Temple Sinai is an egalitarian, Reform Jewish congregation with special emphasis on education and social action projects. Our rabbi is Arthur Z. Steinberg who has been our spiritual leader for more than thirty years. Founded in 1953, this small, active Temple is located in the Churchland section of Portsmouth, VA.

Some of the special features of our facility, an example of modern 50s architecture designed by Glenn Yates, include a functional social hall with a large stage, a full kitchen (where Biblical dietary laws are observed), a Judaica Gift Shop, the unique Bonk-Rivin Holocaust Library, and an intimate, “haymisha” sanctuary like no other.

Services are normally held every Friday evening at 7:30. On occasion, students of our religious school participate. We have a complete Shabbat morning Service when Bar and Bat Mitzvah events or holiday times are scheduled.

Among Sinai’s other important activities are a dynamic Social Action program, Adult Education offerings, various cultural and social events in addition to Shabbat and Holiday services.

We take great pride in our Sunday morning educational program for students of pre-school age through tenth grade, the Portsmouth United Religious School. CHAI, the PURS curriculum, designed by the Union for Reform Judaism, has been adapted for Conservative and Reconstructionist families, as well. A special feature of PURS is the award-winning Family Education Program through which we offer unique family-oriented learning sessions for our students and their parents, siblings and other relatives.

Our philosophy is rooted in the modern Reform tradition. We are a member of the national Union for Reform Judaism.

If you are not already affiliated, we urge you to visit our congregation. Your involvement will be rewarded many times over. Call us for further information or send an email to office@sinai.hrcoxmail.com.