What is Gather?
These lay-led circles ignite conversation and relationship, bringing connection to an increasingly ‘distanced’ world based on common interests and questions. Gather started in February 2020 and is now beginning a second round of virtual lay-led groups!
What is Gather?
These lay-led circles ignite conversation and relationship, bringing connection to an increasingly ‘distanced’ world based on common interests and questions. Gather started in February 2020 and is now beginning a second round of virtual lay-led groups!
All groups will meet on Zoom. Specific details will be provided be the leader of each Gather group.
At this time, please select only one group to allow space for all who would like to participate.
Once a group is filled, a waitlist will be created or additional groups will be created if additional people volunteer to lead.
Space is limited to 10-12 individuals per Gather group.
Please be patient as we sort the groups. We will try to complete this process by August 31st.
All groups will meet on Zoom. Specific details will be provided be the leader of each Gather group.
At this time, please select only one group to allow space for all who would like to participate.
Once a group is filled, a waitlist will be created or additional groups will be created if additional people volunteer to lead.
Space is limited to 10-12 individuals per Gather group.
Please be patient as we sort the groups. We will try to complete this process by August 31st.
Emanu-El members have proposed groups they are passionate about and interested in leading.
Gather members can be expected to…
Gather members can be expected to…
Emanu-El members have proposed groups they are passionate about and interested in leading.
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(Currently seeking Emanu-El Young Members to create a diversity of voices and viewpoints at this critical time!)
This group will gather to discuss current events/politics. We are doing this because we want to find a diverse group of people from around our community to discuss current events. We want the chance to listen and learn from different perspectives and engage with them about the problems of our time. Hopefully, through this, we have a better understanding of current events and see things in a new light. Just as importantly, we hope to be able to meet people from the Temple we never would’ve otherwise met and shared a bond and community over our concern with the current state of politics. Members will be able to suggest certain topics they are passionate about covering in that month’s meeting. As a group, we’ll probably have a few articles to read in advance of each meeting so everyone has background on the topics.
Gather Leaders:
Cameron Koffman is a recent graduate of Yale and a young member of Emanu-El. He has spent his entire life in this community and even attended pre-school and became a bar mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El. He ran a political talk radio show for 3 years on WYBC Yale radio and led political groups on campus in college and high school.
Greg Rasin and his wife Elise Bloom have been Temple Emanu-El members for the last six years. Greg is a partner in the law firm of Proskauer Rose. He is currently on senior status and is past Co-Chair of Proskauer’s Labor and Employment Law Department. Greg has two daughters and three grandchildren.
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Sports fans of any level come one, come all! During these challenging and unprecedented times we will “gather” monthly to discuss the latest and greatest in the world of sports.
Gather Leader: Lorne Bycoff is the founder of The Bycoff Group, a wealth management business. He graduated with a BA in Economics from Duke University, and is the National Co-Chairman of the Duke Young Alumni Development Council. He is a member of both The Young Members Circle and the Membership Committee of Temple Emanu-El. Lorne is originally from Boston and enjoys running, traveling, tennis and golf.
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Join with other couples in their 50s and 60s to try new wines as we start a new year! Each month a couple will pick a wine for us to all try on zoom. Gather if you like wine and want to connect in a different way over Zoom!
Gather leaders: Bonnie and Cliff Eisler are a married couple in their 60’s who enjoy a lively game, good food, music, theater and current events.
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First Meeting Date: Monday, September 14, time TBD
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Join a Women’s book club! The only cost is your coffee if you want one! Books we love are: Educated, Where the Crawdad Sings, the Elena Ferrate series, Homegoing, The Underground Railroad, and The Goldfinch. We will have fun and casual conversations about topics such as family, friends, and life.
Gather Leader: Bonnie Ross Wolff: is a stay-at-home mother of two teen boys, and loves books and movies.
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Do you attend our fabulous Streicker events and leave wanting to discuss what you learned or heard? This group will select a series of Streicker events to attend and Gather to continue the experience with fellow Emanu-El members.
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Whether you watch our rabbis’ sermons on Vimeo or Facebook Live, join together with your fellow congregants to hear different reactions, questions and perspectives on the Torah shared on the Emanu-El bima.
Membership Committee and Gather Vision Chair:
Nicole Frankel (Trustee of the Board)
Gather Vision Committee:
Nicole Frankel
Jessica Ingram
Greg Rasin
Lorne Bycoff
Rabbi Rachel Gross-Prinz
Need assistnce to start your Gather group? Contact Rabbi Rachel Gross-Prinz: 212-507-9578
Important notes to get your group going.
Recommendations for making a meaningful Gather group.
Why Gather?
For ages our ancestors gathered in groups of 10. It was the gathering that empowered them to raise children in a changing world. It was the gathering that gave them the strength to take risks. It was the gathering that sustained them and gave them purpose. It was the gathering that revealed their gifts and their potential.
Why Lead a Group?
For ages our ancestors gathered in groups of 10. It was the gathering that empowered them to raise children in a changing world. It was the gathering that gave them the strength to take risks. It was the gathering that sustained them and gave them purpose. It was the gathering that revealed their gifts and their potential.
What Will We Do?
Have Shabbat dinner or Havdalah, explore NYC, try out different coffee shops, volunteer. How you design your Gathering is up to you. Most importantly, talk. Maybe you want to connect with other parents of teens. Interfaith families, or people interested in documentaries, or Netflix comedy specials.
Or just people who want to talk about something other than the weather and the subway’s daily delays. Instead, you want to talk about big questions, small joys, and grow in the process.
When Will We Meet?
As the group leader, you pick the day and time, and parameters of the group and congregants will sign up to meet on a regular basis (at least monthly). We recommend you meet once a month February-May. Here’s the timeline for the pilot:
How Many People Make Up a Group?
Groups are usually no more than 15 people, no fewer than 5. It is YOUR group, so you can decide to limit or expand the size.
Where Do We Meet?
Anywhere you want except the synagogue. Your home, a bar, a coffee shop, restaurants, offices, parks. As long as your gathering is focused on meaningful interaction, that’s what matters.
How Do I Start A Gather Group?
People You Already Know but don’t really Know…
Know people’s names or see them regularly at temple but want to interact more meaningfully? Start here.
As a Group-leader, Will I Get Training?
Emanu El is excited to offer a group-leader training to kick-off this pilot, in addition to resources and coaching throughout the experience. Staff will be available to offer Jewish wisdom, and tips on group dynamics. Leaders are participants too, so you should have a meaningful, transformational experience too!
Will Help Be Available Once We Start?
We are here to help! Emanu El is happy to offer training, materials and ongoing coaching to Gather group leaders. If you want to start a new Gather group in the future, all you need are 1-2 people to spark a group, and Rabbi Rachel Gross-Prinz will help you Gather the rest. Get in touch . You won’t be alone at any point in the process!
How about these…
