Chicago Sinai Congregation is one of America's oldest and most distinguished Reform temples. It has a proud tradition of Jewish leadership and scholarship; a congregation whose commitment to civil rights, interfaith outreach, community involvement and independent Jewish thought and expression have been an integral part of the American Liberal Jewish tradition for more than 150 years. Throughout its history, Sinai has maintained its commitment to Classical Reform Judaism.
Sinai's first service was held on June 21, 1861, in a modest frame building in what is now the financial district in Chicago's Loop. At the time, it was one of a half dozen Reform
congregations in the United States and, like all of the others, had its roots in the Reform movement that had begun in Germany earlier in the 19th Century.
The Congregation also has been the spiritual home to many distinguished Chicago residents during its history. Included among them are Henry Horner, then governor of Illinois, Julius Rosenwald, founder of the Sears Roebuck empire, and other leaders of the civic, commercial and cultural life of our city and the nation.
Chicago Sinai has touched many lives in its long history. In honor of the congregation’s 150th anniversary in 2011, we are working to publish a scholarly history of our Temple. If you have a story or memory related to Sinai, please click here.