Sam Prottas photograph collection, 1892-1966

Bikur Cholim was incorporated in the city of Seattle in 1891. In 1897 property was bought and turned into a synagogue at 13th Avenue and Washington Street. The community quickly outgrew the building however and a new location was sought after. In 1909, property was purchased to build a synagogue at 17th Avenue and Yesler Way. It was dedicated in 1915 and served as Bikur Cholim's home for 60 years. In 1971, Bikur Cholim changed its name to reflect a merger with the congregation of Machzikay-Hadath, the name became Bikur Cholum-Machzikay-Hadath. In 1966, Bikur Cholim purchased property in Seward Park. High Holy Day services were held in an interim synagogue on the site until 1972, at which time the completed synagogue was dedicated. As of 2010, services continue to be held there.

The concept of the Talmud Torah stemmed from a national movement. The idea was that students would meet after school to attend classes two or three times a week. From 1914 until 1948, the Talmud Torah convened in many different locales, but always with the mission of fostering a supplemental Jewish education program. By 1948, the Seattle Talmud Torah and Seattle Hebrew Day school had consolidated and in 1969 the name of the school changed to the Seattle Hebrew Academy.

Today the Seattle Hebrew Academy serves more than 300 children from pre-school through eighth grade.