Close Reading: Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade - A Jewish Novel Taught by Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
2025-12-30 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-08 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-15 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-29 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-05 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The sharp Yiddish novelist, Chaim Grade, described the falling apart of the orthodox world in Eastern Europe in the 1930s. Sons and daughters of rabbis get out of the shtetl, but the fathers claw them back through guilt. Grade’s characters are incredibly alive; they are goofy, mad, heroic and wise. The novel is long, learned and confusing, so we will read it together at the clip of 50 pages each week, accompanied by one of discussion each week to help understand the religious world of the Lithuanian rabbis.
Class dates: Nov 6, 13, 20, Dec 4, 11, 17, 30, Jan 8, 15, 26, 29, Feb 5
All classes will meet on Zoom.
Cost: (Scholarships available)

$180 for Temple Emanuel Members
$250 for Non-Members
This class is now at capacity.
About Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
Dr. Susanne Klingenstein is an Associate at the Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University. She served as professor of Writing and Humanistic Studies at MIT, as Lecturer in the Humanities at Harvard Medical School, and as Director of the Communication Curriculum in the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. She the author of six books, her new book on Chaim Grade will be published in the spring of 2026. She has offered courses at TE since 2006 and is a popular, sought-after teacher.

Shabbat Morning Service: From Vision to Reality - the New Holocaust Museum in Boston
2026-01-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Why does Boston need a new Holocaust museum now? Jody Kipnis, Co-Founder and President & CEO of the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, will share the ways the museum (opening in late 2026 across from Boston’s historic Freedom Trail) urgently confronts the rise in antisemitism today, and how its exhibits teach about democracy, choice, and moral courage.
Join us on Shabbat morning, January 3rd, to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the transformational vision behind this landmark project.

Caregiver Support Group
2026-01-07 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-04 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.

Seated Zumba Gold
2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-05 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.

Total Body Workout
2026-01-08 14:10 - 15:10, 2026-02-05 14:10 - 15:10 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
A class for all levels. 20 minutes basic fun cardio dance, 20 minutes body sculpting/conditioning & 20 minutes stretch and balance.
NEW WINTER WORKOUT! 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
led by Carole Rodenstein on March 3, 10
led by Kim Bartlett on March 17, 31, April 7, 28
Led by Jill Meyer on April 21, May 19, 26, June 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.

Adult Child Support Group
2026-01-08 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-05 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.

Yoga Minyan
2026-01-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-08 09:00 - 10:00 | 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

100 Jewish Brides: Stories from Around the World
2026-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Barbara Vinick will discuss her book, 100 Jewish Brides: Stories from Around the World. Recent winner of an Award of Excellence from the Religion Coordinators Council, the book features an amazing array of stories of Jewish brides from 83 countries on 6 continents. Her talk and captivating slideshow highlight diverse customs and rituals related to Jewish weddings now and in the past.
Come in from the winter cold to enjoy a delicious complimentary brunch and a meaningful morning of conversation, culture, and community.
Can’t make it in-person? We will provide a livestream link the week before the event (but no virtual food).
Books can be reserved for $25.
Added bonus! Check out the TE museum for a Jewish marriage exhibit on display in January. 100 Jewish Brides will be available for purchase during the event.
Register→

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Haftarah Edition
2026-01-12 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-01-19 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-01-26 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-02-02 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→

Shabbat Morning Service with Guest Speaker Robert Leikind
2026-01-24 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a special Shabbat Service with guest speaker Robert Leikind, Regional Director of AJC New England.
Sermon Topic: Clarity, Courage, and Commitment: Confronting Antisemitism Now
The surge of antisemitism has left many of us unsettled, confused, and struggling to understand what type of Jewish future is possible in the Diaspora. In fact, we can have a large hand in shaping our future, but to do this we first need to better understand the challenge before us.
About Robert Leikind
Rob Leikind has been director of AJC New England since 2008. A child of parents who survived Hitler’s Europe, he grew up with a deeply rooted regard for the opportunity that American democracy affords Jews and other vulnerable minorities. Throughout his career, Rob has been a passionate defender of civil rights, an ardent advocate in the fight against antisemitism and other forms of bigotry, and a vocal proponent of a just and secure future for Israel and its neighbors.
Rob began his career working with Holocaust survivors in Brooklyn, New York. A lawyer by training, he served as an Assistant District Attorney before going on to be Director of the ADL’s Connecticut and Boston offices and Senior Vice President of Hebrew College.
Rob has been a contributor to various media on topics ranging from Israel and anti-Semitism to intergroup relations and civil rights. He received his bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, an M.S. from Columbia University and his J.D. from the Boston College Law School.

A Taste of Ballroom Dancing
2026-01-26 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
2026-01-27 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
Save the dates for a NEW WINTER WORKOUT coming in Winter 2026! Tuesdays 1pm:
Jan 6, 13, 27; Feb 3, 5, 10, 17
Tuesday, January 27th, will meet virtually via zoom. Join via Zoom HERE.
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.

Finding Esther: A Creative Journey Through Illuminations
2026-02-01 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 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 – Adelson Community Hall
February 8 @ 10:00am – Benjamin Vestry
Register→

TE Brotherhood - Hearing Men's Voices
2026-02-02 20:00 - 21:00 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
How do we face serious illness?
Come join a small group of men who will meet in the Benjamin Vestry to share our feelings on how we face serious illness in ourselves and the ones we love.
As we age our risk of serious illness increases. The risk of health problems of the people we love and take responsibility for also increases. How do we deal with these situations? How do we cope?
This session will be moderated by Marty Paley.
Register→
About the Facilitator
Marty Paley has facilitated numerous Hearing Men’s Voices session nationally and internationally. He enjoys building relationships that enhance Jewish community among men.

Total Body Workout
2026-02-03 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
Save the dates for a NEW WINTER WORKOUT coming in Winter 2026! Tuesdays 1pm:
Jan 6, 13, 27; Feb 3, 5, 10, 17
Tuesday, February 3rd, will meet virtually via zoom. Join on Zoom HERE.
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.
