Temple Emanuel began as a group of residents of Virginia Beach following World War II in what is now the resort area.  Nathan and Blanche Polis opened their small home for daily and Shabbat services and soon began to think the community could have a "shul".  "Nat" and 22 charter members raised funds for the site on the corner of Baltic and 25th.  The cornerstone was laid on 17 July, 1949, and the synagogue opened it's doors on August of 1951.  Because of the diversity of the community, we became members of the United Synagogue of America to include all.

The original temple building, which continues to be our sanctuary, was used as sanctuary,social hall, and classrooms.  By 1953, membership had grown to 75 families and we selected our first rabbi. 

In 1962 Rabbi Philip Pincus, a retired Army Champlain, joined our community as spiritual leader.  During the next fourteen years he guided the growth of Temple Emanuel.  In 1966 the construction of the education building and office was completed.

During the 80's the congregation grew to where the sanctuary could no longer accommodate members en masse for High Holiday services.  A social hall/auditorium was built that can be used for banquets and meetings, with a bimah and ark behind decorative doors to convert the space to a sanctuary.  The original building is connected to the new expansion by a glass-enclosed walk which overlooks the President's garden, made possible by the generosity of past temple presidents. At this time the educational building was also expanded to provide a more appropriate learning environment and improved administrative space.

Our sanctuary (the original building) and the social hall.

The annual Rabbi Philip Pincus Jewish Forum weekend was established in March 1983, to honor Rabbi Emeritus Pincus. 

Temple Emanuel
The Synagogue at the Beach