Temple Emanu-El came into being in 1924 when a small group of influential Jewish leaders in Providence met to address the inability of the older Orthodox congregations to attract and hold younger Jewish adults in the modern American milieu. The new synagogue was to be a vibrant Conservative congregation from its inception, an idea supported by leaders from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York

The idea caught hold immediately. Part of the Botanical Gardens of Brown University was purchased as a building site, and construction of a magnificent domed sanctuary was completed in 1927. The congregation grew steadily over the next decades, and soon became one of the leading synagogues in New England.

A new school building was completed in 1953 accommodating the rapidly-expanding Religious School, and containing a large second sanctuary. And a second major construction project, the addition of a wing with function halls for social events, celebrations, and large-scale programs, was completed in 1959.

Bldg Exterior 2Temple Emanu-El has always occupied a prominent place in Rhode Island life, and in the life of the national Jewish community. Two of its rabbis, Israel Goldman and Eli Bohnen, served as president of the Rabbinical Assembly, one of its cantors, Ivan Perlman, served as president of the Cantors Assembly, one of its former Executive Directors, Robert Hill, served as president of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives, and many Rhode Island leaders have been and are members of the congregation.

The community continues its deep commitment to innovative programming and to offering an unqualified welcome to all Jews, regardless of background, training, or circumstance, who want to be a part of this community of faith.