Sinai Congregation and Beth Israel Congregation merged in 1925 to form a single synagogue, Beth Israel Sinai Congregation. To unite the Racine Jewish community, the new synagogue was organized as a Conservative congregation. It would have mixed seating of men and women; services would be in Hebrew and translated into English; there would be no choir or instrumental music, and men would wear the traditional tallitot and yarmulkes. The new shul (synagogue) was large enough to afford the services of a rabbi, and Rabbi Aaron Cohen became Beth Israel Sinai’s first rabbi. He was also the first rabbi in Racine. Rabbi Cohen served Beth Israel Sinai from 1925 to 1937. The shul was housed in Beth Israel’s building, a house at 10th Street and Villa on Racine’s south side.

With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, several members went into the Armed Forces. In all, 143 members of the Jewish community in Racine went into the military during the war. Of those, four died during the war: David Gordon, Norman Gordon, Leonard Hulbert and Harvey Shovers. In 1943, Beth Israel Sinai was able to retire the mortgage on its building, and plans were made to build another synagogue. In 1945, the Jewish Welfare Council of Racine was founded to assist individuals and institutions in need.

In 1953, Beth Israel Sinai built a new synagogue at 10th Street and Main Street near downtown Racine. B’nai Yehuda Anshe Sholom closed in 1962. Beth Israel Sinai stayed in the Main Street building until December of 2016, when it moved to its current location at 3009 Washington Avenue.

In October 2000, I became the new spiritual leader of Beth Israel Sinai Synagogue, arriving as a self-trained cantor with six years of yeshiva study. In July 2003, at the Temple Board’s suggestion, I began studying towards my rabbinical ordination, and earned my smicha in June 2006. Our synagogue has emerged as the spiritual center for Judaism in the greater Racine area. We are open to all Jews who seek to embrace and understand their religion. Beth Israel Sinai Congregation stresses Jewish unity. All perspectives are welcome. I am proud that all of our B’nai Mitzvah and many of our members can read from the Torah and lead services.

Each Saturday morning, at 10:00, our Temple family comes together for Shabbat services followed by a weekly Torah class and Kiddush luncheon. The synagogue also offers afternoon Hebrew classes and B’nai Mitzvah training. Friday night Shabbat dinner and services are held throughout the year, as well as services for all holidays. Our Hanukkah dinner and our Passover Seder are open to the entire community. I am, of course, always available for any celebration or emergent need. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Please contact me by email or telephone should you have any questions or comments.