Synagogue Emanu El Conservative Congregation

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Welcome to Synagogue Emanu-El
The Jewish community of Charleston dates back to at least 1695 and in colonial times was the largest Jewish community in the country.
Emanu-El was the first Conservative congregation in South Carolina. Our synagogue celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1997 and has been located at our current address since 1980. We offer Shabbat, festival, and daily services. Our worship is egalitarian and we encourage our youth to participate in leading our services.
We offer special holiday programs for families, a seniors group, and monthly minyan breakfasts and shabbat dinners, as well as ongoing adult education programs: Hebrew classes, Bible study, Basic Judaism, and a weekly discussion on a Jewish text at Lunch and Learn. Holiday events include our Torah Roll at Simchat Torah, our annual Tu B' Shvat Seder, and a fun-filled Megillah reading on Purim.
Synagogue Emanu-El tries to provide a sense of extended family in times of joy and sorrow. We are available for all the rites of passage throughout the entire life cycle. Our cemetery and bereavement committees are there in time of need as well. We are always glad to welcome questions about our tradition or for the opportunity to be a sounding board and a listening ear in times of need.
Members of the Jewish and general community are welcome to participate in all of our services and activities. In particular, all are invited to our annual Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, which brings nationally known figures to Charleston to teach us and to encourage our continued learning. In past years, scholars have included Rabbis Arthur Green, Joseph Telushkin, David Wolpe, Joel Roth, and Burt Visotzky. We also have sponsored Arts weekends and cultural activities including our well-received Café Emanu-El. Social events have included a Purim Masquerade Ball, a Selichot Harbor Cruise, and a Lag B' Omer picnic and fun day.
Our Synagogue School is open to the entire community. We offer Sunday school for kindergarten through seventh grade and afternoon Hebrew school for third through seventh grade. We also have a two-year confirmation program. We work to create young Jews who are at home in the synagogue and familiar with our ancient/modern tradition. We are proud that most of our b'nai mitzvah can lead our entire service.
We welcome you to become involved in Jewish life in Charleston and to be a part of the exciting activities at Emanu-El.