. Religious school was conducted at Moreland School, also in Shaker Heights.
In 1950, Temple Emanu El purchased the land we now occupy. Originally seven acres, some of the property has been sold to developers over the years. After two years of planning, we broke ground for construction in 1952. Our building was completed in 1954 and enlarged to its present size in 1962. With a building to finally call our own, the congregation truly took root. Temple Emanu El members have long provided leadership in education, social action and community service.
A recent past president of our congregation remarked, "Our current challenge is trying to attract young people and working to understand the challenges of their families. Our legacy has been one of being a family congregation. It is important that we not forget that."
With these challenges in mind, Temple Emanu El broke ground in June 2007 for the construction of our new building in Orange Village. Congregants can look forward to a beautiful new building with the space we need for our current and future needs. For more information, please visit Our New Facility.
Recalling our past helps point the way to our future. Knowing where we came from helps us keep a clear view of where we are going.
