Congregation Established
1861
Originally called the San Jose Bickur Cholim Society (“visiting the sick”), Temple Emanu-El was...More »
First Building Dedicated
1870
Located on the corner of Third and San Antonio Streets, the first building served as the center of...More »
Fire Destroys Building
1940
In 1940, a devastating fire destroyed the building. It was a complete loss except for a few items....More »
Current Building Dedicated
1948
Our University Avenue facility, where the congregation still resides, was dedicated in 1948....More »
Religious School Built
1950s & 1960s
Temple Emanu-El built a three-story religious school to accommodate the area's growing Jewish...More »
125th Anniversary
1986
The synagogue is honored by the White House with best wishes sent via a personal letter from...More »
City Commendation
2005
Temple Emanu-El and Senior Rabbi Dana Magat were honored by the City of San Jose with a commendation for our pioneering support and twinning relationship with Temple Emanu-El in Odessa Ukraine. More details on our Torah and computer infrastructure donation to this congregation may be found in this article from Reform Judaism Magazine.
