Chicago Sinai Congregation (founded 1861) is a notable American Jewish congregation associated with Reform Judaism located in Chicago. The current synagogue was designed by architect Dirk Lohan; completed in 1996, it includes stained glass by British artist Brian Clarke.
History
Founded in 1861, Chicago Sinai Congregation was the first Reform congregation to be established in Chicago. During the nineteenth century, the congregation helped pioneer and promote the controversial ritual reform of the Sunday Sabbath (substituting Saturday for Sunday) for Jewish communities in America.
In the late nineteenth century, the congregation became the site of speculation concerning the possibility of a woman rabbi in the United States. In 1897, Hannah G. Solomon of Chicago was touted in the press as America's first woman rabbi following her preaching at the congregation. Solomon later reported that the invitation to speak was offered by Rabbi Emil Hirsch and that Hirsch's practice to allow Jewish women to speak from the pulpit was later adopted by other congregations.
Architecture
Interior
Rabbis
The early rabbis to have served in the congregation include Bernhard Felsenthal (served from inception in 1861-1864), Isaac Leow Chronik (served from 1866-1871), Kaufmann Kohler (served from 1871 to 1880), Emil G. Hirsch (served from 1880-1923). Rabbis in the twentieth century include Richard C. Hertz (served from 1947-1953), and Philip N. Kranz (served from 1971-1980).