The Evolution of Temple Emanuel
the congregation of Temple Emanuel had its
origins in 1889 when 18 Roanoke families met in
an upstairs room on Henry Street. They worshipped there until 1895, when they moved to a hall above
Brethren Church on Franklin Road. It was
dedicated as a home for Temple Emanuel on
new home on Persinger Road took place on
Feb. 16, 1958.
Place, with Rabbi Maurice Goldblatt (may his
memory be for a blessing) occupying the pulpit.
The Temple was dedicated Oct. 29, 1937. The congregation remained here for more than two decades.
the dedication of a new and beautiful house of
as it looked from 1959 to 2001.
Over the past five decades the congregation of Temple Emanuel has been privileged to be associated with the following Rabbis: Abraham Sheingold, 1960-65; Donald Berlin, 1965-71; Barry Silberg, 1971-74; Gerry Walter, 1974-84; and Frank Muller, 1985-95. Rabbi Kathy Cohen, our present Rabbi, began her service to our congregation on May 1, 1996.
During this period, major changes and innovations have taken place reflecting the trend within American Reform Judaism and the Roanoke community as a whole. In 1968, Allen S. Levin (may his memory be for a blessing) became the first full-time cantor to serve the congregation. He served as Cantor Emeritus from 1982 until his passing in 2009. In 1979, Rabbi Gerry Walter became the first Rabbi in Roanoke to be elected President of the Roanoke Ministerial Conference, which, in the past, did not accept Rabbis as members. There has been a transition from purely classical Reform to more traditional observances.
A close relationship has existed between Temple Emanuel and the Conservative congregation, Beth Israel Synagogue. Since 1979, we have shared the responsibility of the Jewish Community Religious School. While our building underwent a major renovation, their congregation graciously offered their facilities for our services and other gatherings.
We are proud to have a very supportive and successful Sisterhood. Through the decades, the Sisterhood has been the backbone of this congregation. Our more recently formed Brotherhood is a growing source of support and pride for us all.
Temple Emanuel continues to operate with optimism and enthusiasm, confident that our first 120 years are but a prelude to an even richer, nobler future.
Our Building
For more info about our building, click here.
