Temple De Hirsch Sinai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple De Hirsch Sinai |
|
|---|---|
The Alhadeff Sanctuary of Temple De Hirsch Sinai, in Seattle.
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Daniel Weiner |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location |
|
| Architecture | |
| Date established |
|
| Completed |
|
Temple De Hirsch Sinai is a Reform Jewish community with synagogues in Seattle and nearby Bellevue, Washington. It was formed in 1971 when two older groups, Temple De Hirsch (from Seattle, started in 1899) and Temple Sinai (from Bellevue, started in 1961), joined together. This makes it the largest Reform Jewish community in the Pacific Northwest region.
The original Temple De Hirsch building in Seattle was once listed as a historic place. However, it was taken down in 1993. Some parts of its front still remain today.
Contents
How Temple De Hirsch Started
After a Jewish group in Seattle called Ohaveth Sholum closed down around 1893, many liberal Jewish people in the city needed a new place to worship. So, Temple De Hirsch was created in 1899. It was named after a kind Jewish helper named Baron Maurice de Hirsch.
Building the First Synagogue
Work began on a synagogue building in Seattle in 1901. A special stone was laid, and a basement was built. The community used the basement for services. But the group grew very quickly, so they decided to build a much bigger place.
The new Temple De Hirsch building was designed by an architect named Julian F. Everett. Construction started in 1907 and finished in 1908. It was officially opened on May 29, 1908. Later, in 1924, a Temple Center was added next door. This center had a religious school and other groups. Another part was added in 1951.
This old temple building was taken down in 1993. People tried to save it and use it for arts, but it didn't work out. However, their efforts did help save another old church building, which is now Town Hall Seattle.
The Current Seattle Building
The main worship area used today, located on 16th Avenue and Pike Street, was finished in 1960. This building was designed by B. Marcus Priteca, John Detlie, and John Peck. B. Marcus Priteca was famous for designing many theaters.
Community Groups
Soon after the temple started, a Ladies Auxiliary group was formed. Today, it's called the Women of Reform Judaism. A Men's Club, now known as the Men of Reform Judaism, was also created in 1920.
Important Leaders
The first rabbi (spiritual leader) of Temple De Hirsch was Theodore Joseph.
Rabbi Samuel Koch
His successor, Samuel Koch, was the senior rabbi from 1906 to 1942. During his time, Temple De Hirsch became a very important and growing community. Its religious school was popular, even for children whose parents were not Reform Jews. In 1909, Rabbi Koch started a newsletter called Temple Tidings.
Rabbi Raphael H. Levine
When Rabbi Koch retired, Raphael H. Levine became the senior rabbi from 1942 to 1970. Rabbi Levine believed in bringing different religions together. He even co-hosted a TV show called Challenge with a Catholic priest and a Protestant minister. This show was on TV for 14 years!
Rabbi Levine also started the Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis. He helped create Camp Brotherhood, a place for Christians and Jews to learn and share. He also helped start Camp Swig, a fun and educational camp for Jewish young people. He played a big part in helping Seattle Children's hospital grow.
Rabbi Earl S. Starr
Rabbi Levine's successor was Earl S. Starr, who became senior rabbi in 1970. He helped bring the two congregations (Temple De Hirsch and Temple Sinai) together. He stayed as senior rabbi of Temple De Hirsch Sinai until 2001. Like the rabbis before him, he worked hard to help the community.
Rabbi Daniel A. Weiner
Rabbi Daniel A. Weiner took over as senior rabbi in July 2001, and he is still in that role today.
Music and Famous Connections
Temple De Hirsch has some interesting connections to music history.
- Samuel E. Goldfarb, who helped write the famous Hanukkah song "I Have a Little Dreidel", was the music director at Temple De Hirsch from 1930 to 1968. He built one of the best temple choirs in the country.
- Even more surprisingly, the famous musician Jimi Hendrix played his very first professional show in the basement of Temple De Hirsch! He was actually asked to leave during the performance because his playing was too wild.
Today's Campuses
Temple De Hirsch Sinai kept both the old Temple De Hirsch building (now called its "Seattle Campus") and the Temple Sinai building (its "Bellevue campus"). The original Bellevue building was sold in 2001. A new building was then built in the Eastgate area of Bellevue.
The Seattle building shares its space with a local private school, the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Bellevue building shares its facilities with the Emerald Heights Academy.
Libraries
The Temple De Hirsch Sinai Libraries started in 1908. They still offer lots of information for the community. Both the Seattle and Bellevue locations have over 10,000 books, magazines, and CDs. They specialize in books about Judaism, history, culture, holidays, and the Holocaust. About one-third of the library collection is for children and teens, called the Benjamin Zukor Children's Library. It has both fiction and non-fiction books for young readers.
Gallery
-
This Jewish New Year card, from around 1908, shows the original Temple De Hirsch. Even though it was a historic place, it was taken down in 1993.
-
What was left of the old temple in 2008.
-
This stained glass window shows Moses with the Tablets. It was saved from the 1908 Temple De Hirsch and is now in the Schoenfeld-Gardner Chapel in Seattle.
-
The Temple De Hirsch Sinai Bellevue campus in 2009.
-
Inside the Home of Peace Mausoleum, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, Washington.
_01.jpg)
