Temple Emanuel Religious School
The Jewish People are known as “Am HaSefer” – People of the Book. We want our children to be familiar with and knowledgeable about the Torah, the Hebrew language, the culture of our people, and our over 5000 year old history. More importantly, we want our children to have a positive Jewish identity, to feel comfortable and proud to say “I am a Jew.” To this end, Temple Emanuel offers an educational program from preschool through B’nei Mitzvah. Our post B’nei Mitzvah students learn leadership skills in our Hadrachah course, participate in a monthly TE Teens Program with the Rabbi and complete the Confirmation course.
If you would like to learn more about our school or arrange a visit please contact Olga Markus, our Religious School Director: school@tegnh.org or call 203-397-3000 ext 3.
About Our Curriculum
Phonetic Hebrew Decoding (PHD)
The PHD program is a simple, yet extremely effective system to teach students to both read and write in Hebrew. The program is divided into three books in which the letters and vowels are introduced sequentially and in increasing degrees of complexity according to their sound and shape. The first two books introduce the Hebrew letters, how they sound with (and without) one basic sound: ah, and how letters are written. As students’ skills are reinforced and become more fluid, the remainder of the vowels are then introduced in book three. This approach enables students to read phonetically almost any Hebrew text. Using a variety of reinforcing activities, each letter is practiced and cemented into the learner’s understanding.
Mitkadem Hebrew Curriculum:
Mitkadem is an innovative Hebrew teaching program that generates enthusiasm and excitement from teachers, students and parents. Our students learn to read Hebrew and enjoy a sense of accomplishment as they progress through a series of well-organized, stimulating, and self-paced ramot (levels). Each level is built around individual prayers. Mitkadem’s self-paced and child-centered approach allows each student to achieve according to his/her own ability. Read more about Mitkadem here:
CHAI Judaic Studies Curriculum
CHAI Curriculum is a flexible educational system for Reform congregational schools based on the values of Torah, Avodah, G’milut Chasadim and Israel, the most important concepts and values of Jewish life, helping students grow into committed and thoughtful Jewish adults. CHAI curriculum is designed so that student learning will go beyond the specific classroom activities and will reach a deeper enduring understanding, establishing the basis for later Jewish learning and living. Read more about CHAI curriculum here:
Asephah: Asephah means a collection or gathering, and the TE asephah is a gathering of parents, students, teachers and the rabbi at the start of Sunday school, from 9:30 – 10 am. Students and their parents learn through stories and music with Rabbi Farbman. We collect tzedakkah every week, distributed at the end of the year to charities and causes of students’ choice.
T’filah: On Wednesday afternoons a short prayer service is led by the Rabbi and teachers, with increasing participation of the students as the year progresses. Once a month parents are invited to participate. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to implement the knowledge acquired in the classroom.
Preschool “Story Hour” (for 3-5 year olds)
Students and parents meet once a week on Sundays, 9:30 – 11 am. This less formal structure accommodates the varying degrees of maturity of preschoolers as well as allows the parents to form a “chevra” (camaraderie) with the families who will be moving through religious school together.
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades
Students meet in a traditional classroom setting on Sundays, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon to enjoy learning the basics of Hebrew aleph-bet, Jewish festivals, Torah stories, mitzvot (commandments), and traditions. The weekly program includes music, arts and crafts, games, stories, and hands-on activities.
3rd – 7th grades
Students begin attending the school twice a week starting in the 3rd grade, to allow more time to learn Hebrew. Each Sunday includes a Hebrew class, a Judaic studies class and a short break with a snack. Students also attend Wednesday afternoons, 4:30 – 6:00 pm. They begin the day with a short T’filah (prayer service) and have an hour of Hebrew language instruction.
B’nei Mitzvah Preparation
7th grade students continue to study twice a week within the overall religious school framework. On Wednesdays, the program combines general b’nei mitzvah preparation (service leading, d’var Torah – creative writing, chanting of blessings etc.) with individual sessions with the trope tutor. On Sunday mornings the students continue to improve their Hebrew reading skills, as well as have a Judaics class.
Post B’nei Mitzvah Programs for Teens
While the b’nei mitzvah preparations may be over, there is an increasing number of ways for teens to stay connected with their community, to spend time with their friends, to learn and to socialize. Over the last few years our programs for teens have been growing and so today we are very proud to offer multiple programs to choose from:
TE TEENS –monthly educational and social discussions on current hot topics for high school students. Sunday, 12:00 – 2:00 pm.
Confirmation
Rabbi Farbman teaches a confirmation class for 9-11th graders. This class meets on a monthly basis and explores many aspects of Judaism, from major texts and commentaries to important modern issues. The students are challenged to discuss and debate issues of importance to them. The Confirmation year culminates with a special service on the Eve of Shavuot, led by the graduates.
Special Programs
Educational enrichment programs for individual grades, as well as for the entire school are held throughout the year, often centered around the Jewish Festivals. Many of these programs have an intergenerational component where adults and children celebrate and learn together.
Come, drop in and learn!
TE Teens Reflect on Their Experiences at L’Taken Seminar
Earlier this year, seven TE teens were able to attend the L’taken seminar of the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC with Rabbi Farbman. We are grateful to TE’s Rabbi Brieger Youth Fund, Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, and Barbara Rosenthal Memorial Fund for making this trip possible for our teens. Below are some … Continue reading “TE Teens Reflect on Their Experiences at L’Taken Seminar“
Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class at Temple Emanuel starting January 15, 2023
Earlier this year we celebrated 100th anniversary of the first American Bat Mitzvah, and many of TE members shared their personal stories of celebrating Bat Mitzvah as an adult. Some of our members grew up in Jewish homes but did not have a traditional Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Some have joined the Jewish people … Continue reading “Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class at Temple Emanuel starting January 15, 2023”
Hebrew for Adults: starting from the beginning
This 10+ session course is offered to those looking to learn how to read Hebrew and feel more comfortable in the synagogue services. Sundays | October 23 & 30, November 6, 13 & 20, December 4, 11 & 18, January 15, 22 & 29, February 5 & 12.10 am – 11 am (after the Asephah). … Continue reading “Hebrew for Adults: starting from the beginning”
Temple Emanuel School Expansion
Our TE religious school is growing! Come any Sunday morning to the Asefah where students and parents gather, sing and study together. The kids are excited to be there, the parents are engaged, and Jewish learning is a truly joyous experience. Though our new school building is only 5 years old, we need additional classrooms … Continue reading “Temple Emanuel School Expansion”
Temple Emanuel Annual Scholar in Residence March 8-10, 2019
RABBI URI REGEV, President of ‘HIDDUSH – For Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel’. Friday, March 8 •5:30pm Tot Shabbat Welcome Shabbat with joy and songs (for under 5s & their families) •6:00 pm Shabbat dinner – Please RSVP for dinner/lunch online •7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service. Rabbi Regev will speak on “The Challenge of … Continue reading “Temple Emanuel Annual Scholar in Residence March 8-10, 2019”
A year of the Mensch
By Olga Markus Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn. – Benjamin Franklin As a teacher and a member of Temple Emanuel Religious School faculty, I love this quote for it expresses a deep truth: the best education happens when we make it a part of who … Continue reading “A year of the Mensch”
iEngage at Temple Emanuel: Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
A Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture and Study Series led by Rabbi Michael Farbman Through video lectures, text study, and lively group discussion, we are pleased to bring the world-renowned faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute into the Temple Emanuel community this fall. The Video Lecture Series Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict explores one of … Continue reading “iEngage at Temple Emanuel: Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
Olga Markus, Religious School Director
Olga Markus was born and raised in the former Soviet Union and played an active role in resurgence of Jewish life and practice there in the early 1990s. Olga holds a Master’s Degree in Russian Language and Literature and an MA in Religious Education from University of London. Olga has over 20 years of experience … Continue reading “Olga Markus, Religious School Director”
iEngage: Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings A Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture and Study Series Led by Rabbi Michael Farbman
Through video lectures, text study, and lively group discussion, we are pleased to bring the world-renowned faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute into the Temple Emanuel community this fall. iEngage: Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings explores the pivotal events of 1917, 1947, and 1967 as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of … Continue reading “iEngage: Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings A Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture and Study Series Led by Rabbi Michael Farbman”
Jewish Teen Education – JTE
JTE Open House and March of the Living Information Session Tuesday, September 5 | 7 p.m. | JCC of Greater New Haven March of the Living is a an annual educational program which brings students from around the world to Poland, where they explore the remnants of the Holocaust, visiting concentration camp sites and … Continue reading “Jewish Teen Education – JTE”
TE Scholar in Residence, March 24-25, 2017 with Dr. Alan Morinis
Dr. Alan Morinis, the founder and dean of The Mussar Institute and an active interpreter of the teachings and practices of the Mussar tradition will be our Scholar-in-Residence. The Mussar Institute advances the study and practice of Mussar, a Jewish path of contemplative practices leading to awareness, wisdom and transformation for the journey of our … Continue reading “TE Scholar in Residence, March 24-25, 2017 with Dr. Alan Morinis”
JCARR JOYFULLY WELCOMES NEW SYRIAN FAMILY
On Thursday, April 26, JCARR welcomed a new refugee family from Syria, our third refugee family in a year. The normal anticipation and anxiety we feel in awaiting their arrival was heightened by the announcement of a proposed Executive Order that was rumored might be signed that very day that would halt refugee entry into … Continue reading “JCARR JOYFULLY WELCOMES NEW SYRIAN FAMILY”
6TH ANNUAL DEBBIE FRIEDMAN z”l MEMORIAL CONCERT – Sunday, February 12 at 10 am
JOIN GREATER NEW HAVEN HEBREW SCHOOLS AND SYNAGOGUE MUSIC BANDS TO CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF DEBBIE FRIEDMAN Z”L with an Annual Memorial Concert. This year the concert will be hosted by the Tower One/Tower East (18 Tower Lane, New Haven CT). Free and open to the public! ¨
COMING UP: Book Discussion Co-sponsored by Sisterhood and Men's Club, Feb 8th at 7pm
To kick off the 15th year of the TE Sisterhood Book Discussion Group, we are doing something a little different: a book discussion Co-Sponsored by Sisterhood and the Men’s Club! On Wed., Feb. 8th, at 7:00pm, Prof. Rachel Ranis of Quinnipiac University will lead a discussion on the book “Hillbilly Elegy – a Memoir of a … Continue reading “COMING UP: Book Discussion Co-sponsored by Sisterhood and Men's Club, Feb 8th at 7pm”
The World of Mussar is opening before you … and you are invited to enter.
Our community will soon be embarking on a program of study and practice in the way of the Jewish spiritual tradition of Mussar and everyone is invited to join. Mussar might best be described as “Jewish spiritual ethics” and has been practiced for centuries by people who sought to cultivate and strengthen the qualities of … Continue reading “The World of Mussar is opening before you … and you are invited to enter.”
So You Think You Can Pray: Jewish Liturgy Course continues January 5 @ 7:30 pm.
Ever wanted to know what the words of different Jewish prayers mean? Explore the order of the service in greater detail? Get to learn your way around the prayerbook? This class is for you! Join Rabbi Farbman and learn your way around siddur on Thursday nights. Nov 3 and 10, December 1. January 5, 12 and … Continue reading “So You Think You Can Pray: Jewish Liturgy Course continues January 5 @ 7:30 pm.”
Presentation and book signing by the author, Marisa Scheinfeld at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, Amity Road, Woodbridge, at 2 pm November 13.
Today, the Borscht Belt is recalled through the nostalgic lens of summer swims, Saturday night dances, and comedy performances. Forgotten about and exhausted, much of its structural environment has been left to decay. The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland, presents Marisa Scheinfeld’s photographs of abandoned sites where resorts, hotels and bungalow … Continue reading “Presentation and book signing by the author, Marisa Scheinfeld at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, Amity Road, Woodbridge, at 2 pm November 13.”
A Continuing Exploration of Jewish Spirituality: Words, Rituals and Holy Spaces TE’s Lay-Led Shabbat Afternoon Sessions of Learning and Discussion
“Jacob came upon a certain place and stopped there for the night… Taking one of the stones of that place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place’ (Genesis 28:11). ‘Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is present in this place, and I did not know … Continue reading “A Continuing Exploration of Jewish Spirituality: Words, Rituals and Holy Spaces TE’s Lay-Led Shabbat Afternoon Sessions of Learning and Discussion”
Want to read prayerbook Hebrew?
Rabbi Steinberg will be offering a basic/beginning Hebrew class focusing on reading liturgical Hebrew starting this September. It may be a weeknight or weekday depending on what works for the largest number of people interested. To find out more, or to sign up, please contact Rabbi Steinberg directly via email or call his home number (listed in … Continue reading “Want to read prayerbook Hebrew?”
"MIXING RELIGION AND POLITICS: When Should Religious Leaders Speak out about Political Issues?” April 17th at 4pm
The Orange Clergy Association welcomes you to the 2016 Scholar in Residence program to take place at Orange Congregational Church on April 17th. A reception will begin at 4:00 pm, with the program beginning at 4:30 pm. Our discussion this year will be: “MIXING RELIGION AND POLITICS: When Should Religious Leaders Speak out about Political Issues?” Are religious organizations … Continue reading “"MIXING RELIGION AND POLITICS: When Should Religious Leaders Speak out about Political Issues?” April 17th at 4pm”
A Weekend of Jewish Learning MARCH 11-13, 2016 “Mediterranean Mosaic: Three Vignettes of Jewish Life and Culture”
Something new is coming this March… Instead of a single scholar in residence, the Jewish Education and Enlightenment Program will feature three stimulating speakers exploring the worlds of modern Israel; medieval Spain, Egypt and Palestine; and twentieth century Italy. SIGN UP FOR SHABBAT DINNER AND/OR LUNCH ON SATURDAY HERE. Friday night, March 11 begins with … Continue reading “A Weekend of Jewish Learning MARCH 11-13, 2016 “Mediterranean Mosaic: Three Vignettes of Jewish Life and Culture””
All you ever wanted to know about Judaism, but were afraid to ask :)
All TE members and friends are invited to sign up for the Basic Judaism Class led by Rabbi Farbman. This course is for anyone interested in exploring Judaism-interfaith couples, those considering conversion and Jews looking for adult-level basics. This class introduces the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice in 15 weeks. Topics include Jewish holidays … Continue reading “All you ever wanted to know about Judaism, but were afraid to ask :)”
New Program: Jewish Short Story Discussion Group
When: Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dates: November 8, 15, 22 and December 6 and 20. Join us for coffee and bagels in the TE swing space before we start what promises to be a lively series. Interested in joining a book discussion group, but so pressed for time that finishing a … Continue reading “New Program: Jewish Short Story Discussion Group”
Jodi Harris, Religious School Director
I was born in New Haven and moved to Bloomfield CT as a baby, where I attended Yeshiva of Hartford before attending public schools. My socially progressive parents and Orthodox grandparents helped shape my Jewish identity and I embraced the concept of Tikkun Olam at a very early age. I received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Connecticut … Continue reading “Jodi Harris, Religious School Director”
Beyond the Shtetl: A Thousand Years of Distinctive Jewish Life in Eastern Europe – TE Scholar in Residence weekend March 20-22.
Friday March 20, 2015 6:00 pm Shabbat dinner (Register here). *Services 7:30 pm (please note the earlier time!) Presentation during services Building a Museum: The Saga of Polish Jewry While many Jews see Poland as a place of tragedy, it was also the center of Ashkenazi Jewish life for 800 years. The newly opened Museum … Continue reading “Beyond the Shtetl: A Thousand Years of Distinctive Jewish Life in Eastern Europe – TE Scholar in Residence weekend March 20-22.”
A Taste of Honey – an evening of inspired learning and teaching- Saturday, January 31 – 7:00 pm at the JCC, featuring TE band and choirs!
Community learning at its sweetest. Join us for the 19th annual A Taste of Honey, a community-wide celebration of Jewish learning that includes fascinating sessions, havdallah, keynote speaker New York Times film critic A.O. Scott, plus the Debbie Friedman Memorial Tribute Concert with the TE band and inter-generational choir. Cost $18; Students/Seniors $12. Online registration … Continue reading “A Taste of Honey – an evening of inspired learning and teaching- Saturday, January 31 – 7:00 pm at the JCC, featuring TE band and choirs!”
RESCHEDULED – NEW DATE! Adult Education Part II Prayer: Discussion and reaction to changes in the new Reform prayer book.
Adult Education Part II Prayer: Discussion and reaction to changes in the new Reform prayer book. Come and join the learning and conversations facilitated by Rabbi Steven Steinberg. The second in the adult ed series will be held at the home of Jim and Jean Silk on Saturday, February 28 from 3:00-4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome; no need … Continue reading “RESCHEDULED – NEW DATE! Adult Education Part II Prayer: Discussion and reaction to changes in the new Reform prayer book.”
Chanukah Gift Giving Program a big success!
Temple Emanuel was abuzz with activity on Sunday, December 14th. Our religious school children and parents enjoyed an asephah filled with Chanukah songs and learning, followed by an adult study of the origins of Chanukah story with Rabbi Farbman, while the children went back to school for an hour. Then we gathered back together with … Continue reading “Chanukah Gift Giving Program a big success!”
December 13 at 4PM. TE Adult Education series presents: The Territory, 2013 (USA/Israel), 42 min. Russian, Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles.
The Territory is an intimate look into the lives of Israelis from the former Soviet Union who made their new home in the West Bank settlements. While some residents move to the settlements looking for cheaper housing, others are motivated by Zionist ideology; and all are influenced by their past experience of being an oppressed … Continue reading “December 13 at 4PM. TE Adult Education series presents: The Territory, 2013 (USA/Israel), 42 min. Russian, Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles.”
Adult Education at TE: Coping With Death and Dying, Sunday March 30th, 10:15 am
Bagels 9:45 am, talk 10:15 – 11:45 am, TE Sanctuary. How do we accompany our friends, family and fellow congregants in difficult moments,such as serious/terminal illness or end-of-life? How do we care for ourselves as we seek to care for those we love? Chaplain Lisa Irish, MEd, MA, BCC and Chaplain N. Sarah Blum, MS, … Continue reading “Adult Education at TE: Coping With Death and Dying, Sunday March 30th, 10:15 am”
Interfaith SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE Sunday, March 30, 2014 “END OF LIFE CHALLENGES IN HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH"
Join the Orange Interfaith Community in a Unique Learning Experience: “END OF LIFE CHALLENGES IN HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH” A discussion with our own orange clergy facilitated by Dr. Julius Landwirth, Past associate director & current member of the Yale interdisciplinary center for bioethics. Potluck Dinner at 4:00 PM, Program at 5:30 PM To sign … Continue reading “Interfaith SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE Sunday, March 30, 2014 “END OF LIFE CHALLENGES IN HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH"”
On Legacies, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Future Generation of Jews
I am writing this column at the end of a very long Sunday. This morning our Hebrew School marked Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and engaged in a series of projects to make the world a better place. The students shared their dreams and prepared gifts for those in need. It was a perfect way … Continue reading “On Legacies, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Future Generation of Jews”
Coping with Death and Dying – Panel with TE members and discussion facilitated by Chaplains Lisa Irish and Sarah Blum, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus
Coping with Death and Dying – Panel with TE members and discussion facilitated by Chaplain Lisa Irish, Bereavement Coordinator, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus and Chaplain Sarah Blum. Sunday, March 30th, 2014. Bagels @ 9:45 am, talk 10:15 – 11:45 am How do we accompany our friends, family and fellow congregants in difficult moments, … Continue reading “Coping with Death and Dying – Panel with TE members and discussion facilitated by Chaplains Lisa Irish and Sarah Blum, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus”
Temple Emanuel Scholar-in-Residence Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2014 "Jewish Recipes for Holiness in the 21st Century"
Jewish Recipes for Holiness in the 21st Century Temple Emanuel Scholar-in-Residence Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2014 All of us are seeking meaning for our lives as we rush through our busy weeks and packed schedules. We want to cultivate wonder and creativity in our children and we would like to be part of a larger community that nurtures these values, reminds … Continue reading “Temple Emanuel Scholar-in-Residence Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2014 "Jewish Recipes for Holiness in the 21st Century"”
3rd Annual Debbie Friedman z"l Memorial Concert at Temple Emanuel – Sun, Jan 12, 10:30 AM
The Temple Emanuel Band, Children’s Choir and Hebrew School invite you to join in a morning of singing and celebration in memory of the music and legacy of Debbie Friedman, z”l, on Sunday morning, January 12, at 10:30. This year, we welcome the participation of the Ezra Academy Choir. In addition to several iconic songs by … Continue reading “3rd Annual Debbie Friedman z"l Memorial Concert at Temple Emanuel – Sun, Jan 12, 10:30 AM”
Adult Education series – Saturday, Jan. 11, 3-4:30 PM: Humanity and Ethnicity
Our Adult Education programs this year revolve around the theme of Exploring Our Jewish Identity. Events include a Speaker Series, a Scholar in Residence, and Shabbat Afternoon Conversations. TE members and friends are invited to attend any and all of these events. Saturday, Jan. 11, 3-4:30 PM: Humanity and Ethnicity Our relationship to others … Continue reading “Adult Education series – Saturday, Jan. 11, 3-4:30 PM: Humanity and Ethnicity”
Annual Chanukah Baskets Program – Sunday, November 24, 9:30 – 12:00 noon
Don’t miss this cherished annual tradition to help many local families in need celebrate the holidays! For more details and for a list of suggested donations, please follow this link.
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Worthwhile or Risky? Sunday, October 20, 10:00 AM
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Worthwhile or Risky? Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies market genetic tests directly to the public and often claim that testing is for entertainment purposes only. However, some information gained from DTC testing may significantly impact medical care. This talk will address some of the controversy around DTC testing and whether results of … Continue reading “Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Worthwhile or Risky? Sunday, October 20, 10:00 AM”
Weekly Torah study at Temple Emanuel – starting Sept 28 at 10:30 am
The Torah is the Tree of Life, the Blueprint for humanity. A most revered book in Judaism. It’s stories are among the best known world over, and yet if you try to read the Torah as a book, from beginning to end, you might find yourself easily confused by the narrative. For centuries the Jewish … Continue reading “Weekly Torah study at Temple Emanuel – starting Sept 28 at 10:30 am”
Prof. Robert Burt to speak at TE on Friday, Sept 27 during 8pm Shabbat Service
Prof. Robert Burt to speak at TE on Friday, Sept 27 during 8pm Shabbat Service “In the Whirlwind: God and Humanity in Conflict” Robert Burt, law professor at Yale, will discuss his recent book and explores three questions: Is the basis for God’s authority in biblical text anything more than his overwhelming coercive capacity? Is God … Continue reading “Prof. Robert Burt to speak at TE on Friday, Sept 27 during 8pm Shabbat Service”
Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein – Scholar in Residence at TE, May 10-11, 2013
We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Marc Saperstein, a world-renowned scholar as Temple Emanuel’s Scholar in Residence on May 10-11, 2013. On Friday, May 10 at Kabbalat Shabbat Service (8pm) Rabbi Saperstein will give us an overview on “Jews and Muslims: Contacts Through the Ages” On Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 am Rabbi Saperstein will … Continue reading “Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein – Scholar in Residence at TE, May 10-11, 2013”
Temple Emanuel Celebrates Debbie Friedman z"l
“We must live for today, we must build for tomorrow. Give us time, give us strength, give us life…” (Lyrics from “And the Youth Shall See Visions” by Debbie Friedman, 1981.) On Sunday, January 27, Temple Emanuel celebrated the musical life and legacy of Debbie Friedman, z”l, a leading composer and performer of contemporary Jewish music, … Continue reading “Temple Emanuel Celebrates Debbie Friedman z"l”
How do you view the map of Israel? January 12th – Divrei Laila – Night Commentaries – #2 !
Saturday evening, January 12, 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary, Temple Emanuel is holding the second in our Social Action Committee’s series of three Divrei Laila (English translation = Night Commentaries), with the goal of inspiring respectful discussion on issues that are important to us. Our topic on Jan. 12 is “How do you view the … Continue reading “How do you view the map of Israel? January 12th – Divrei Laila – Night Commentaries – #2 !”
Chanukah Gift Giving Program a Huge Hit!
Over 45 kids and 40 adults came together on Sunday, December 2nd for a day of learning and tzedakah. The morning started with the asepha, a gathering of parents and children filled with songs, stories and learning about Chanukah. The group then split off with the kids going back to school for an hour, and the … Continue reading “Chanukah Gift Giving Program a Huge Hit!”
All you ever wanted to know about Haftarah – a new educational opportunity at Temple Emanuel
Have you ever found yourself wondering: What is the difference between Torah & Haftarah? Why does the Trope sound different for Torah & Haftarah? Could I ever learn to chant Haftarah? How is chanting Haftarah easier than chanting Torah? Can I do what members of the “whale pod” do? When’s the class & how do … Continue reading “All you ever wanted to know about Haftarah – a new educational opportunity at Temple Emanuel”
A Yearlong Exploration of Pirke Avot: Reflections on How We Live Our Lives
Pirke Avot, The Chapters of Our Ancestors, is a section of the Mishnah (the first part of the Talmud) which offers ethical insights from the key teachers and rabbinic authorities between 200 BCE and 100 CE. These powerful aphorisms transcend time in offering to us a moral compass for our present day experiences. Throughout the … Continue reading “A Yearlong Exploration of Pirke Avot: Reflections on How We Live Our Lives”
Living Jewishly – Reform Judaism and Halachah.
This year’s lay-led Adult Education class will be based on a module from the URJ’s Adult Jewish Living and Learning Journeys project, Living Ethics: An Investigation of Reform Halachah through Case Studies. Traditionally, halachah seeks to provide guidelines for the community and for the individual with regard to virtually every aspect of life, including ritual practice and personal behavior. For … Continue reading “Living Jewishly – Reform Judaism and Halachah.”
Adult Education at TE!
Learning opportunities aren’t just for kids at TE! There is a warm, welcoming learning community for adults too. Multiple educational opportunities with the Rabbi are available for adults including weekly Torah study on Shabbat mornings, Basic Judaism class on Sundays, and continued Jewish education class on Thursdays. There are numerous special lectures and learning sessions … Continue reading “Adult Education at TE!”
“What’s God got to do with it?” – Adult Education Opportunity Feb 4th @ 3pm
So, as Ike and Tina Turner might say “What’s God got to do with it?” Come decide in this lay led, 5 week class that will meet once a month on Saturday afternoons! “Praise the God of…..Lessons of Jewish Theology and Finding Your Place in It” is a course centered on 3 ways in which … Continue reading ““What’s God got to do with it?” – Adult Education Opportunity Feb 4th @ 3pm”
"Torahs'R'us: All you ever wanted to know about Torah but were afraid to ask"
A brand-new educational opportunity for adults for 2012 This course will examine the Torah-reading traditions, its history and meaning, the structure of the Torah service and much more. The practical part of each class will be dedicated to learning the ‘trope’ – how to chant the Torah, as well as writing a ‘d’var Torah’ – … Continue reading “"Torahs'R'us: All you ever wanted to know about Torah but were afraid to ask"”
Thanksgiving, the Jewish Way
The entire congregation is invited to an intergenerational educational program on Sunday, November 20th, 9:30 – 12:00 noon. A morning of learning, music, fun, food and community. The program will include one hour adult study session from 10:00-11:00amwith Rabbi Farbman in the swing space.