Women of Emanu-El

Founded in 1922 as the Women’s Auxiliary, Women of Emanu-El is both a social and civic organization open to all women of the congregation. The Women of Emanu-El Program Committee plans numerous lectures and outings throughout the year, in addition to sponsoring a variety of activities that benefit the greater New York City community.

Contact Us

Email:

President
Dr. Florence Milch
212-744-1400 ext. 236

Temple Contact
Dionne Gorbea
212-744-1400 ext. 355

Events

Women of Emanu-El organizes several flagship events throughout the year, from tours of historic New York City landmarks to community Sabbath dinners with our clergy.

Canasta Tuesdays
Women of Emanu-El hosts open play canasta every Tuesday at 11:00 AM. Open to all temple members and their guests. Canasta Tuesdays will return on March 5, 2024. For more information or to register, click here.

Mah Jongg Mondays

Mah Jongg Mondays will return on March 4, 2024. For more information and to register, click here.

sanctuary, neth el, ark

Tribute Fund

The Women of Emanu-El Tribute Fund supports critical services and programs such as: our Veterans’ Event, English in Action, monthly breakfast and dinner at Ronald McDonald House, Book Club, Project Backpack, and the Art Center for Seniors.

Contributions in honor of a special occasion (birth, bar/bat mitzvah, marriage or milestone anniversary/birthday), or in memory of someone who touched your life, support these worthwhile causes. Your thoughtful gift will be acknowledged and the recipient will receive notice of your contribution.

The names of all donors and honorees are listed in “Window on Emanu-El”, the quarterly publication prepared by the Congregation’s Development department.

Book Club

Book Club will resume in the Fall of 2023. Check our monthly emails or the website for updated information.

Volunteering Opportunities

Women of Emanu-El organizes many community service programs throughout the year, including:

Art Center for Seniors

Art Center for Seniors

Through the Art Center for Seniors at Emanu-El, 50 or more senior citizens meet at Temple Emanu-El each Monday from October through May to participate in art projects and exercise classes, as well as to socialize. Professional art instructors oversee the activities and are assisted by Women of Emanu-El volunteers. Each year’s program ends with an annual art show.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House

Volunteers from Temple Emanu-El prepare and serve breakfast and dinner for families that are staying at Ronald McDonald House of New York, a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children undergoing treatment. Breakfasts and dinners generally are organized on a monthly basis. Temple members who are interested in participating must contact Women of Emanu-El, which organizes and funds the dinners. This activity is suitable only for adults over 18 who are in good health. All volunteers will receive a call back from Women of Emanu-El to confirm their volunteer dates. (Please, no walk-ins!)

Click here to read about our outreach to Ronald McDonald House in 2021.

English in Action

English in Action

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Women of Emanu-El volunteers serve as tutors for foreign-born adults who meet weekly to practice their English conversation. The goal of the program is to help newcomers to the U.S. gain fluency and confidence in conversational English through weekly sessions. In addition to practicing the language without the fear of making mistakes, students learn about life in this country and teach their American partners about their own lands and customs. Every year, approximately 800 students and volunteers in New York City are paired in this one-to-one program.

Project Backpack

Project Backpack

Since 2006, Women of Emanu-El has partnered with Public School 112 in East Harlem for this wonderful mitzvah. Through Project Backpack, 100 incoming kindergarten students are given a backpack filled with various school supplies. Volunteers are needed to help assemble the backpacks during the summer.

To learn more about these programs, click on each title above.