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The Congregation Emanu-el Archives

Preserving Our Past for the Future

The Congregation Emanu-El Archives, established as a counterpart to our Museum by Rabbi Alvin I. Fine in 1950, is dedicated to collecting and preserving our congregation’s rich and vibrant history. Today’s Archives contain a wealth of materials pertaining to every element of our Congregation’s history: from its clergy, congregants, and educational programs to its architecture, administration, and volunteer organizations.

The portrait that emerges is a multi-generational one that begins with our founders and progresses over 150 years to embrace the vitality that is Congregation Emanu-El today. Among the artifacts you’ll find here are congregational records, publications, photographs, scrapbooks, ephemera (such as concert and theatrical programs), and commissioned musical scores. Our treasures range from the whimsical (Rabbi Irving F. Reichert’s top hat), to the documentary (photographs of the Sutter Street synagogue, both before and after the 1906 earthquake), to the prosaic (invoices for services rendered and items purchased while constructing the Lake Street Temple). Yet much of our story is missing. When the 1906 earthquake and fire devastated the Sutter Street Synagogue, it left most of our historical record in ashes. And many events from the 1920s on remain underrepresented.

Perhaps you have something sitting in a drawer: a photograph, brochure, memento, or document that will help illustrate our congregational tale. If so, we’d love to hear from you! Won’t you contribute to Emanu-El’s heritage by donating an item, sharing a story, or even just asking a question? Please contact Penny Mika at (415) 750-7545, or by email at [email protected]. Your interest and participation will help keep our traditions alive for generations to come.

Sutter Street Synagogue, Congregation Emanu-El, 1877 Photograph by Carleton Watkins; vintage albumen print, 1877
Sutter Street Synagogue, Congregation Emanu-El, 1877
Photograph by Carleton Watkins; vintage albumen print, 1877

Construction of the Dome, Lake Street Synagogue, Congregation Emanu-El, April 16, 1925 Original construction photograph, Barrett & Hilp, Contractors; Vintage silver print, April 16, 1925
Construction of the Dome, Lake Street Synagogue, Congregation Emanu-El, April 16, 1925
Original construction photograph, Barrett & Hilp, Contractors; Vintage silver print, April 16, 1925

The Dybbuk, Act ii, depicting Leah and the Beggars. Production of The Dybbuk, by S. Ansky, was performed by The Temple Players at The Temple Playhouse, Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco beginning on Monday, October 29, 1928. Photograph by Roger Sturtevant; Vintage silver print, 1928
The Dybbuk, Act ii, depicting Leah and the Beggars.
Production of The Dybbuk, by S. Ansky, was performed by The Temple Players at The Temple Playhouse, Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco beginning on Monday, October 29, 1928.
Photograph by Roger Sturtevant; Vintage silver print, 1928

Judaica Collection

photo623The Judaica collection includes hundreds of rare and beautiful artifacts- everything from tapestries, torah ornaments and household ritual objects to paintings, works on paper and books (including Bibles). Many are donations from families descended from the Temple’s founding members. Together, the Archives and Judaica bear eloquent witness to the continuity of Jewish tradition as well as Congregation Emanu-El’s vibrant one hundred and fifty-year history