By Erica Slutsky | Communications Manager For three days at Temple Emanu-El, spanning donations, setup, and two boutique days, Project Prom not only brings people together, but grew out of the same need for generosity and community service that emboldens Tikkun Olam at Emanu-El. And so, this past April, close to 300 high school students …
“Just follow Norden’s instructions.” That’s the most important turkey carving tip from the seasoned volunteer carvers at Temple Emanu-El’s Thanksgiving Dinner. The Dinner isn’t for our members, but for those less fortunate who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving. Our members coordinated volunteers, delegated, and prepared an entire meal for 200 guests — which involved …
A huge thank you to everyone: Wise Hall looked abundantly full on Mitzvah Day, when we all came together as one Temple community to volunteer, side by side. In the space of a morning, we accomplished an amazing mitzvah: 2,200 gift packages were assembled with love, ranging from dignity kits to Purim treats for the …
From the appetizer to the delicious desserts, which included Thanksgiving cupcakes festively decorated by our volunteers, cinnamon doughnuts and a chocolate and vanilla parfait topped with fresh blueberries and raspberries, this Thanksgiving meal was a special way to share the warmth of the holiday with those who would otherwise be alone. All of our guests …
By Jackie Peterson, Communications Manager Religious School is a time to learn about Jewish identity and history, to develop a sense of right and wrong, to make lasting friendships, to study for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah… and, for some, a time to meet their future spouse. Matt and Annabel Perelman did not start their …
Temple Members of all ages without close family, or who may be anticipating “aging solo,” are invited to Community as Family, a cordial group which empowers our later years by developing diverse meaningful relationships, knowing how to access important resources, and thinking strategically about the future. Participation is open to temple members only.
by Rabbi Amy Ehrlich
I want to invite you to have the most important conversation of your life — that is, a conversation about the end of life. Don’t stop reading now! This is important. You might think it would be hard or uncomfortable but it starts with a simple question: What matters to you? Whether you are asking the question or answering it, share because you care… >>
by Wendl Kornfeld, Temple Member
Temple Emanu-El is becoming increasingly recognized and praised as a trailblazer, a progressive congregation that recognizes and responds to the needs and interests of its older members. >>
by Wendl Kornfeld, Temple Member
As older Americans stay fit and engaged in active lives, a great number of them nevertheless count on a measure of companionship and support to be provided by family members – usually their adult children. (Full article published on the URJ “Inside Leadership” blog—6/08/17.) >>
By Prince Davis On Sunday, November 25, my sons and I had the pleasure of celebrating the 9th Annual Sigd festival; this year held at Temple Emanu-El. According to Ethiopian Jewish tradition, the Sigd holiday commemorates the acceptance of the Torah on Mt. Sinai and the reacceptance of the Torah during the time of Ezra …
Whether you’re looking for culture, worship, community or learning …
Whether you’re here with your spouse, children, parents, friends or on your own …
Temple Emanu-El has something for you.
We encourage you to get to know our congregation and to take advantage of our myriad opportunities to deepen your connections with Judaism, with the Jewish community and with the world around us.
Taking a modern, creative approach to Jewish life and community, the Young Members Circle offers year-round opportunities for social and professional networking, volunteerism, spiritual reflection, and discussion of some of today’s most pressing issues for both Jews and young professionals. All events are coordinated by and targeted to individuals in their 20’s and 30’s who have made the commitment of temple membership.
Parents with children from cradle to college will find community and support navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. We offer a variety of programs and special events that will help you connect with your family and others, have fun and create memories that will last for years to come.
Emanu-El Downtown’s holistic approach to family programming encompasses a spectrum of offerings, from engaging parenting classes that empower caregivers with valuable insights and strategies to interactive classes that ignite the curiosity and spiritual growth of our youngest members. Through our captivating Shabbat and holiday programs, families come together to embrace the warmth of community, fostering connections that transcend generations.
Gather is Emanu-El’s small groups initiative, bringing together congregants from across our community to learn, connect, and grow. These lay-led groups are based upon a range of topics, igniting marvelous conversations and dialogue. In these small groups, meaningful friendships are formed and congregants truly get to know one another. Gather is one of the ways we make our larger congregation feel small.
Founded in 1922, Women of Emanu-El is both a social and civic organization open to all women of the congregation. The Women of Emanu-El Program Committee plans numerous lectures and outings throughout the year, in addition to sponsoring a variety of activities that benefit the greater New York City community.
As part of temple life at Emanu-El for more than 90 years, the Men’s Club encourages attendance at all temple religious events. It promotes interest in social, humanitarian, educational and civic affairs. It engages in cultural and religious discussions and activities, and it participates in such activities as will support good citizenship and interfaith dialogue.
Find community and support as you navigate the epic journey and joys of parenthood.
Children bring a unique blessing into the world. Temple Emanu-El offers a number of engaging and entertaining opportunities to share the wonders of Jewish culture and holidays together as a family.
Join the Young Families Planning Committee
Temple members are invited to join the Young Families Planning Committee, where you can meet other engaged parents and share your interest to help plan delightful activities that your own child can enjoy, from art projects to enrich Tot Shabbat to special outings to new speakers.
Our next meeting is Thursday, December 12 at 9:15 AM. Email to join!
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope the coming year will be filled with family, health and wonderful experiences of growth.
As the virus persists, we are dedicated to doing our best to help keep your children safe, so we have pushed the starting date of our programs back. Bop With Us returns in March, when we’ll resume our in-person Young Family Shabbat gatherings and introduce other classes, as well. Of course, as the weeks pass, we’ll continue to reassess transmission rates and health concerns.
While we are not offering in-person experiences in the coming weeks, you and your family might enjoy connecting with a few other Young Families. Whether you prefer to meet in person or on-line, this is a wonderful time to get to know other families with children in the same age and stage. Click here to learn more about Gather Family! Be sure to indicate your preference about how you wish to Gather!
In the meantime, join us on-line for a Bedtime Story. Sign up for PJ Library so your child can receive a Jewish book each month at no cost. Our Grandparents Group returns in the Spring. Be sure to sign up your parents to help them grow into their role, and stay in touch until we can gather in person again.
Wishing you joy and discovery, and health!
Rabbi Amy Ehrlich
Tuesdays from 10:15-11:00 AM
September 10 – December 17
For ages 6-24 months
Toddlers and their grownups explore the world through a new and exciting Jewish lens of music, art and blessings. Each session offers a special “take-home” Jewish art project crafted together in class, leading to a one-of-a-kind cherished collection. Led by musician and educator, Hadar Orshalimy, this 45 minute class offers a unique opportunity for creative exploration and connection you won’t want to miss!
Full Semester: Members $480; Non-Members: $550
Wednesdays from 10:15-11:00 AM
September 11 – December 18
For ages 6-24 months
Join early childhood specialist and musician Hadar Orshalimy for a lively 45-minute program for children 6 to 24 months and their grownups; each week is filled with music, movement, Jewish holidays, a taste of Hebrew, and free time to make friends and connect with other families.
Full Semester: Members $400; Non-Members $450
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 – 10:00 AM
September 9 – December 18
For ages 15 months and older
For parents with children 15 months and older. Come explore helpful parenting skills with Dr. Juliet Cooper and Rabbi Ehrlich, such as negotiating family roles, effective co-parenting, establishing positive and consistent routines, incorporating Jewish ritual into your family life and finding a healthy balance as a parent.
Fall 2024 (25 Classes)
This semester is currently full. Please consider registering for the Winter/Spring semester.
Winter 2024/Spring 2025 (34 Classes)
January 6-May 21 | Except: Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 17, Mar 19, Mar 24 and Mar 26
Members: $3400; Non-members: $3910
Fridays from 9:15-9:45 AM
Beginning September 13, 2024
Enjoy the company of other families as we celebrate Shabbat with music, blessings and a taste of challah! Baby Shabbat is a 30-minute program led by Tkiya and Rabbi Amy Ehrlich. The program is designed for children up to 20 months. Baby Shabbats are held in the Library. Enter through 1 East 65th Street.
Full Semester: Members $550; Non-Members: $585
Saturdays once a month from 9:00-10:00 AM
September 21, November 9, December 14
January 11, February 8, March 8, April 5, May 10
Tot Shabbat is created just for preschool and nursery school-aged students and their families. Join Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and our amazing cantors to share joyful music and meaningful rituals in your growing family’s life. Be sure to invite grandparents and other loved ones to join us! Babies are welcome, too! There is no charge for this program.
Gather is Emanu-El’s small groups initiative, bringing together congregants from across our community to learn, connect, and grow. These lay-led groups are based upon a range of topics, igniting marvelous conversations and dialogue. In these small groups, meaningful friendships are formed and congregants truly get to know one another.
Learn More
Gather Family is Temple Emanu-El’s small groups initiative for families with children of the same age and stage. Gather Family is a way to meet new Temple families and deepen existing relationships, as well as an opportunity for members to have fun and get to know one another!
Learn More
