Temple History

Past

1954 - Temple Sholom Founded

Temple Sholom was founded by Rabbi Stanley Brav and seven founding members in 1954. The vision of the Temple was that of a warm, more traditional expression of Reform Judaism. Since its inception, Temple Sholom became known as the “Singing Temple”.

Rabbi Stanley Brav

Our First Home

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Temple Sholom started its life in Edgemont on what used to be a Lutheran church on Ross Avenue.

Small Beginnings

The founders also wanted Temple Sholom to be a warm welcoming and smaller synagogue. Our size is still limited in our constitution today.

Temple Sholom, since it started out very small, became very volunteer oriented. Its volunteers, particularly the Sisterhood, ran the daily operations of the synagogue. Members of HUC faculty provided adult education and helped establish a religious school curriculum. Temple Sholom still maintains that strong volunteer and DIY mentality.

Social Justice

Rabbi Brav also brought significant social justice leadership to our community. Temple Sholom was actually the first reform congregation in Cincinnati to give voting rights to women, had the first woman President and the first to invite an African American Minister onto the pulpit.

A New Home

In 1959, it was the first Reform synagogue to build its current home to move to “Northern” Cincinnati in Amberley Village.

Sanctuary

New Sanctuary dedicated in 1967

. . .

Rabbi Splansky

Rabbi Donald Splansky succeeded Rabbi Brav in 1972. Rabbi Splansky continued Temple Sholom’s traditions of innovation, social justice and intimacy.

Rabbi Donald Splansky

Rabbi Walter

In 1984, our congregation was fortunate to hire Rabbi Gerry Walter, who is now our Rabbi Emeritus. Under Rabbi Walter’s strong leadership, our temple was an innovator in ritual, education, and was a leader in its support of Israel and Soviet Jewry.

Rabbi Gerry Walter

New Wings

New Religious School Wings and Rooms built in the 1980’s and 1990’s

Modern Renovations

New Chapel, Offices, Entryway, and Renovations in 2007-2008

Present

Today

Rabbi Miriam Terlinchamp joined Temple Sholom on July 1st, 2010 as our rabbi and has brought great personal warmth, innovation, and energy to our Temple Sholom community.

Temple Sholom

Cincinnati, Ohio