Temple Emanuel

Yoga Minyan
2026-02-08 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-03-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
With Michelle Silberman Hubbard, Yoga Instructor
Sundays mornings | 9 – 10 am
Our rabbis taught us that the soul is joined intimately to the body. The two move together and each can be used in the service of God. In this innovative morning minyan we will be using our bodies to pray, our voices to chant, and movement to connect with holiness in a Jewish way. Awaken your senses as you awaken your soul. Expect an uplifting morning service and a great sweat. No previous Yoga or davening experience necessary. Dress for comfort. Bring a yoga mat or towel, a small towel, and water. Time to get up and stretch your body! Grab your mat or towel and join in via Zoom. New participants always welcome!
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Register Here→
Sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel

Finding Esther: A Creative Journey Through Illuminations
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Sponsored by Returning The Sparks
In this hands-on visual art class, we will consider the imagery surrounding Purim through a personal lens. Starting with images of the large collection of Illuminated Esther’s Scrolls from the fabulous online archive of the Center of Jewish Art (https://cja.huji.ac.il/) we will conduct visual journeys into the imagery. We will use simple but effective techniques of adding, subtracting, layering, and obscuring imagery to investigate the historical art from a variety of perspectives while tracing a path to original creations. No prior art experience necessary, all materials provided. The teacher will provide individual creative and technical support for each participant to pursue their own unique vision.
February 1 @ 10:00am – Classroom 24/25
February 8 @ 10:00am – Reisman Hall
Register→

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Haftarah Edition
2026-02-09 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-02-16 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-02-23 18:15 - 19:30 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
While not as ancient as the public reading of the Torah, chanting of the prophets, known as the Haftarah, began in the 1st century CE. Join Hazzan Sheni/Ritual Director Dan Nesson for seven sessions to learn this sacred tradition. A reading knowledge of Hebrew is recommended.
Yes, you, too, can Cantillate!
Class Dates: January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23
Register→

A Taste of Ballroom Dancing
2026-02-09 19:30 - 20:15, 2026-02-23 19:30 - 20:15, 2026-03-16 19:30 - 20:15 | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Why watch Dancing with the Stars when you can be one?
Put on your dancing shoes! Understand the movement of dance and learn the steps from the waltz to the rhumba. Join a 4-class series taught by world-class dance instructor, Tibor Kerekes, owner of TK Dance Studio. With over 20 years of teaching ballroom and Latin dancing, multiple awards and vast certifications, students say that “his zeal inspires them to overcome their inhibitions and become better dancers”.
* No prior dance ability needed* No partners necessary, singles or couples are welcomed.
Class is scheduled for 7:30-8:15pm on:
January 26
February 9
February 23
March 16
Cost: $120 per person
Class size is limited to 26 people – register today!
Register→
If you have any questions about the class or the instructor, please contact Kathy Rogozinski.

Total Body Workout
2026-02-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
With Jill Meyer

A class for all levels. 20 minutes basic fun cardio dance, 20 minutes body sculpting/conditioning & 20 minutes stretch and balance.

Fall 2025 dates: Sept 9; Oct 21, 28; Nov 4, 18, 25; Dec 2, 23
Spring 2026 dates: March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 21, 28; May 19, 26; June 2, 9
Save the dates for a NEW WINTER WORKOUT coming in Winter 2026! Tuesdays 1pm
Jan 6, 13*, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17
*Jan 13th exercise will follow a L’CHAIM program at 2:10pm

No RSVP needed. All are welcome.

These Total Body Workout exercise classes will follow L’CHAIM programs.

We are grateful to Village Bank and the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund for supporting Total Body Workout and Adapted Seated Exercises this season.

L’Chaim
2026-02-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays to connect with friends and be inspired!
Contact Tracy Schneider at tracys120@yahoo.com to RSVP and for more information.
Dec 23 in Reisman Hall – Annual L’Chaim Holiday Hannukah Party! Featuring Steve Siagel, Followed by lighting of the menorah
Come schmooze & wish your friends a Chag Sameach!
About Steve Siagel: Steve’s love for Jewish music comes from his late father Lou Siagel, who was a violinist, and the music director here at Temple Emanuel for 27 years. Lou led a professional choir of vocalists for Friday night services, and the High Holidays. Steve continues L’dor V’dor following in his father’s footsteps by sharing his love of music with others.
Steve Siagel is the owner of Siagel Productions, an entertainment and event planning company which he founded in 1976. He is regarded as a pioneer in the Disc Jockey industry in Boston. Steve is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Fine Arts where he earned a bachelor’s degree in piano and musical composition. As an accomplished pianist Steve began his entertainment business by performing Jewish music at bar mitzvah events and offering disc jockey services for kids’ parties.
12:15pm Latkes and catered lunch1:00pm Program
Kosher catered lunch by Gourmet Catering By AndrewLunch is fully sponsored from generous donations by 1 Wingate Way East and West River Care in appreciation for the senior programming.
Jan 6, 13, 27 on Zoom – Talking About Senior Sex with Joan Price
Well known Senior-Sex Coach and Activist, Author of trailblazing Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex
Tuesdays at 8pm on zoom, January 2026
This is a lecture-style event and participants should not be sharing their personal/sexual information.
You may submit questions beforehand to Tracy as well as enter questions on the chat.
Please RSVP to Tracys120@yahoo.com for program zoom link.
Jan 13 in Reisman Hall – Book Talk with guest Jill Ebstein, TE member & author
Jill Ebstein, TE Member, Marketing Consultant and Newton Author of two new books as well as the “AT MY PACE” collection of books, wherein ordinary women share important stories.
Book 1: Alfred’s Journey to Be Liked
Book 2: Hannah’s Journal to Be Happy
We will delve into the teenage characters portrayed in the books listed above and relate those characters to our real lives and how we face the world. Like the protagonist Hannah in Hannah’s Journey, we can ask ourselves if we can…
• Scrap a to-do list and relax.
• Record moments of anger and ask whether we voiced our feelings and felt heard.
How can we decode social cues…body language…eye contact…
Can you face your fears?
Do you feel the burden of perfection?
Do you wish you had do overs in your life ?
Join us for lunch and discussion. RSVP is required to Tracy at Tracys120@yahoo.com
Feb 3, 10, 17 on Zoom – Jewish Women Portrayed in Film with Debra Block
6:30pm-7:30pm
We recommend watching the following films in advance of each presentation
SESSION 1: Hester Street (watch here) – Gitl (Carol Kane), a young Jewish orthodox woman, comes to America in the 1890’s only to discover that her husband Jake (Steven Keats) has given up the ways of the old country, and taken up with a new girlfriend, and a new life! Gitl faces the New World with strength and grace!
SESSION 2: Crossing Delancey (watch here)– Izzy Grossman faces two romantic choices reflecting two conflicting aspects of her life…uptown world where she works and the traditional world of her grandmother where Izzy lives on the Lower East Side. In Marjorie Morningstar & Goodbye Columbus, both women are using their romantic involvement with men to challenge the middle-class values of their parental homes.
SESSION 3: Today, the portrayal of Jewish women in film and television is undergoing a shift, moving away from one-dimensional caricatures toward more nuanced, self-defined, and diverse characters. While traditional, negative stereotypes persist, the rise of Jewish women in creative roles behind the camera is driving a “renaissance” in representation. We will give examples of these portrayals in films such as Unorthodox (watch here) and in several television programs.
About the facilitator, Debra Block, Artistic Director and Creator, DGB Productions
Debra Block is the Artistic Director and Creator of DGB Productions. She presents educational programs on film, theatre and culture to age 55+ senior communities. Debra possesses a strong Jewish identity, having lived and taught in Israel for two years, and has directed numerous musical theater productions focusing on Jewish themes. She has taught English and theater at Shaloh House, a Jewish Day School and has been contracted by various synagogues and Jewish community centers to develop meaningful theatrical experiences. She graduated BA cum laude in psychology with a performing arts minor. After graduating college, she continued her studies at the Master’s level in the performing arts and in Judaism.
Please email Tracys120@yahoo.com to register. Zoom info will be provided upon registration.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES are $18 per person. Please consider making a small donation of appreciation to the L’CHAIM Group. Please mail checks of any donation to Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459, ATTN: Eileen Rose/Controller. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.

Seated Zumba Gold
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
With Ketty Rosenfeld
Thursday mornings
Session Dates: Sept 11, 25; Oct 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4, 25; Jan 8, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; March 5, 12, 19; April 16, 23, 30; May 21, 28
Join us Online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 871 2457 6849
We are grateful for the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund for supporting Zumba Gold this season. No RSVP needed – No Charge – All are welcome. Questions? Please contact Tracy Schneider.

Bereavement Group
2026-02-12 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-19 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-26 20:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
This bereavement group is open to adult children who have lost an elder parent or elder spouses who have lost a spouse, partner or friend within the last year.
Disclaimer: We ask that all dialogue and information shared during the group discussion remain confidential to the participants.
There is no cost to attend- but registration is required. This series is open to Temple Emanuel members as well as the greater community.
Session Dates: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 on Zoom
Call Tracy Schneider at 617-959-4928 or email Tracys120@yahoo.com for the zoom link and registration.
Nikki Stournaras, MTS, Four units clinical pastoral education, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester. Reiki Master. Nikki has been with West River Care for nine years as a Spiritual Care Coordinator/Bereavement facilitator. She has nine bereavement groups. She lives in Framingham with her husband Nicholas. She has three children and seven grandchildren. She is involved with community outreach and loves meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Bereavement Group is sponsored by West River Care.
West River Care is part of the Wingate Collective and provides home health, hospice, and private duty services wherever you call home. We believe every day should be lived to its fullest. Let us help you achieve just that.

Temple Emanuel 90th Celebration in Florida with Cantor Elias Rosemberg and David Rosemberg
2026-02-19 12:00 - 15:30 | Temple Beth Kodesh, 501 NE 26th Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL, 33435, United States
Please join us for an entertaining concert with Cantor Elias Rosemberg and David Rosemberg in Boynton Beach, Florida as part of our year of 90th Anniversary celebrations! There will be a lunch from 12:00pm-1:30pm, followed by an afternoon of musical selections from Jewish tradition to Broadway. We hope to see you there!
Lunch: 12:00pm-1:30pm
Concert: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Register→

Winter Time Cafe
2026-02-19 12:15 - 14:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
What is Winter Time Café? Winter Time Café is a model of social programming that provides an inviting place for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking – and their family/friends!
Thursday, February 19 – Expressive Arts Therapy Workshop: “Silhouette Self-Portraits”

Discover yourself through color, texture, and collaboration! In this expressive arts therapy workshop, you’ll create a multimedia self-portrait based on your own silhouette. Working with a partner, you’ll trace the outline and then bring your silhouette to life using a mix of materials: colors, symbols, textures, images, and words that reflect your inner world.

This playful and reflective process invites you to:

– explore identity and self-expression

– experience connection and playfulness through creative partnership

– experiment with mixed-media and sensory pleasing or interesting materials

– gain insight into the many layers that make you you

All materials are provided. No art experience needed — just curiosity and an open heart!

About the Facilitator:
Shoshana (Shoshi) Alexander is an organized, enthusiastic, and deeply personable educator, multidisciplinary artist (mosaic, stained glass, papercutting, photography, video), and healing-arts practitioner based in Greater Boston. She brings together visual art, music, gardening, and peer support to create spaces that foster growth, creativity, and recovery. She holds an M.A.T. in Art Education from Tufts University and a B.A. (cum laude) from Harvard-Radcliffe, with additional studies at Oxford, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Hebrew University, Longy School of Music, and New England Conservatory.
Shoshi has extensive experience working with children, young adults, and individuals navigating mental health recovery. Her work includes leading organic therapeutic gardening programs, teaching visual and fiber arts, woodworking, and mixed media, and supporting young adults with first-episode psychosis in clinical settings. She speaks English, French, conversational Hebrew, and has beginner proficiency in Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, and Yiddish.

Please email Tracy to register. You must attend with your spouse or caregiver.
Seniors Helping Seniors is proud to sponsor this Active Living Program Winter Time Cafe at Temple Emanuel.

Bikkur Cholim: Becoming a Better You by Helping Someone Else with Rabbi Israel de la Piedra
2026-02-22 10:45 - 12:00, 2026-03-02 10:45 - 12:00, 2026-03-08 10:45 - 12:00 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
We know someone who is sick, lonely or ageing. We want to visit them and help. But how often have we stopped in our tracks as the reality of the upcoming visit hits us? What are we going to do when we visit? What are we going to say? How should we behave? Is prayer part of the visit? What if the person doesn’t want a visitor or doesn’t want to talk? Will we be of help, or will we be a bother? And so on. Bikkur Cholim – visiting the sick, the lonely and the old – may seem hard. We know it is important, a true mitzvah, but we may not feel prepared for doing it. What does it take to rise up to the occasion? This 3-session course will help you learn the practicalities of bikkur cholim visits; identify ways in which spirituality and prayer can help us in our efforts to reach out to those whom we visit; and appreciate the special case of visiting our ageing elders. And importantly, what we learn will help us not only be prepared to face the challenges of being there for others but also will help us prepare for our own future because one day we may well be that sick person or that ageing person who needs a visit.
Register→
About Rabbi Israel de la Piedra
Rabbi Israel has been working with the sick, the old and the dying for the last fifteen years. He was the Rabbi and Spiritual Director at Miami Jewish Health (MJH), a large senior residential and rehabilitation facility in Miami, during 2014-2021. He was awarded the “Clergy of the Year” award by the Ministering to the Elderly Conference in Miami in 2021 for his work at MJH. After his return to Boston in late 2021, Rabbi Israel worked as a hospice chaplain at AccentCare Hospice and currently serves as the rabbi at Hebrew Senior Life’s Simon C. Fireman Community in Randolph, MA. Rabbi Israel received his rabbinical ordination from Hebrew College in 2013. Prior to becoming a rabbi, he had a long career as an economist with the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC and in two African countries. Rabbi Israel and his wife Aliza are proud members of Temple Emanuel and keep homes in Kiriat Motzkin (near Haifa) in Israel and in Canton, MA.

Total Body Workout
2026-03-03 14:10 - 15:10, 2026-03-10 14:10 - 15:10 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
With Jill Meyer
A class for all levels. 20 minutes basic fun cardio dance, 20 minutes body sculpting/conditioning & 20 minutes stretch and balance.
Fall 2025 dates: Sept 9; Oct 21, 28; Nov 4, 18, 25; Dec 2, 23
Save the dates for a NEW WINTER WORKOUT coming in Winter 2026! Tuesdays 1pm:
Jan 6, 13, 27; Feb 3, 5, 10, 17
Spring 2026 dates: March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 21, 28; May 19, 26; June 2, 9
No RSVP needed. All are welcome.
These Total Body Workout exercise classes will follow L’CHAIM programs.
We are grateful to Village Bank and the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund for supporting Total Body Workout and Adapted Seated Exercises this season.

Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Wednesday Evenings 6:30pm – 7:30pm on Zoom with Emily Grossman. There is no cost to attend- but registration is required. This series is open to Temple Emanuel members as well as the greater community. Contact Tracy Schneider at Tracys120@yahoo.com for the zoom link and registration.
Disclaimer: We ask that all dialogue and information shared during the group discussion remain confidential to the participants.
Class Dates: Sept 10, Oct 22, Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4, March 4, April 15, May 20, June 10
We welcome Emily Grossman to lead our group this coming season. Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to support the spouses and partners of those who suffer from dementia.
Emily S. Grossman, MSW, CMC, CDP, is the founder of NextPath Care Management, with more than 23 years of experience in large and small healthcare organizations. Emily’s extensive experience in all levels of senior care, including home and community-based services as well as institutional and insurance-based resources, has formed the foundation of her practice. She has delivered seminars on housing and care options, and how best to plan for the future, as well as contributed to various newsletters and publications. Emily earned a B.A. from Tufts University and a Master’s of Social Work with a clinical concentration in Older Adults and Families from Boston College, where she was a Litwak Fellow. She completed her graduate training at Hebrew Senior Life Continuing Care Retirement Community Newbridge on the Charles in their Long-Term Care setting and with Jewish Family Services of Metro West.
Caregiver Support Group is proudly co-presented by Temple Emanuel Senior Fund and the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health at Hebrew SeniorLife.

Adult Child Support Group
2026-03-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Thursday evenings | 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Zoom
Are you caring for an aging parent? Are you looking for local resources and support?
Join us for monthly discussions on all topics about managing the care of our parents and maintaining our own expectations. We will have guest speakers set up by the team at Adelaide, a Benchmark community.
Register Here→
For the best experience, participants are encouraged to attend regularly. There is no cost to attend- but registration is required. Questions? Please contact Tracy Schneider.
This series is sponsored by Adelaide and co-presented by TE senior fund.
