Torah Commentary on Ki Tisa by Bettijane Eisenpreis

Bettijane Eisenpreis Parashah for March 2, 2024 Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis “The Lord spoke unto Moses, ”Hurry down, for your people, whom you brought out of the Land of Egypt, have acted  basely….They have made themselves a molten calf and bowed low unto it and sacrificed to it, saying, ‘This is your god, O …

Discover the Joys of Grandparenting with Temple Emanu-El

Rita Haves and family

Finding the right balance as a new grandparent can be tricky; you want to be supportive and helpful, but not intrusive and overbearing. It marks not only the beginning of the relationship with your grandchild, but also a new relationship with your adult child and their partner. 

Temple Emanu-El’s Grandparents Group was developed by Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and Jacqueline Fisher to support new grandparents navigating this delicate transition and to help them strengthen their family bonds. When temple member Rita Haves joined the group, she was looking forward to lessons and practical advice, and she was pleased to find a supportive and vibrant community as well.

“It is a welcoming environment, in which Rabbi Ehrlich and Jacqueline Fisher create a community of trust and a safe space to share. It’s been a fantastic experience learning from the other grandparents and connecting with them as well. I encourage all grandparents to join.” – Rita Haves

Guided by Rabbi Ehrlich and Jacqueline Fisher, the Grandparents Group engages in meaningful conversations and activities focused on transmitting wisdom and love from one generation to the next—l’dor v’dor. This exploration is intended to strengthen the fabric of family bonds, celebrate the unique role grandparents play in their families’ lives and bolster the connections between grandparents, their adult children and grandchildren. It’s more than a group; it’s a sanctuary for those looking to enhance their role as grandparents.

 

 

Aspiring to Authenticity: A Lesson for the Soul

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 …

Torah Commentary on Chayei Sarah by Bettijane Eisenpreis

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, …

Temple Emanu-El Holds its First Community Fair: Emanu-wELcome

 

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.

Torah Commentary on Noach by Bettijane Eisenpreis

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 …

Torah Commentary on Korach by Bettijane Eisenpreis

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 …

Torah Commentary on B’haalot’cha by Bettijane Eisenpreis

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 …

Rabbi Joshua Davidson in Haaretz
“Will Israel Care if Yet More American Jews Walk Away?”

March 16, 2023 “For 25 years as a congregational rabbi in America, I have sought to strengthen Jewish identity by deepening commitment to Jewish peoplehood and the Jewish state. Though gratifying, the work has never been easy. Now developments in Israel are making it even harder.”

Our First Spring Mitzvah Day is in the News

March 14, 2023 Tikkun Olam Volunteers and Project Leaders gathered together in Wise Hall this past Sunday, March 12, to assemble over 1200 packages containing over 15,000 items, including Passover-related goods, for communities in need during Tikkun Olam’s first Spring Mitzvah Day. We are grateful to the over 70 community members who arrived ready to …

Torah Commentary on Va-Yakhel/Pekudei by Bettijane Eisenpreis

Bettijane Eisenpreis Parashah for March 18, 2023 On Saturday, March 18, Temple Emanu-El welcomes Orly Erez-Likhovski, Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), who will discuss religious pluralism in Israel. Click here to learn more about this special service and luncheon. Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis “And Moses said to the Israelites: See the …

Our Town Honors Rabbi Joshua Davidson as a Notable New Yorker

“I am both proud and humbled to serve Temple Emanu-El, and through it the wider community. This recognition really should go to my congregation, its tireless staff, its extraordinary lay leadership and its wonderfully devoted membership, some of whom are present tonight and I thank them for being here.” – Rabbi Joshua Davidson March 9, …