About Congregation Emanu-El
Founded in 1885, Congregation Emanu-El is the oldest Jewish congregation in Kansas and serves as the home of Reform Judaism in south-central Kansas. We are an unaffiliated, vibrant, close-knit community of nearly 110 families practicing progressive, liberal Judaism in America’s heartland. For over 130 years, we have welcomed Jews and others to participate in our Reform services and engage with the Jewish community. We are dedicated to welcoming everyone—regardless of background or affiliation—who is curious about, respectful of, or practiced in our faith to join us in exploring Tikkun Olam. Visitors, guests, and both new and long-time members encounter something special in our congregation: egalitarianism, individualism, collaboration, open-mindedness, and inquisitiveness—sharing their unique humanity, humor, talents, and perspectives—to create a better environment for all within our congregation.
Our members range in age from newborn to over 90. Significant portions of our community include individuals in interfaith marriages and Jews by Choice. Our wide-ranging Adult Education offerings explore our culture and traditions, addressing topics from history and rituals to contemporary issues related to Reform practices. Our devoted Sisterhood and Brotherhood are the congregation’s backbone for the planning of holiday celebrations, social activities and community service.
Congregation Emanu-El is located on the campus of the Joan S. Beren Wichita Jewish Community Center (WJCC), which opened in 2020 and is shared with Wichita’s Conservative congregation, Ahavath Achim. Our Religious School is a cooperative venture, established almost four decades ago as a collaboration between the two congregations with significant financial support from the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation (MKJF). The Religious School and the MKJF are also housed at the WJCC. The facility sits on a large parcel of land and consists of two sanctuaries with ample room to accommodate both congregations. There are two kitchens, one kosher and the other ‘kosher style.’ In addition, there are a large social hall, meeting spaces, classrooms, a library, a mikveh, and offices for each of the two rabbis, and for the WJCC, MKJF and School administrations. From its inception, the WJCC has enhanced Jewish social and religious life in Wichita and increased collaboration between the two congregations. There are now regularly scheduled community events and individuals are welcome to attend congregational events regardless of affiliation.
With a population of approximately 650,000, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and was recently ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the top five cities in the country to move to. Affordable housing, low cost of living and quality public schools combined with rich cultural amenities and virtually non-existent traffic make Wichita a great place to work and live. A modern, full-service airport where all major airlines offer multiple flights daily allow for accessible domestic and international travel. Known as the ‘Air Capital of the World,’ Wichita’s aerospace industry is the leading employer followed closely by health care and education. You can learn more about Wichita at https://www.visitwichita.com/?utm_content=profile-button&utm_medium=gmb-listing&utm_source=google