Congregation Established

Originally called the San Jose Bickur Cholim Society (“visiting the sick”), Temple Emanu-El was established in the mid-1800s. Founders worked to “assist the needy and sick and for the burial of the dead for furtherance of our Holy Religion and Language.”

The original letter requesting the purchase of the Temple cemetery
The Temple's first meeting place, Old City Hall.
Masonic Hall, which served as acting synagogue building for a time.