Temple Sinai, Reno’s Reform Congregation
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Nestled in Northern Nevada, in Reno—known as “The Biggest Little City in the World”—Temple Sinai is a Reform Jewish synagogue recognized for its commitment to learning, caring for one another, and promoting Jewish practice, culture, and tikkun olam, the Jewish tradition of repairing the world. The congregation encourages each member to discover and fulfill their unique purpose both within the community and beyond.
Temple Sinai hosts a wide variety of vibrant events and programs that bring people together across generations. One beloved tradition is Shabbat Under the Stars, held on the last Friday evening of each summer month. This gathering features a picnic dinner followed by outdoor Shabbat services in a warm, communal atmosphere.
The synagogue also celebrates Shavuot with Scoops & Slices, a lively event commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Families come together for an engaging program, capped off with a festive ice cream social for children.
Another favorite is Taco B’Omer, where, as the synagogue puts it, “tradition meets tacos!” This playful celebration includes child-safe archery, a bonfire, and a full taco bar, blending holiday spirit with fun and flavor.
Youth and Family Engagement
For younger members, Torah for Tots provides early childhood Jewish education for ages 2 to 5. This program serves as a prelude to the Temple’s Sinai School and includes prayers, songs, stories, games, and art projects that introduce children to Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Bible stories.
In addition, Tot Shabbat services are held on the first Friday of every month, offering a welcoming space for families with small children to experience Shabbat together.
Temple Sinai also supports its youth through a Community Youth Group and a dedicated Youth Library, fostering connection, learning, and growth for the next generation.
Learning and Worship
Torah Study at Temple Sinai is led by Rabbi Sara Zober every Shabbat morning. The Torah is studied verse by verse—unpacking its wisdom, debating its meanings, and discovering its relevance to modern life. These sessions are open to both Jews and non-Jews, encouraging broad participation and dialogue.
This openness reflects a central focus of the synagogue, expressed in its mission statement: Temple Sinai is an inclusive Jewish community that encourages members to fulfill their unique purpose in the world.
The synagogue actively embraces inclusion—welcoming the LGBTQ community, offering same-sex marriages and gender transition rituals, providing accommodations for people with disabilities, and fostering acceptance across all races, ethnicities, and ages. Temple Sinai also practices gender-neutral traditions, including mixed-gender leadership and seating, and offers a tiered membership structure to accommodate families of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Historical Background
In 1868, Jewish settlers first arrived in Reno. Many were merchants who opened dry goods and clothing stores after the Central Pacific Railroad auctioned land to establish the town. Some had initially come from California during the 1859 Comstock silver rush in nearby Virginia City. As mining declined, they relocated to Reno, which grew into a commercial hub in the late 1800s.
By 1900, approximately 140 Jews lived in the area, leading to the creation of the first formal Jewish congregation. The community continued to grow and remained active in Northern Nevada’s business and social life.
In 1962, a small group of Jewish families sought to create a congregation aligned with Reno’s progressive culture. Seven families approached Rabbi Joseph Glaser of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations to establish a Reform congregation. Temple Sinai was born, with Louis Dickens serving as its first president. The congregation held its first official gathering on September 8, 1962, and celebrated its first Shabbat just six days later.
Today
Today, Northern Nevada’s Jewish population is estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000 people. Temple Sinai has established itself as a central and welcoming institution in the region. Through its wide range of programs, inclusive values, and strong sense of community, the synagogue continues to promote Jewish practice, culture, and tikkun olam. It remains a congregation that deeply cares for one another—embracing people of all ages, races, identities, and life experiences.
Contact Information:
Temple Sinai, 3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503
Phone: (775) 747-5508
Email: info@sinaireno.org
Website: sinaireno.org/
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