November 30, 2023 We are overjoyed to share the heartwarming news that Yarden Roman-Gat, who was taken hostage in Gaza, has been safely released and reunited with her loved ones. Her brother, Gili Roman, spoke at our services on November 3rd, touching our hearts with the story of his sister’s bravery and her abduction by …
Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who gave their time on the Sunday before Thanksgiving for Tikkun Olam’s annual dinner. I would like to express my extreme gratitude to the Thanksgiving Committee: Debbie Halperin, Rebecca Weisberg, Lori Villi, Shelly Katz and Marlene Yokel, who worked tirelessly and committed countless hours to make this …
November 15, 2023 Yesterday marked a historic day for our community and the entire Jewish people. Nearly 300,000 of us gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the March for Israel rally, surpassing the record set by the March for Soviet Jewry in 1987. Temple Emanu-El is proud to have played our part …
Bettijane Eisenpreis Parashah for November 11, 2023 Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis “This is the line of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s slave, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names in the order of their birth: Nabaioth, the first-born of Ishmael, Kedar, Abdeel, Mibsam, …
Thank you to all of our volunteers who contributed their time and energy to a worthwhile mitzvah for the Emergency Supply Drive for Israel. We received hundreds of packages and had 35 volunteers from the Temple Emanu-El Nursery School Mitzvah Committee and Tikkun Olam Committee join us to pack 50 large duffle bags to be sent to Israel’s front lines and hospitals. The critical efforts were featured on CBS and included on Fox and NY1 in stories about the conflict in Israel.
During the five-day drive in which people could either drop off supplies in the temple’s lobbies or make purchases from an Amazon wish list, thousands of the requested items were donated, including more than 200 tourniquets, 350 QuickClot, 500 combat wound dressings, 300 vent chest seals, 200 pulse oximeters and more.
Through our members’ incredible support, Temple Emanu-El has:
In the face of conflict, our community embodies the ethos of shared responsibility, binding individuals together in a tapestry of empathy and compassion. Whether offering assistance to the affected families or lending a listening ear to those in distress, the power of communal unity remains a beacon of light in the darkest of hours.
We are so grateful to those who joined us for Emanu-wELcome, our first-ever community fair! It was a such a delight to see so many familiar faces and newcomers alike come together in celebration of our thriving community. Representatives from our cherished programming groups, including Tikkun Olam, Men’s Club, Women of Emanu-El, Streicker Cultural and Outreach Centers, among others, dedicated their time and efforts to welcome both current and prospective members, and shed light on the countless opportunities available for engagement and enrichment. Emanu-wELcome was a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and the power of human connection, even in challenging times. We look forward to the continued engagement and participation of each member, old and new, as we strive to create a vibrant, welcoming, and supportive environment for all.
Bettijane Eisenpreis Parashah for October 21, 2023 Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis “The Lord smelled the pleasing odor, and the Lord said to Himself, “Never again will I doom the earth because of man, since the devisings of man’s mind are evil from his youth; nor will I ever destroy every living being, as I …
Temple member Logan Hennes (far right) is honored at the White House on International Day of the Girl.
Kol HaKavod to Temple member Logan Hennes who was recently selected as an honoree of the “Girls Leading Change” event hosted by the White House. In honor of the International Day of the Girl, First Lady Jill Biden celebrated the achievements of 15 young women leaders across the United States who are driving positive change and shaping a brighter future in their communities. The inaugural “Girls Leading Change” celebration recognized the profound impact these young women are having on their communities and their unwavering commitment to strengthening our nation for generations to come.
Among the outstanding young leaders honored at this event was Temple member Logan Hennes, a 16-year-old whose passion and dedication lie in combatting antisemitism in communities across the country. Logan’s journey began with her involvement in the American Jewish Committee, where she took on a leadership role in supporting students like herself who are working tirelessly to address antisemitism in their schools and communities.
As the leader of her high school’s Jewish Affinity Group, Logan has spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness of the rising antisemitism prevalent in today’s world. Her commitment to combatting antisemitism, educating her peers and advocating for positive change showcases the incredible potential of young women leaders. Logan Hennes is undoubtedly making her mark on the world and shaping a brighter future for us all.
Read the full White House Press Release.
Women of Emanu-El (formerly the Women’s Auxiliary) has a long tradition of providing backpacks filled with school supplies to the kindergartners at Public School 112. This year’s Project Backpack was led by Women of Emanu-El President, Dr. Florence Milch and board member, Nikola Hennes. On June 22, 2023 Women of Emanu-El volunteers gathered to fill 150 backpacks. These backpacks were then delivered and handed out to students on the first day of school.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those volunteers that were able to contribute their time to this worthwhile mitzvah: Susan Alexander, Jane Barr, Barbara Baum, Eva Cooper, Doris Finkelstein, Ellen Freilich, Nikola Hennes, Barbara Kummel, Patricia Lehr, Florence Milch, Jacalyn Rose, Dee Rosenthal, Lisa Senter, Barbara Sherr, and Iris Warren.
Learn how you can join Women of Emanu-El.
Bettijane Eisenpreis Parashah for June 24, 2023 Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis “All the sacred gifts that the Israelites set aside for Adonai, I give to you, to your sons, and to the daughters that are with you, as a due for all time. It shall be an everlasting covenant of salt before Adonai for …
Bettijane Eisenpreis Parashah for June 10, 2023 Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis “On the day that the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the Tabernacle, the Tent of the Pact; and in the evening it rested over the Tabernacle in the likeness of fire until morning. … At a command of the Lord, the …
A huge thanks to the more than 80 volunteers who helped assist over 360 young women to prepare for their senior proms! We could not hold this event without your continued support and guidance. The room was filled with laughter, smiles and lots of giggles! The event was also covered by the media:
All our shoppers were able to leave the Temple with a NEW Prom Dress, NEW Shoes, NEW Evening Bag, NEW Jewelry and a Full Makeup bag! And snacks were even provided to all the shoppers! A huge thank you to all our partners who are so generous in donating all these wonderful items; this mitzvah would not be possible without the support:
I would also like to thank the Project Prom Committee, Debbie Halperin, Marlene Yokel, Abby Solomon, Dana Covey, Eileen Melniker, Lori Vili, Rena Goldstein and Annette Marom who worked tirelessly throughout the year to schedule all our participating schools and solicit the many donations to make this event a huge success.
Most importantly I can not say enough about our Temple’s Maintenance staff. Without their continued support and guidance by Jesus Toribo this event would not be able to take place. They are always there to assist in every way imaginable. I would also like to express my extreme appreciation to Mark Heutlinger, John O’Hara and Joseph Palusevic who are available in a moment’s notice when assistance is needed.
With So Much Gratitude to All,
Susan Kaufman
Chair, Tikkun Olam Committee
