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Community
Following World War II, Virginia Beach was an ideal summer getaway for many Tidewater Jews. Nathan and Blanche Polis opened their small home for daily and Shabbat services, and soon began to think the community could have a “shul.” “Nat” and 22 charter members raised funds for the site on the corner of Baltic Ave. and 25th Street. The cornerstone was laid on July 17, 1949, and the synagogue opened its doors in August 1951.
The original temple building, which continues to be our sanctuary, was at that time truly all-purpose—sanctuary, social hall, classrooms, and kitchen. A constitution was adopted to govern the infant congregation and officers were elected. Algy Cohen served as the first president, and his wife, Mary, was the Sisterhood’s first leader.
By 1953, membership had grown to 75 families and Rabbi Myron Cohen was chosen as the first rabbi. He was followed by Azriel Weissman and Philip Rabinowitz. In 1962, Rabbi Philip Pincus came to Temple Emanuel. During his 14 year tenure, our facilities expanded to keep pace with a growing membership. The construction of the education building and offices was followed by the building of the current social hall in 1987.
Today, under the guidance of Rabbi Howard Mandell and a dedicated Board of Directors, Temple Emanuel, “The First Temple at the Beach,” celebrates the past 60 years and looks forward to a bright and enriching future as a holy community.
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