Our Vision of Truth, Our Faith in Tomorrow

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” .

Temple Emanu-El in the News

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 Exhibit in the Press

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.

Threads of Hope: An Act of Kindness

Hope is hard to find these days. I rediscovered it in the most unlikely and obvious of places: Israel. Rabbi and scholar, Dr. Michael Marmur, who made aliyah from London 40 years ago, notes that the Hebrew word for hope, tikvah, builds from the root kav, meaning “cord, line.” He cites a Jewish mystical teaching …

Reflections on the Family Trip to Israel

Director of Lifelong Learning Mike Witman and temple members Carly Snyder and Zach Snyder on a recent trip to Israel. by Carly Snyder, M.D.  I had been looking forward to taking my son Zachary to Israel for months. Despite some questioning my decision, I believed strongly that it was the right thing to do. Israel …

Thank you to our Tikkun Olam Mitzvah Project Volunteers

On July 31, Tikkun Olam volunteers came together to assemble 240 backpacks filled with 19 essential items for students from The Children’s Village in time for the start of school.  Our support helps local children and teens in NYC on their journey towards well-being, belonging and independence. Founded in 1851, The Children’s Village has stayed true to …

Threads of Hope: Maoz Inon

Hope is hard to find these days. I rediscovered it in the most unlikely and obvious of places: Israel. Rabbi and scholar, Dr. Michael Marmur, who made aliyah from London 40 years ago, notes that the Hebrew word for hope, tikvah, builds from the root kav, meaning “cord, line.” He cites a Jewish mystical teaching …

The Jewish Education Project’s Adapting Podcast features Temple Emanu-El’s Michael Witman

Director of Lifelong Learning, Michael Witman, is featured on The Jewish Education Project’s Adapting Podcast on July 25, 2024 Director of Lifelong Learning, Michael Witman, recently had the opportunity to join David Bryfman from the Jewish Education Project on an engaging podcast episode. In their candid conversation, they focused on the profound impact of October …

Torah Commentary on Pinchas by Bettijane Eisenpreis

Bettijane Eisenpreis Parshah for July 26, 2024 Torah Commentary by Bettijane Eisenpreis And he Lord answered Moses, “Single out Joshua son of Nun, an inspired man, and lay your hand upon him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before the whole community, and commission him in their sight. Invest him with some of …

“On the Dangers of Immoral Leadership”

Rabbi Sara Y. Sapadin featured in The Times of Israel blog on July 9, 2024 The story of America’s unlikely road to independence, is one grounded in impassioned rebellion and revolution. When the Patriots finally decided they’d had enough of British Rule, they rose up to fight for their liberty and self-determination.  Today, we celebrate …

Threads of Hope: The Rana Choir

Hope is hard to find these days. I rediscovered it in the most unlikely and obvious of places: Israel. Rabbi and scholar, Dr. Michael Marmur, who made aliyah from London 40 years ago, notes that the Hebrew word for hope, tikvah, builds from the root kav, meaning “cord, line.” He cites a Jewish mystical teaching …

Relational Zionism: Connecting the Next Generation to the Jewish People and Israel

By Michael Witman, Director of Lifelong Learning, Temple Emanu-El As Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Emanu-El and a parent deeply committed to my child’s Jewish identity, I’ve had many conversations about the importance of Israel education. One phone call stands out: a mother, distressed at the uptick in antisemitism and anti-Zionism since October 7th, …