Temple Sinai (Member of the WCGLBTJ)
LGBT Inclusivity
A Spirit of Inclusivity At Temple Sinai, we strongly affirm the principle of inclusivity in all areas of Jewish life. We strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for both traditional and non-traditional families. In every program along the spectrum of lifelong learning, we commit ourselves to educating in a way that fosters acceptance of diversity. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals, interfaith families, people with disabilities, and individuals of all ages are welcome. While we affirm the importance of the family in Jewish culture, we also strive to fully integrate singles, single parents, and childless couples into the Jewish life of our community.LGBT Members We welcome all Jews, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, as full participants in the religious life of our congregation. Whether single or as a couple, with or without children, you are invited to join our community, using the same membership categories applicable to all members.
LGBT Members and Lifecycle Events All members and their children are entitled to the services of Temple Sinai’s clergy for the purpose of sanctifying their commitment ceremonies or weddings on an equal basis. In determining whether to perform the ceremony, the clergy will utilize the same criteria for same-sex and heterosexual unions. We also encourage our GLBT members to mark other milestones with our congregational family, such as anniversaries, and brit milah or simchat bat ceremonies for biological or adopted children.
Our History In February 1968, thirty-three people attended a meeting to discuss the formation of a new Reform Jewish congregation for Atlanta. Guided by Alfred Messer (z"l) and James Smulian, these founding members enthusiastically supported and named the entity, "The New Northside Congregation." The following month, 145 families signed on as charter members and Rabbi Richard Lehrman was chosen as the congregation’s founding rabbi. In May 1968, the congregation officially chose the name "Temple Sinai," and the first worship service was held on July 5 at what was then The Birney School (now the Trinity School) on Northside Parkway. The religious school opened that fall with over 400 children in attendance. The first High Holy Day services were held at the Progressive Club. Over the next five years, the congregation met in a variety of locations until the permanent synagogue on Dupree Drive was dedicated during the weekend of September 7-9, 1973 . Rabbi Lehrman continued to serve the congregation as its rabbi until his death in November 1979. Rabbi Harvey Winokur served as the interim rabbi during the next year, and in July 1980, Rabbi Philip N. Kranz began what would be a twenty-six year tenure as Temple Sinai’s Senior Rabbi. In July 1996, Rabbi Ronald M. Segal joined Rabbi Kranz as Sinai’s first Associate Rabbi. Upon Rabbi Kranz’s retirement and move to Rabbi Emeritus in 2006, Rabbi Segal became Temple Sinai’s third Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Bradley G. Levenberg joined Temple Sinai’s clergy in July 2006 and Rabbi Elana E. Perry joined the clergy team in July 2007.
Temple Sinai has experienced remarkable and exciting growth. Today our congregation proudly sustains a membership of approximately 1200 families. In May, 2004, Temple Sinai embarked on its first Capital Campaign in over twenty years with a goal of $9.5 million in order to provide a much needed major renovation and expansion to the existing building and grounds. On September 9, 2005 our beautifully renovated building, including a new chapel, expanded Learning Center, two-story education building and new spaces for congregational learning, working and socializing was dedicated. Today, the halls of Temple Sinai are filled with children and adults learning, worshipping, socializing and coming together as a vibrant, Jewish community