Temple Emanuel (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

Temple Emanuel (בית המקדש עמנואל) is a Reform Jewish synagogue located at 1715 Fulton St East, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the United States. The congregation was founded in 1857 and describes itself as the fifth oldest Reform congregation in the United States.

History
The congregation erected its first building in 1882 at the corner of Fountain and Ransom Streets. The architect was D.S. Hopkins. In 1996 it was in use as an office building and was the oldest synagogue building still standing in Michigan.

The 1952 building by Erich Mendelsohn, was completed in the Modernist style that is set low and wide, constructed of brick and glass with butterfly-wing roofs. The unusual floor plan of twin rooms, side by side, for the sanctuary and social space, are separated by an electronically retractable wall, enabling doubling of capacity for High Holiday services. Notable artworks includes a sculpture by Calvin Albert, a mural by Lucienne Bloch, reflecting the festivals of the Jewish year, and a 1926 Tiffany glass window depicting the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz. The window was moved from the 1882 building when the congregation erected its new synagogue. In 1992 a major renovation of the sanctuary and public spaces was undertaken.