Temple Emanu-El
Quick Facts
- Location
- USA, San Francisco
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Opening Hours
- Check website; Shabbat Friday evening service
- Ticket Price
- Free; reservation recommended
- Address
- 2 Lake St, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Coordinates
- 37.7874, -122.4597
Introduction
Temple Emanu-El, located at 2 Arguello Boulevard on Lake Street in San Francisco, is one of the oldest and largest Reform Jewish congregations in the United States. The congregation's history traces to the 1849 California Gold Rush, founded by German Jewish immigrants in San Francisco, making it the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi. The present temple was designed by architect John Galen Howard and completed in 1926 in Neo-Romanesque style, with red brick exterior, massive arched windows, and a copper dome blending Byzantine and Romanesque elements. The interior seats over a thousand worshippers, with stained glass windows depicting Jewish holidays and prophetic stories. The congregation has long played a leadership role in civil rights, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Temple Emanu-El?
Check website; Shabbat Friday evening service
How much is the admission for Temple Emanu-El?
Free; reservation recommended
Any practical tips for visiting Temple Emanu-El?
Men should wear a kippah; loaners available Observe Shabbat etiquette Friday sunset to Saturday sunset
How long should I spend at Temple Emanu-El?
A typical visit takes 1 hour.
