Congregation Emanu El Welcomes Rabbi Jay Sherwood as its New Spiritual Leader

Congregation Emanu El, the oldest synagogue in Southern California and the center for Jewish life in San Bernardino County, is proud to welcome Rabbi Jay Sherwood as its newest spiritual leader. Rabbi Sherwood serves as only the eighth rabbi in the history of the congregation and only the fourth person to hold the post since 1937. Rabbi Sherwood was ordained by the nationally-recognized Academy of Jewish Religion and has been active as a leader in Jewish life for over 20 years, previously serving as a Jewish Educator at Temple Beth Hillel in North Hollywood, Temple Beth Israel in Pomona, and Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles. Most recently, he served as founding rabbi of Adat Re’im, a Jewish Congregation in Rancho Cucamonga and as Director of Education for Congregation Emanu El. Rabbi Sherwood’s appointment comes at the end of a year of voluntary service by Rabbi Hillel Cohn, who has served as Congregation Emanu El as Associate Rabbi, Rabbi, and Rabbi Emeritus continuously since 1963. Rabbi Cohn, a noted figure in the San Bernardino area, continues to serve as Rabbi Emeritus. Congregation Emanu El held services Friday night, July 3, and Saturday morning, July 4, where Rabbi Sherwood led the congregation for the first time as its Rabbi. The Friday evening service, as all services occurring on the first Friday of the month, was dubbed “Shabbat Alive” and features lively songs and a festive atmosphere. Congregation Emanu El traces its roots in the Inland Empire to 1851 and is recognized as the oldest chartered Jewish synagogue in Southern California. Its charter dates to 1891, the first year in which California required such charters. It operates a new facility at 1495 Ford Street in Redlands and was located for over four decades at the corner of 35th and E streets in San Bernardino. The Congregation also operates the Home of Eternity Cemetery and Mausoleum in San Bernardino, the oldest Jewish Cemetery in continuous use in Southern California and a State of California Historic Landmark. Congregation Emanu El and Rabbi Jay Sherwood welcome visitors and look forward to seeing the community join together in the spirit of friendship and celebration as this new chapter begins. For more information, please contact the temple office at 909-307-0400 or email cee@emanuelsb.org.