Har Sinai Congregation will celebrate 175 years since its formation in 1842 as the first Jewish congregation in the United States founded in Reform Judaism.

“We’re recognizing our incredibly rich history as pioneers in Reform Judaism as well as the people who’ve made it possible over the decades,” Senior Rabbi Linda Joseph said. “This anniversary doesn’t just look backward, however. We’re proud of our past and excited for our future. One hundred and seventy-five years is just the beginning.”

The anniversary dinner will recognize four congregants for their longtime support of Har Sinai Congregation: Rabbi Emeritus Floyd Herman, the congregation’s rabbi from 1981 to 2003; Dr. Jay Perman, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore; and Dr. David and Nancy Posner, supporters of the Posner Judaic Education Magnet at Har Sinai Congregation. Perman will be introduced by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori.

The oldest continuously Reform congregation in the U.S., Har Sinai Congregation formed when a group of young men, mainly of German origin, broke away from the older congregation, now Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, because of the unyielding orthodoxy of its rabbi. The congregation built its first synagogue on High Street in Baltimore in 1849 and acquired a cemetery about the same time.

Har Sinai Congregation was instrumental in establishing Reform Judaism in the U.S. David Einhorn became Har Sinai Congregation’s first rabbi in 1855 and helped lead Reform Judaism in America. He published a weekly newspaper and prayer book, which became the model for the Union Prayer Book at the end of the century. Einhorn sparked controversy not only for his radical reform ideas, but also because he was an abolitionist in Southern-sympathizing Baltimore.

Tickets to Har Sinai Congregation’s anniversary dinner cost $175. They cost $100 for those younger than 40. To purchase tickets or learn more, contact David Carp at 410-484-0381 or [email protected].