A Closer Look: Tikkun Olam’s 2022 Project Prom

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 …

Behind the Scenes With Emanu-El’s Volunteer Thanksgiving Turkey Carvers

“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 …

Mitzvah Day 5780

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 …

Thanksgiving Dinner 5780

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 …

Stitch n’ Time

Stitch n’ Time participants knit warm scarves and caps for clients of Temple Emanu-El’s Sunday program, as well as knitted goods for children and other adults in need. Both experienced an novice knitters are invited to join us. Participation is limited to members of the congregation. Instruction is available for those who need assistance. Yarn ad patterns are provided, but you must bring your own needles (#8).

Stitch n’ Time

Stitch n’ Time participants knit warm scarves and caps for clients of Temple Emanu-El’s Sunday program, as well as knitted goods for children and other adults in need. Both experienced an novice knitters are invited to join us. Participation is limited to members of the congregation. Instruction is available for those who need assistance. Yarn and patterns are provided, but you must bring your own needles (#8).

End of Sukkot Fruit & Veggie Drive

In celebration of the Harvest Festival of Sukkot and to alleviate hunger in New York City, Temple Emanu-El will be collecting donations of canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned soup and pasta. Your donations will help those in need. Please help those who cannot provide for themselves. Donations may be left in the baskets in the lobbies at 10 East 66th Street and One East 65t Street. For more information, please contact .

Start of Annual Coat Drive

As the cold weather approaches, many families in New York City soon may have to choose between buying coats for their children and themselves or paying the rent. Donations of gently used coats, jackets, hats, scarves and gloves (no other clothing, please) will help to make the decision an easier one. Collected items will benefit New York Cares. Donations may be dropped off at either One East 65th Street or 10 East 66th Street.

Start of Sukkot Fruit & Veggie Drive

In celebration of the Harvest Festival of Sukkot and to alleviate hunger in New York City, Temple Emanu-El will be collecting donations of canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned soup and pasta. Your donations will help those in need. Please help those who cannot provide for themselves. Donations may be left in the baskets in the lobbies at 10 East 66th Street and One East 65t Street. For more information, please contact .

Ronald McDonald House

Once a month, under the sponsorship of the Women’s Auxiliary, Emanu-El congregants serve dinner and organize art projects and entertainment for the families residing at New York City’s Ronald McDonald House. Volunteers must register with the Women’s Auxiliary: 212-744-1400, ext. 235. Open to temple members only.

Ronald McDonald House

Once a month, under the sponsorship of the Women’s Auxiliary, Emanu-El congregants serve dinner and organize art projects and entertainment for the families residing at New York City’s Ronald McDonald House. Volunteers must register with the Women’s Auxiliary: 212-744-1400, ext. 235. Open to temple members only.

Mitzvah Day

Mitzvah Day started in 2005 as a way to increase awareness and create a greater sense of community among Temple Emanu-El congregants while helping others. Temple members of all ages are invited to join us at 10:15 AM in I.M. Wise Hall, where we will have a light breakfast, congregational prayer and a variety of hands-on projects to benefit others in the community.

Please join our Temple Community as adults and children work side by side. All congregants will be able to participate and provide a connection in helping those in need.

Many volunteers are needed to assemble over 2,000 packages for projects like:

  • Activity Boxes for the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
  • Welcome Packages for Good Shepherd Residence for young girls who are living within the foster care system
  • Holiday Fun Packages for the New York Council on Adoptable Children
  • Mommy & Me Diaper Bags for Project Sunshine
  • Essential Packages for the Bowery Mission
  • Milk & Cookies for Jan Hus and New York Center for Children
  • Arrival Kits for the Children’s Village

Questions? Contact the Tikkun Olam Committee at 212-744-1400 ext. 452 or .


Young Families

Even the youngest child can learn to help others!  Sing with your little Mitzvah Maker, from 9:45 – 10:15 in room 402. At 10:15, join the congregational Mitzvah Day in the Wise Hall and add your hands to the Young Families’ special project. Be part of a morning filled with community, kindness, and joy. Please contact the Tikkun Olam Committee for registration.