There has been a Jewish presence in the Fox River Valley dating back to the mid 1800’s. The first families were farmers, merchants and tradesmen. Many of these Jewish settlers (although more than a full day’s ride from Chicago’s garment district) helped supervise the production of uniforms for local Civil War volunteers. While at this time, there was no synagogue, much planning and discussion was taking place.
In 1892, a small group of residents organized the first synagogue west of Chicago. The congregation worshipped on the second floor of a building in the Elgin area. This small group originally called themselves, Congregation Tifereth Israel. The name changed to Congregation Kneseth Israel when they merged with another developing group. Although they purchased land at the corner of Franklin and Center streets, no building was ever built at that location.
Years later, a building was purchased at 77 Villa Street in Elgin. This served as the home of CKI for 20 years. The congregation continued to grow and discussions were taking place about building a new synagogue and Jewish Community Center.
By 1948, phase one of a completely new building was completed at 330 Division Street in Elgin, the current synagogue location. Ten years later, a second phase was added.
With a recently remodeled sanctuary, CKI continues to meet the needs and interests of a diverse and growing Jewish population from Kane, NW Cook, McHenry, DuPage and DeKalb counties.
