The World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections, occurring every five years, present a unique opportunity for Jews worldwide to influence key decisions affecting Israeli society and global Jewry. From March 10 to May 4, 2025, American Jews can cast their votes to determine the direction of significant institutions and the allocation of substantial funding. Why Your …
For six months, Theodor Herzl took up residence at the Bernard Museum of Judaica, inviting thousands to immerse themselves in his life, his vision, and his enduring legacy. Through original documents, photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia drawn from the world’s foremost Herzl collections—including the Theodore Herzl Archive at the World Zionist Organization, the YIVO Institute for …
Where do we place our focus? Every day we are relentlessly bombarded with negativity and divisiveness. This onslaught of manufactured messaging distorts our perspective, distracting us from foundational, anchoring constants which are so close that they are easy to overlook. For example: The world is filled with wonder. The human heart is oriented towards goodness. …
In his Rosh Hashanah sermon, “Our Vision of Truth, Our Faith in Tomorrow,” Rabbi Davidson reflects on the challenges and hopes facing Israel, America and the Jewish people as we enter a new year. Watch the sermon and download “Our Vision of Truth, Our Faith in Tomorrow” .
Behind the Scenes of Temple Emanu-El’s High Holy Days Preparations Each year, our dedicated clergy, staff and lay leaders work behind the scenes to create a High Holy Days experience that is both spiritually enriching and memorable. From extensive choir rehearsals to thoughtful service planning, every detail is carefully considered. Recently, The Jewish Week highlighted …
All About Herzl, the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica’s new exhibit, is now open. Many of the items in the exhibit come from the private collection of David Matlow, a Toronto lawyer.
“We welcome anyone to come to the exhibition who wants to learn about Herzl’s life, that wants to learn about Zionism, that, I think, especially in today’s day and age, is so misunderstood,” Warren Klein, exhibit curator and Museum Director, said in an interview with The Forward . “We hope to be an educational vessel for that.”
Treasure Trove has come to life at an exhibit in New York City, The Canadian Jewish News: “At this time, it is important for people to learn (or be reminded) of what Zionism’s purpose was and is, as envisioned by its founder. Simply put, Zionism is the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, to enable the Jewish people to live freely and safely in our ancestral homeland.” Read more
An up-close look at the real Theodor Herzl — and the real meaning of Zionism, The Forward: “Part of the aim of the Bernard Museum exhibit, which includes several accompanying talks, is to dispel misconceptions about what Zionism means, a mission all the more urgent for Matlow since Oct. 7 of last year, when Israel’s detractors are increasingly defining Zionism in hostile terms.” Read More
Herzl, Prophet of Israel, Is Celebrated at One of the Diaspora’s Crown Jewels, The New York Sun: “The exhibit, curated by Warren Klein, is especially illuminating in respect of Herzl’s convening of the Zionist Congresses that were instrumental in transforming musings into a movement.” Read More [paywall]
Israeli Herzl opera ‘Theodor’ to premiere filmed version in NY, The Times of Israel: “The US premiere will take place at the Temple Emanuel – Streicker Cultural Center in New York, in Hebrew with English subtitles, and with live performances by composer Yonatan Cnaan and original cast members Oded Reich (Herzl), Noam Heinz (Theodor) and Anat Czarny (Julie).” Read More
The Bernard Museum is open Sunday through Thursday 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
This year, our family Purim celebration Emanu-El Studios Presents: Purim took us on an unforgettable journey through some of Hollywood’s most magical family movies. With more than 140 families joining the festivity, Wise Hall was abuzz with laughter, joy and an array of colorful costumes that brought our cinematic universe to life. The adventure began …
by Rabb Sara Sapadin
January 13-18, 2024, marked a significant journey for Rabbi Joshua Davidson, Rabbi Sara Sapadin and 17 devoted members of Temple Emanu-El, including Temple President Harris Diamond and Board Member Margaret Streicker. On behalf of the entire temple community, they embarked on a Solidarity Mission to Israel, a heartfelt endeavor to stand with the Israeli people, confront the harrowing realities of the October 7th atrocities and affirm our community’s unwavering support for Israel in both good times and bad.
Covering extensive ground in just four days, our group engaged deeply with the land and people of Israel. We were honored to hear from a survivor of the October 7th attacks, learning about the enduring impact on his family. The poignant words of Lee Siegel, brother of hostage Keith Seigel, resonated with us, urging us to share their story and to continue advocating for all the hostages still in Gaza.
Our itinerary included meeting volunteers and NGOs who responded valiantly to the crisis, visiting communities hosting displaced families and exploring Israel’s state-of-the-art Magen David Adam blood center. We engaged in hands-on support, from donating blood to assembling care packages, and participated in dialogues with journalists, politicians and advocates, each offering unique insights into Israel’s current challenges and future.
“The unique value of our Congregation Emanuel trip to Israel is that it engaged us in direct, substantive and constructive dialogue with many Israelis on the front lines of Israel’s battle against terrorism and movement to protect democracy.” – Jim Gabbe
The mission profoundly deepened our connection to Israel and its people. Witnessing their resilience and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity filled us with respect and admiration. Our congregants reflected deeply on this experience. Danielle Greenberg emphasized the importance of “showing up” for Israel and the global Jewish community.
Rabbi Rinat Safania of V’ahavta, the Reform Community in Shoham, poignantly captured the essence of our visit: “After October 7th, we felt alone. But your visit made us feel less alone.”
Several members shared powerful thoughts encapsulating the essence of our journey. Jennifer Geiling expressed her pride in being a Reform Jew, lauding our commitment to equality, social justice and inclusivity. Jim Gabbe highlighted the mission’s unique value in facilitating direct dialogue with Israelis at the forefront of combating terrorism and defending democracy. Dr. Phyllis Mervis reflected on Golda Meir’s words about Israel’s “secret weapon” – its fierce determination and optimism, which we witnessed firsthand. She also acknowledged the gratitude expressed by many Israelis for our visit and thanked Temple Emanu-El for making this trip possible.
“I left Israel proud to be a Reform Jew. We are leaders in standing up for equality, social justice and inclusivity.” – Jennifer Geiling
Here at Temple Emanu-El, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with Israel, advocate for her and uphold her right to defend her people. As such, we want to express our gratitude to all mission participants: Harris Diamond, Judith West Edelman, Ellen Rothschild French, James Gabbe, Jennifer and Charlotte Geiling, Karel and Danielle Greenberg, Stephen Harris, Phyllis Mervis, Mollie Levison, John and Bonnie Rotenberg, Rebecca Rozen, James Solomon, Margaret Streicker and Samantha Triolo.
Am Yisrael Chai – The people of Israel live!
Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson, Peter and Mary Kalikow Senior Rabbinic Chair at Temple Emanu-El, offers his reflections on the January 2024 Temple Emanu-El Mission to Israel in response to the October 7 attacks.
Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson, Peter and Mary Kalikow Senior Rabbinic Chair at Temple Emanu-El, discusses how contemporary Progressivism has suffered a breakdown over Israel and Jews because of its binary sorting of peoples and nations into oppressor and oppressed.
There is a famous story of Rav Zusha of Hanipol, an 18th century Chasidic luminary and tzaddik. When he was on his deathbed, his students found him crying uncontrollably. They tried to comfort him by saying that he was almost as wise as Moses and as kind as Abraham and for that he would be …
A Year of Connecting Cultures: “Boker Tov, Baby!” and “Shiru Iti! Sing with Me!” Temple Emanu-El proudly marks the first year of our innovative Hebrew-language programming for Young Families, “Boker Tov, Baby!” and “Shiru Iti! Sing with Me!” Launched last year to meet demand from Israeli members and parents eager for early Hebrew education, these …
