Temple Emanu-El (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Encyclopedia
Temple Emanu-El is a Reform Jewish
congregation in Honolulu that was established in 1938, and joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
in 1952. The synagogue building at 2550 Pali Highway was consecrated in 1960 under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Roy A. Rosenberg. The architect was Edward Sullam, and the builder was T. Takahashi.
, telling him Bible stories and teaching him the Hebrew language
. In 1887, Rosenberg returned to San Francisco because of political unrest surrounding the Bayonet Constitution
in Hawaii. He left his Torah
and yad
(Torah pointer) with Kalākaua for safe-keeping.
The Torah and yad remained in the royal family. During the 1930s and 1940s, the House of Kawānanakoa
would lend the scroll to the Honolulu Jewish community for High Holy Day services. The “Kalakaua Torah” and yad were eventually given to Temple Emanu-El and are permanently displayed in the main sanctuary.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
congregation in Honolulu that was established in 1938, and joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism , formerly known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations , is an organization which supports Reform Jewish congregations in North America. The current President is Rabbi Eric H...
in 1952. The synagogue building at 2550 Pali Highway was consecrated in 1960 under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Roy A. Rosenberg. The architect was Edward Sullam, and the builder was T. Takahashi.
The Kalakaua Torah and yad
Elias Abraham Rosenberg came to Hawaii from San Francisco in 1886. He used the title “Rabbi”, although his ordination cannot be verified. He developed a friendship with King David KalākauaKalakaua
Kalākaua, born David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch , was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii...
, telling him Bible stories and teaching him the Hebrew language
Hebrew language
Hebrew is a Semitic language of the Afroasiatic language family. Culturally, is it considered by Jews and other religious groups as the language of the Jewish people, though other Jewish languages had originated among diaspora Jews, and the Hebrew language is also used by non-Jewish groups, such...
. In 1887, Rosenberg returned to San Francisco because of political unrest surrounding the Bayonet Constitution
1887 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii
The 1887 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii was a legal document by anti-monarchists to strip the Hawaiian monarchy of much of its authority, initiating a transfer of power to American, European and native Hawaiian elites...
in Hawaii. He left his Torah
Torah
Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five books of the bible—Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five...
and yad
Yad
A yad , literally, "hand," is a Jewish ritual pointer, used to point to the text during the Torah reading from the parchment Torah scrolls. It is intended to prevent anyone from touching the parchment, which is considered sacred. The Vellum Parchment does not absorb ink so touching the scroll with...
(Torah pointer) with Kalākaua for safe-keeping.
The Torah and yad remained in the royal family. During the 1930s and 1940s, the House of Kawānanakoa
House of Kawananakoa
The House of Kawānanakoa, or the Kawānanakoa Dynasty in Waiting, are presumptive heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii.-Origins:...
would lend the scroll to the Honolulu Jewish community for High Holy Day services. The “Kalakaua Torah” and yad were eventually given to Temple Emanu-El and are permanently displayed in the main sanctuary.