BRIEF HISTORY OF TEMPLE EMANUEL

The seeds of Temple Emanuel were planted in 1953, when a group of parents - who sought to educate their children consistent with the historical, ethical and religious elements of classical Reform Judaism - formed the St. Louis School for Judaism, meeting at the Taylor School in Clayton with 46 students enrolled.

With the growth of this school and its first confirmation class, the congregation formalized its name in December 1956 and became the first new Reform Jewish Congregation in St. Louis in 70 years.

In 1961 Rabbi Joseph Rosenbloom was engaged as Temple Emanuel's rabbi and he has continu,ed in some capacity ever since. His exceptionally long tenure has practically defined who we are and what we stand for. Rabbi Joe, as he is known to everyone, is still active and engaging the entire community as Rabbi Emeritus and Senior Scholar.

The Temple Emanuel sanctuary was designed by renowned architect William Bernoudy (an early apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright) and built in 1962. Its stunning natural brick and wood design expressed the founders' artistic vision for a place of worship and study that reflected their ideas about modernity (link to P-D article).

As of July 1, 2009, the next generation of leadership assumed our pulpit.  Rabbi Justin Kerber will lead our congregation into the first half of the 21st Century, making our synagogue even more relevant to the needs of Reform Jews - young and old - today.

"I am excited by the chance to provide spiritual leadership for such a dynamic congregation, honoring its past while looking ahead to its future."