New Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
The Shul: Talmud Torah - Sinai Temple
Photographed by Harold G. Friedman, September 12, 2025
1. The Shul: Talmud Torah - Sinai Temple Marker
Organized as Chevra Talmud Torah in 1906, this congregation constructed the first orthodox shul (Yiddish for synagogue) in Tacoma at this site in 1925. Talmud Torah became conservative in 1937 and was renamed Sinai Temple in 1945. Sinai Temple and Temple Beth Israel merged to become Temple Beth El in 1960. The building was demolished in 1968.
Dedicated in memory of Julius Friedman (1872-1937), a Chevra Talmud Torah founder and three time president, by his grandson, Harold Friedman, in 2024.
Erected 2024 by Harold Friedman.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Synagogues series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 47° 15.578′ N, 122° 27.047′ W. Marker is in Tacoma, Washington, in Pierce County. It is in New Tacoma. It is at the intersection of S 4th Street and S I Street, on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bishop John and Fannie C. Paddock (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old City Hall (approx. half a mile away); George Francis Train (approx. 0.6 miles away); Birthplace of Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby (approx. 0.8 miles away); Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation
Photographed by Harold G. Friedman, September 12, 2025
2. The Shul: Talmud Torah - Sinai Temple Marker
It is on the wall to the right of the standpipes
Another marker is no longer nearby. In Honor of Rossell G. OBrien (was approx. half a mile away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Talmud Torah Synagogue (Lost Tacoma). Excerpt:
The structure, originally named Chevra Talmud Torah, was located at S 4th and I street, facing towards Wright Park. The synagogue was renamed the Sinai Temple in 1947 and a merging of congregations in the 1960s led to the creation of a new synagogue, the Temple Beth El, in 1968. The structure was donated to the Tacoma Blood Bank before being demolished in the 1970s.(Submitted on September 23, 2025.)
2. Jews of Tacoma (Geni). (Submitted on September 23, 2025.)
Photo by Richards Studio, Tacoma, 1964
3. Talmud Torah - Sinai Temple, Tacoma, Washington
Northwest Corner of South 4th and I Streets in 1964
Photographed by Harold G. Friedman, September 12, 2025
4. Northwest Corner of South 4th and I Streets Today
Now occupied by the Tacoma General Hospital complex of buildings.
November 2, 2025
5. Tacoma's Shul: Talmud Torah - Sinai Temple
2022 book by Deborah K. Freedman and Harold G. Friedman. Includes 212 biographical sketches.
Click for more information.
This website may earn income if you use this link to make a purchase.
Click for more information.
This website may earn income if you use this link to make a purchase.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2025, by Harold G. Friedman of Moraga, California. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 23, 2025, by Harold G. Friedman of Moraga, California. 2. submitted on November 21, 2025, by Harold G. Friedman of Moraga, California. 3. submitted on November 2, 2025, by Harold G. Friedman of Moraga, California. 4. submitted on November 21, 2025, by Harold G. Friedman of Moraga, California. 5. submitted on November 2, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
