Temple History
Learn More About Our Temple's History
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”.
Temple Sholom started its life in Edgemont, in what used to be a Lutheran Church on Ross Avenue
Temple Sholom moved to our new building, right off Kenwood Road in Blue Ash.
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”.
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.
