Congregation Sherith Israel, Reform synagogue in San Francisco, California
Congregation Sherith Israel is a Byzantine Revival synagogue at the intersection of California and Webster Streets in San Francisco, constructed from brick with sweeping arches and a central dome approximately 60 feet (18 meters) in diameter. The building accommodates roughly 1,400 worshippers and contains multiple spaces dedicated to religious services, educational programs, and community events.
Founded in 1851, the congregation first met in a tent during the Gold Rush and built a Stockton Street synagogue in 1854. A Gothic building on Post and Taylor served from 1870 to 1904. Ground was broken on California Street in October 1903, the cornerstone was laid in February 1904, and the sanctuary was consecrated on September 24, 1905, before about 2,500 worshippers.
The congregation's name is Hebrew for "loyal remnant of Israel". Founded in 1851, it followed the minhag Polen, the traditions of Jews from Posen in Prussia, while Congregation Emanu-El next door chose Bavarian German practice. The two have been friendly neighbours ever since. In 1903 Sherith Israel made its move to Reform official by joining the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
The building sits at a central corner in San Francisco's downtown area and is easily accessible by public transportation. The surrounding sidewalks offer good access for visitors, and you can explore the interior during open-door days or participate in community events held throughout the year.
After the 1906 earthquake, the near-intact sanctuary served temporarily as a city courthouse, hosting the graft prosecution trials of Mayor Eugene Schmitz and political boss Abe Ruef between 1905 and 1908. Repair costs from that quake came to about $1,000.
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