Isn’t it remarkable how a name can echo through time resonating with stories of faith and community like at Emmanuel Holiness Church? This church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It is a beacon of hope in Chicago.
Emmanuel Congregation was founded in 1880. Fourteen German and Czechoslovakian families established it. They incorporated it in 1898 as Emanuel Congregation of Chicago. The name “Emanuel” may surprise you. It was chosen after Emanuel Redlich. He was known as the “matzah man”. As the shames or synagogue director, Redlich collected dues. He also took Matzah orders. He went from house to house collecting the $2.00 a family monthly dues.
In its early days, the congregation met at Schlotterhauer Hall. It was on Sedgwick Street. Services were held in German. This reflected the heritage of its founding families. English replaced German in 1901. The congregation’s first leader was Rabbi Adolph Dushner. He served from 1880 to 1881. Rabbi Darmstadter then succeeded him. They soon rented Phoenix Hall on Division Street.
In 1886, a significant step was taken. The congregation purchased a Swedish church at 280 N. Franklin for $10000. Thirty families contributed. The first wedding took place in 1886. The daughter of this marriage later became the first bride in the Buckingham Palace building.
In 1893, Emanuel embraced Reform Judaism. The synagogue board voted to adopt the Reform Prayer Book. They resolved to worship with uncovered heads. This marked a shift from Orthodox traditions. A merger with Or Chodosh in 1894 further solidified this transformation. This union necessitated a larger facility.
The congregation sold its church. It rented space in a Baptist church. This was at Belden and Halsted. They used the chapel and basement for 15 years. By 1896, membership was waning. The board sought a more accessible location. They purchased a lot at Burling and Belden. Construction stalled. By 1904, Jewish demographics shifted north.
In 1907, the congregation sold the Burling lot. They bought land on Buckingham Street. The cornerstone was dedicated on June 23, 1907. A bazaar was held in the vestry rooms to raise funds. It raised $6000. Friday evening services began. The Union Prayer Book replaced the Einhorn prayer book.
A series of rabbis led Emanuel. They included Rabbi Charles Austria and Rabbi Felix A. Levy. Rabbi Levy did not require a large salary. He spoke fluent German. He served until 1956. Affiliates emerged in the early 1900s. The Gemeinde Frauen Verein became a charter member. The Men’s Club organized in 1908.
During the 1920s, Emanuel grew. It used the People’s Church-Uptown Temple for High Holy Days. The Great Depression affected congregants. Emanuel helped newcomers during the Nazi regime. Young members went to war. The congregation supported the war effort.
By the early 1940s, Emanuel needed a new building. Land was purchased at Sheridan Road and Surf Street. The Jewish population moved north again. The congregation sold the lot. They purchased land at 5959 N. Sheridan Road. The synagogue was finished in 1954. It was dedicated in 1955. Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman succeeded Rabbi Levy.
Emanuel has been the home of Jewish organizations. It hosted the Chicago Jewish Day School. It was also home to Or Chadash. Emanuel is proud of its rabbis. Rabbi Joseph Edeheit was interested in social action. Rabbi David Sofian introduced conservative practices. Rabbi Michael Zedek was involved in civic affairs. From 2016 to 2021, Rabbi Craig Marantz served as Senior Rabbi. Cantor Michelle D. Friedman leads services today.
As you stand before Emmanuel Holiness Church consider its long history. Think about the families who built it. Consider the leaders who guided it. Imagine the countless prayers. Picture the community it has fostered for over a century. This place is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith.