Membership

Welcome to Synagogue Emanu-El.  We are pleased to have you visit and hope that you will return.  If you have come from out of town, we welcome you to historic Charleston as well.  The Jewish community of Charleston dates back to at least 1695 and in colonial times was the largest Jewish community in the country.

Please click here for our welcome packet, including an application, dues information, and other membership information.

About Us

Emanu-El was the first Conservative congregation in South Carolina.  Our synagogue celebrated its 75th anniversary in August 2022, and has been located at this address since 1980.  We offer Shabbat, festival, and daily services.  Our worship is egalitarian, and we encourage our youth to participate in and lead our services.

We offer special holiday programming for all ages, monthly Shabbat dinners, as well as ongoing adult education programs: Hebrew classes, Bible study, basic Judaism, and a weekly discussion on a Jewish text at Talmud. This is just the tip of the iceberg - there really is something for everyone around here!

Community

Synagogue Emanu-El tries to provide a sense of extended family in times of joy and sorrow. We are available for all the rites of passage throughout the entire life cycle.  Our cemetery and bereavement committees are there in time of need as well.  We are always glad to welcome questions about our tradition or for the opportunity to be a sounding board and a listening ear in times of need. Members of the Jewish and general community are welcome to participate in all of our services and activities.

Education

Our Religious School is open to the entire community.  We offer religious school for kindergarten through seventh grade. We work to create young Jews who are at home in the synagogue and familiar with our ancient/modern tradition.  We are proud that most of our b’nai mitzvah can lead our entire Shabbat services.

Youth

We are delighted to have Helene Kates as our Director of Youth and Family Engagement. Helene partners with families to create fun, welcoming, and meaningful Jewish experiences, including:

• Family Shabbat and holiday programs
• Hands-on learning and creative arts experiences
• Opportunities for kids and teens to build friendships and leadership skills

More information about youth and family programs is available from our office and in our Program Guide.

We welcome you to become involved in Jewish life in Charleston and to be a part of the exciting activities at Emanu-El.

Shalom and once again welcome to Synagogue Emanu-El and Charleston.