Temple Emanuel (Denver)


Temple Emanuel, also known as Congregation Emanuel, is a Reform Jewish synagogue located in Denver and was the first synagogue established in Colorado. Founded in 1874 with 22 members, the congregation dedicated its first synagogue building at the corner of 19th and Curtis Streets on September 28, 1875. In 1882, Emanuel moved to a new facility at 24 Curtis Street, which was gutted by fire in 1897. The congregation rebuilt at 1595 Pearl Street and moved in January 1899.
Temple Emanuel officially celebrated its 75th anniversary on November 20, 1949, announcing at the time it was the oldest and largest synagogue between Kansas City and the West Coast.
The congregation's current home, located on Grape Street in Denver's Hilltop neighborhood, was built in 1956 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Rabbi William S. Friedman, a founder of the United Way, served as Rabbi of Temple Emanuel from 1890 to 1941.
Rabbi Joseph R. Black has served as Senior Rabbi since 2010. He was preceded by Rabbi Steven E. Foster who served as Temple Emanuel's spiritual leader from 1981 to 2010 and as Assistant or Associate Rabbi from 1970 to 1981.