Temple Emanu-El
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Founded in 1861, Temple Emanu-El is San Jose's oldest Jewish Congregation. It was originally called Bickur Cholim ("visiting the sick" in Hebrew) and located on 3rd Street between Fernando and San Carlos Streets. It is one of the oldest Reform congregations on the West Coast and remains a vibrant community today.
Images
This large menorah sculpture stands in front of Temple Emanu El. Photo: Metro2, via Waymarking.com
The original, first temple of the congregation called Bickur Cholim.
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The congregation worshipped at the first temple on 3rd Street from 1870, when it was built, to 1940, when a fire destroyed it. Fortunately, the Torah, Ner Tamid (eternal lamp), and stained glass windows were saved and are now located at the current temple.
Sources
"About." Temple Emanu-El. Accessed June 7, 2017. https://templesanjose.org/about/temple-emanuel.