Congregation Schaarai Zedek Competitors

Congregation Emanu-El is dedicated to advancing our members' lifelong involvement in Judaism, engaging them in communal prayer (avodah), the study of sacred texts (Torah), and the performance of compassionate deeds (g'milut hasadim). When intrepid Jews journeyed around the Horn or overland in 1848 as part of the migration west, little did they imagine that they would be helping to found one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in America. San Francisco—the city that sparked the imagination of a nation—is the home of Northern California's landmark temple, Congregation Emanu-El. Officially established in 1850, our congregation has over 2,100 households, many of whom have been involved with the congregation since its founding. We are the oldest congregation west of the Mississippi.

Upper West Side Reform Congregation and Day School

At Temple Israel, Jewish wisdom inspires us as we navigate and improve our ever-changing world. The vision of Temple Israel is to be a world leader of innovative Jewish community. The values we lead with at Temple are: Kedusha (Believing): Our beliefs and experience of the sacred evolve through individual reflection, meaningful ritual, and shared experience with our diverse community. Mah'ahsot (Acting): Our actions are influenced by a commitment to tzedakah, tradition, and openness to reinvention in our ongoing pursuit of justice. Kehillah (Belonging): Our sense of belonging is cultivated by participating in a committed, welcoming, and inclusive community that is there for each of us wherever we are on our journey and whenever we need it.