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Past Presidents of Synagogue Emanu-El
Synagogue Emanu-El History
A Brief Historical Timeline of Synagogue Emanu-El
Member Memories

 

Synagogue Emanu-El History

Synagogue Emanu-El's Gordon Street Building

Emanu-El traces its history back to the summer of 1947 when a group of members from Orthodox Brith Sholom met to discuss the possibility of either converting the congregation from Orthodoxy to Conservative Judaism or breaking away to form a Conservative synagogue. The consensus of the group was to break away. The Kronsberg and Steinberg families, along with Nathan Goldberg, Milton Banov, and Hyman Rephan, formed the active nucleus within a group of 73 other charter members. Macey Kronsberg became the first president, and within a few months, land was purchased. Matthew “Mattie” Steinberg's family contributed a surplus Army chapel to be used as a sanctuary, and the congregation hired its first rabbi, Lewis Weintraub. 

During this time, the ladies of the congregation blossomed. Sisterhood Emanu-El was formed, with Anita Steinberg as its first president. The Sisterhood established a Sunday school and over the years has raised funds to help support the many activities and rituals in the synagogue. Alan Rubin was the first Bar Mitzvah, and Barbara Steinberg (Spitz) was the first to be confirmed. JoAnn Steinberg was the first bride to be married at Emanu-El. 

In the early 1950s, Leon Steinberg purchased a site off Highway 61 for use as a cemetery. Recognizing that the synagogue was rapidly outgrowing the Army chapel, congregants formed a committee to raise money to buy land and erect a new building. Ed Kronsberg, Irving Steinberg, and Hyman Rephan took on the fundraising challenge. An architect was hired who designed a cathedral-like sanctuary big enough to hold 1000 members. The builders broke ground in 1954 and on December 18, 1955, the congregation moved into its new home on Gordon Street in Wagner Terrace. Rabbi Gerald Wolpe took the helm, serving as spiritual leader for four exciting years. Wolpe was succeeded by several other rabbis. In 1964, Rabbi Jordan Taxon joined Emanu-El’s family and stayed in Charleston for ten years. Known as “Mister Fix-it,” Rabbi Taxon was “as comfortable with a hammer in his hand as a siddur,” remembers a current member. The synagogue thrived on Gordon Street. 

In the ’60s and ’70s, the majority of younger members moved to neighborhoods west of the Ashley River. A young rabbi, Charles Sherman, was hired 1974 to replace Rabbi Taxon. Sherman was a dynamic community leader who fought against the development of Kiawah Island by Kuwaiti businessmen. As the congregation continued to grow, the younger contingent wanted Emanu-El to relocate west of the Ashley, but those still living around the synagogue opposed the move. Through quiet persuasion and a memorable Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Sherman convinced young and old alike that it was time for a change. 

Charles Altman, Mickey Fischbein, Charlie Goldberg, and Samuel Steinberg formed a committee to study the potential relocation. While they worked on plans for the move, Harold “Buzzy” Sherman found a buyer for the Gordon Street facilities. The congregation selected a wooded site west of the Ashley River in Parkshore and hired an Atlanta-based architect named Benjamin Hirsch. Howard Hoffman chaired the building committee. For the two years the synagogue was under construction, Shabbat and minyan services were held at the JCC, the High Holidays were celebrated at the Gaillard Auditorium, and synagogue offices were located in an apartment on Ashley Hall Road. Rabbi Alan Cohen replaced Rabbi Sherman in 1976, and on December 9, 1979, he officiated at the dedication ceremonies for the new synagogue. 

Ten years later, on September 21, 1989, Hurricane Hugo swept through Charleston just before Rosh Hashanah and left considerable damage to the synagogue and its grounds in its wake. The membership banded together to restore the grounds and prepare for the upcoming High Holy Days. In spite of rainwater pouring through the destroyed roof, Emanu-El welcomed the New Year in the sanctuary. In the months to follow, the building was repaired and restored. 

Synagogue Emanu-El today

After 45 years at the present address, Synagogue Emanu-El continues to thrive and play a central role in the lives of its members through lifecycle and social events. The congregation welcomes over 345 families. The synagogue has an active Men’s Club and Sisterhood, a vibrant religious school, as well as youth groups for children of all ages. A strong professional staff under the leadership of Rabbi Evan Ravski now provides for a wide range of programming—Shabbat and Holiday services, simchas such as weddings, brit milah and b'nai mitzvah, and pastoral services to support those who are sick or grieving.

adapted from the Magazine of the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina

Wed, December 4 2024 3 Kislev 5785