Built with red brick and concrete Temple Emanuel stands tall. It’s an important example of Modernist synagogue architecture. This magnificent structure completed in 1953 was the first religious building designed by Sidney Eisenshtat. He later became a renowned designer of synagogues and Jewish academic buildings.
Temple Emanuel’s history began in 1938. The congregation was founded that year. Ernest Trattner served as its first rabbi until 1947. The Belle Chapel a permanent memorial to Holocaust victims is inside. The sculpture was designed by Dr Eric May and donated by Nicolai Joffe.
Isaiah Zeldin served as rabbi from 1958 to 1964. He then founded Stephen S Wise Temple. Rabbi Zeldin followed Bernard Harrison. After Harrison’s death a chapel was dedicated in his honor. Edward Krawll served as cantor for many years. Even Groucho Marx was a congregant.
By 1993 Temple Emanuel faced financial difficulties. However donations and a capital campaign raised approximately 10 million dollars. This saved the synagogue. A major renovation in 2011 modernized the building. Rios Clementi Hale Studios oversaw the work.
From 1994 to 2015 Laura Geller served as senior rabbi. She was the first woman to lead a major metropolitan congregation. Rabbi Jonathan Aaron has been senior rabbi since 2015. He’s supported by Cantor Lizzie Weiss and Rabbi Liora Alban. In 2019 the school and community building across the street were sold. They were demolished in 2021 to make way for apartments. Temple Emanuel continues to be a vital part of the Beverly Hills community. Its history reflects the growth and resilience of the Jewish faith. It is a place of worship and a beacon of community.