Mt. Sinai, the oldest synagogue in Cheyenne, Wyo., will celebrate its centennial the weekend of June 25-27.
At the turn of the century, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe escaped religious persecution and poverty and came to Wyoming, perceived as a haven for freedom and success.
Mt. Sinai was founded as an Orthodox synagogue in 1910.
The weekend will begin with a Friday night Shabbat service and oneg on June 25.
Following the Saturday morning service on June 26, five stained glass windows will be unveiled in the community hall. The grouping of 11 windows, titled The Women of the Bible, was created by Watkins Stained Glass in Denver.
Mt. Sinai Sisterhood will host a kosher lunch on Saturday, followed by an afternoon trolley tour of the city.
A banquet will be held at Little America on Saturday evening.
Norm Stark will be the master of ceremonies. Entertainment will be provided by Jewish comedian and musician David Glickman.
On Sunday morning, June 27, services will be held at the Mt. Sinai Cemetery, followed by a farewell lunch at the Cheyenne Country Club.
The Mt. Sinai Centennial Membership Biography book, a compilation of nearly 100 family histories, will be on sale throughout the weekend. Proceeds benefit the synagogues endowment fund.
Cantorial soloist David Rosenthal of Denver will conduct the services and preside at various events over the weekend.
Visitors from 27 states will attend the event.
The centennial celebration is sponsored in part by the Wyoming Arts Council, the National Endowment of the Arts and private donors.
