Mount Sinai Temple (Sioux City, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Sinai Temple |
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The former Reform synagogue, in 2011
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation |
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| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 1320 Nebraska Street, Sioux City, Iowa |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Iowa
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style |
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| General contractor | Ostling & Johnson |
| Date established | 1898 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1901, 1922 |
The Mount Sinai Temple is a historic building in Sioux City, Iowa. It used to be a synagogue for the Reform Jewish community. In 1999, this building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Contents
History of the Jewish Community in Sioux City
Early Jewish Settlers
Jewish people started living in Sioux City as early as the 1860s. However, the first synagogue in the city was not built until 1884. This first synagogue was for an Orthodox Jewish group called Adas Jeshurun.
Growth of the Community
The Jewish community in Sioux City grew quite a lot. In 1890, there were about 200 Jewish residents. By the time World War I started, this number had increased to almost 2,500 people. At that time, Sioux City had the second-largest Jewish community in the entire state of Iowa.
Founding Mount Sinai Temple
The Mount Sinai Temple congregation was officially started in 1898. However, the Reform Jewish community was active even earlier. They had already set up a cemetery association in 1869. They also regularly held worship services with the Unitarian Church of Sioux City.
Building the Temple
The original Mount Sinai Temple building was designed by George Washington Burkhead. It was built in the Queen Anne style. This style often features decorative shingles and clapboard siding. The temple opened its doors in 1901. Later, in 1922, an addition was built. This new part was designed by William L. Steele in the Prairie School style.
Jewish Life Between World Wars
Between World War I and World War II, the Jewish Community Center in Sioux City was very busy. It hosted many different groups and classes. There were 60 to 70 clubs and organizations. These groups included everything from socialist workers to Zionists. In 1944, a one-mile section of West Seventh Street was a lively area. It was home to 22 businesses owned by Jewish people.
Changes Over Time
In 1956, the Mount Sinai congregation had grown too large for the Nebraska Street synagogue. They built a bigger facility on 38th Street. The old Nebraska Street synagogue then became home to the United Orthodox Synagogue. This new group was formed by several Orthodox congregations. Their numbers had been getting smaller.
Community Decline and Mergers
After World War II, the Jewish community in Sioux City began to shrink. By the mid-1980s, the population was down to about 700 people. By 2001, it had further decreased to 300. To help keep their traditions strong, the Jewish congregations in Sioux City combined their religious schools in 1990. In 1994, two congregations decided to merge. These were the Conservative Shaare Zion and the Reform Mount Sinai congregations. They formed a new synagogue called Beth Sholom, which allowed for both affiliations.
