Several Congregation Beth Israel members gathered at a bris and talked about starting their own community.

Temple Emanu-El was founded by Rabbi Morton Cohn, who had been the Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel. In the early years, Rabbi Cohn did everything from conducting services to typing the Temple Bulletin. His wife, Sally, led the Sisterhood and Temple fundraising efforts.

Rabbi Martin Lawson was hired as assistant Rabbi. He had been Assistant Rabbi at The Temple in Atlanta, GA, a congregation of 1,400 families. Temple Emanu-El membership had grown to 120 families.

Rabbi Lawson begins his puppet theater, bringing many new families to Temple Emanu-El.

Rabbi Cohn retires. Temple Emanu-El purchases its current site in Del Cerro and congregants spend that summer refurbishing the vacant and vandalized former Baptist church sanctuary. The existing facility soon became inadequate as the Temple gained a reputation for dynamic programs, innovative worship and leadership resulting in 100 new member units. Space was rented across the street at Hearst Elementary School and at Patrick Henry High School for Torah and Hebrew School classes.

With a growing membership (250 – 300 member units), a long-range master plan for enlargement was developed; the resulting plan and campaign spanned 1984 – 1989. Phase I of the plan was completed in 1989 consisting of twelve new classrooms and three preschool classrooms, a library, conference room and administrative offices.

The Price Family Preschool and Rabbi Morton J. Cohn Torah School open in September inaugurating use of the new facilities.

Rabbi Morton Cohn passes away.

Temple Emanu-El became the first Jewish institution to march in the San Diego Pride Parade, confirming it’s status as a LGBTQ-friendly community.

With membership continuing to grow, the old sanctuary and social hall could no longer meet the congregation’s needs. Following the demolishing of the old sanctuary building and a capital campaign that raised $8.3 million, the dedication of our new facility took place in September. The building includes a sanctuary, social hall, kitchen, simcha room, storage facilities, yizkor wall, lobby, gift shop and enclosed courtyard. Its exterior and many parts of the interior are fashioned from Jerusalem stone brought from Israel. Working with architect David Singer and sacred space designer Laurie Gross Schaefer, a beautiful new structure for Jewish living and celebration becomes a reality for Temple Emanu-El.

Rabbi Lawson retires after serving the community for 36 years.

The Temple concluded a national search and hired Rabbi Devorah Marcus from Beth El in Great Neck, NY. An Orange County, CA native, Rabbi Devorah brought a new energy to the congregation, complete with enthusiasm, joy, humor, and song. She brings an emphasis on building our community, deepening the ties between congregants, and encouraging everyone to be life-long learners and pursuers of peace and justice in the world.

As the Synagogue continued to grow, a search for a new Rabbi was undertaken. Recent Rabbinical School graduate, Benj Fried, was hired to support the community, and take on the role to oversee the Torah School, Bnai Mitzvah program and all other education programs. Originally from the Bay Area, Rabbi Benj has elevated the programs and services offered by Temple Emanu-El to a new level.

Temple Membership reaches 490 member units and the Board of Directors establishes the Temple’s fourth endowment fund to help ensure the future of the congregation for generations.