Young Members | Temple Emanu-El

Designing innovative ways to engage with congregational life in New York City through community, opportunity and unique experiences.

The Young Members Circle is a community of 20s and 30s at Temple Emanu-El that takes a contemporary, adaptive and creative approach to empower young members to boldly take ownership of their Jewish lives. Our programming utilizes the best of our Temple: our beautiful spaces, talented clergy, exclusive Streicker Center events and dynamic fellow members. It is designed around themes, times and styles that are relevant and convenient for our generation. To learn more about the benefits and approachability of young membership please reach out to .

We look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Maxwell DeLott and Molly Krueger, Co-chairs

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Join Us for the High Holy Days

Rosh Hashanah Shir Chadash

Sunday, September 29, 2019
8:00 PM

Rosh Hashanah Morning

Monday, September 30
10:00 AM

Yom Kippur Shir Chadash

Tuesday, October 8, 2019
5:30 PM

Yom Kippur Morning

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
9:45 AM

Current Programs

Monthly Virtual Shabbat

The Young Members Circle currently gathers monthly for virtual Shabbats so that we may create a sense of community and togetherness while we are physically apart. Shabbats are free for all young members and feature special guest speakers, renowned entertainers, trivia competitions, catered meals and/or home delivered cocktails. Each month offers something new.

Circle Talk

The Circle Talk initiative offers a safe space for young members to learn and grow together. Some sessions are focused on Torah study while others provide the opportunity to discuss difficult societal issues such as systemic racism, growing anti-semitism, privilege and prejudice. All young members are welcome to attend whenever suits their schedule.

Coffee Chats

Individuals looking to connect more with other young members can opt-in to the new Coffee Chat initiative through which two young members are paired for a 15-minute virtual coffee date at mutually agreeable time. Coffee Chats strive to offer young members the ability to network and build friendships so that we all may recognize more familiar faces when we return to Emanu-El in person.

Past Events

Young Members Annual Shabbat Dinner 2020

Bringing the best of the Lower East Side uptown, Katz’s Deli transformed Emanu-El’s Leventritt room into a pastrami paradise. Nearly 75 young members came together for some of the world’s largest matzoh balls, carved-to-order sandwiches, and an endless buffet of salads, knish, black & whites and rugelach. Preceding the dinner, Emanu-El welcomed the cast of the Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof to take part in a special Friday night Sabbath service. Members of the cast joined young members for the cocktail hour portion of the Young Members Dinner.

Mile High Run Club 2020

Returning to Mile High Run Club for their second annual fundraiser for DOROT, Young Members raised over $6,500, all of which will go directly to supporting DOROT’s mission of enhancing the lives of older adults by bringing generations together. Robbie Shapiro, the event organizer, was thrilled to report that the Young Members had not only surpassed their goal but also surpassed their fundraising from the previous year. More than 20 runners participated in the event and nearly 40 Young Members gathered at a nearby bar afterward to celebrate the group’s success.

Sunday Lunch for City Harvest 2020

In partnership with Emanu-El’s Young Families group, Young Members supported the synagogue’s Sunday Lunch program making nearly 300 lunch bags for food-insecure New Yorkers. After preparing hundreds of sandwiches and assembling lunch bags complete with fruit, cookies and water, the food was picked up by City Harvest for distribution to those who need it most. For over 25 years, Temple Emanu-El’s Sunday Lunch Program has been preparing meals for those in need, whether they are homeless, underemployed or food insecure.

Judaism Is Gratitude

As the Thanksgiving holiday approached, Young Members gathered under the leadership of Rabbi Andy Kahn, who lead a conversation on gratitude – the Jewish practice of maintaining gratitude in our daily lives, and how this can lead us to helping others. Following the mindfulness exercise, Young Members created nearly 50 care packages for the elderly and homebound served by DOROT.

Mile End Deli

A quick schlep to Brooklyn turned into a lively evening of new takes on old classics, full bellies and empty glasses. Excited by the promise of a modern approach to old-school Jewish dishes, the Young Members and friends gathered at the Brooklyn-based Mile End Deli for an interactive evening with the restaurants co-founder Joel Tietolman, who served up a seemingly never-ending feast of his creative Montreal-style Jewish comfort foods. After hearty servings of smoked meats and deep fried favorites. Young Members enjoyed an intimate Q&A with Joel on how change-makers like Mile End are ushering in a new era of noshing.

Why: “We believe a more vital tomorrow for our community requires both unity and openness today.”

How: “We take a contemporary, adaptive, and creative approach; empowering young members to boldly take ownership over their Jewish lives.”

What: “We lead our mission through gatherings, events, and community outreach.”

Events are free with a Temple membership and RSVP.

One East 65th Street | New York, NY 10065 | 212.744.1400 | youngmembers@emanuelnyc.org