History of the Jews in the Americas
2025-11-19 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
History of Jews in the Americas, 1492-present will be the subject of a course this fall with BU Professor Deeana Klapper. We will examine the history of Jews and Jewish communities in North America, South America and the Caribbean over 500 years. Taking a thematic and chronological approach, we will consider the diversity of American Jewish culture and American Jews’ engagement with other sectors of society.
Session dates: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12 and 19, and Dec. 3.
The fee is $125/person for all sessions.
Payment can be sent via Venmo, Zelle, or by check. Instructions will be sent in your registration confirmation email.
Register→
Contact Sandy Remz with any questions
Sponsored by Minyan Ma’or

Torah for our Times
2025-11-20 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-04 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
With Rabbi Michelle Robinson
While some of the difficulties we face today are new, grappling with an uncertain world is an age-old challenge. Our Jewish tradition offers us a timeless toolbox of traditional texts that offer us ancient wisdom we can apply to our modern challenges. Join us each Thursday morning as we grapple with the big questions of who we are and how we might craft a life worth living.
NEW THIS YEAR: Each week we explore a compelling story from the Talmud through the eyes of commentators whose insights can spark our own.
Our class takes place on zoom – whether you’re in Newton, New York, Nevada, or anywhere else around the world, come learn with us!
Register and join us on Zoom here.
View the 2025-26 calendar HERE→

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2025-11-20 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
Spoken Modern Hebrew: Everyday Language for Life and Legacy
This continuing course welcomes all learners at an equivalent level. Together, we read, write, speak, and listen in Hebrew—building practical skills for everyday life and deepening our connection to the language.
It’s a golden opportunity to model Hebrew for our children and grandchildren, while also supporting cognitive health and brain function.
Newcomers: We’d love to welcome you! To assess your level and join the course, please reach out to Sigalit.
Session Dates
Session 1: Oct 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4
Session 2: Dec 11, 18; Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5
Session 3: Feb 12, 26; Mar 5, 12, 19, 26; Apr 16
Session 4: Apr 23, 30; May 4, 14, 28; June 4, 11
Register→

Close Reading: Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade - A Jewish Novel Taught by Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
2025-11-20 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-04 18:30 - 19:30 | 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.

Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah: Talmud Study
2025-11-22 08:30 - 09:20 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Is Anybody Listening?
What are the chances our prayers are answered? Should you pray if you don’t believe? What is prayer really about? Join Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash in conversation with the Temple Emanuel Clergy on a journey through Jewish legal and spiritual perspectives on the power of your personal prayer.

Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah: Shabbat Morning Service
2025-11-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Sermon Topic: Campus Chaos – A View from Inside Academia Today
Antisemitism, Activism, AI, Administrative Upheaval, Anticipations undermined…Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash has been a professor for two decades at Washington University in St. Louis. In the past two years, so much has changed. Yet her department, Jewish Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, has managed to be an oasis of respectful conversation. Could this be a model for life beyond the University? What can we learn from her experience on campus?

Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah: Post-Service Lunch and Learn with Minyan Ma’or
2025-11-22 12:45 - 13:45 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
What now? When Ethical Principles Collide

How do we figure out what to do when ethical ideals conflict? Join us as Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash shares some surprising and satisfying answers from Jewish law today.
We’ll explore cutting edge quandaries in personal ethics and ritual controversies.

Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls with Dr. Sidney Kadish
2025-11-22 12:45 - 13:45, 2025-11-29 12:45 - 13:45, 2025-12-06 12:45 - 13:45 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Since then, they have been intensely studied. We will inquire about how they were found and studied, what they tell us about Jewish life 2000 years ago, and what they mean to us today. Join us in the Slater Conference Room after Shabbat morning services for this incredible program.
Session Dates: 10/18, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13
Register→
About Dr. Sidney Kadish
Dr. Sidney Kadish was born in Butler, NJ. His Hebrew education began with home schooling, and later he attended Camp Massad, a Hebrew speaking camp in the Poconos. After grade school, he attended Yeshiva University HS. He obtained a BA from Columbia (1963) and an MD from U of Chicago (1967). After internship, he came to Boston for a residency in Radiology at Mass General Hospital. After Army service, he returned to New England and served as a radiation oncologist, principally in Worcester. He retired in 2013 and has been a member of the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR) where he gave a course on the Dead Sea Scrolls. He has been married to Helen for 43 years and has 2 grown children, Michael and Emily. Sidney has been a member of Temple Emanuel since 1976.

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Learn to Read Torah
2025-11-24 18:15 - 19:30 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
There is a rich history to Torah Cantillation. During these sessions you will learn not only methodology, but the history behind the creation of the cantillation system. At the conclusion. anyone who so wishes will have the opportunity to chant Torah on a Shabbat morning, Shabbat Mincha, or weekday morning service.
A reading knowledge of Hebrew is required.
Session Dates: October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24
Register→
View the teaser below!

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2025-11-25 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
With Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz

The theme of Tuesday Sisterhood Torah study is the power of “And.” How two things that are in direct conflict with one another can both be true. That is true in life. That is true in Torah study. Solomon was the wisest King and the author of Song of Songs, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. And Solomon violated all the Torah’s rules about a Jewish king. The Torah says not too many horses, Solomon had too many horses. Not too much silver and gold, Solomon had too much silver and gold. Not too many foreign wives as they will turn the King’s heart towards the worship of false Gods. Solomon has too many wives and they turned him into an idolater.
We will study the Torah, and we will think about our lives, through the evocative lens of “And”.

Join in on Zoom.

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2025-11-29 08:30 - 09:20, 2025-12-06 08:30 - 09:20 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Start Shabbat each week with a special hour of learning and discussion on a variety of Jewish issues with Wes, Michelle, Elias, Aliza and Dan as our clergy team connects the lessons of our sacred texts with the realities of our lives. The clergy team will close with a song that leads into Shabbat morning services at 9:30.
Join us on livestream in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2025-12-01 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-08 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
How does Hebrew used for liturgical purposes differ from Modern Hebrew?
Pronunciation varies across ethnic traditions, and globalization has influenced the way Hebrew is spoken and understood today. In this course, learners will build a strong foundation for engaging with Jewish texts—including prayers, the Torah, the Bible, and more.
Session Dates

Session 1: Oct 20, 27; Nov 3, 10, 17; Dec 1, 8
Session 2: Dec 22, 29; Jan 5, 12, 26; Feb 2, 9
Session 3: Feb 23; Mar 9, 16, 23, 30; Apr 13, 20
Session 4: May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, 15, 22

Register→

Biblical & Siddur Hebrew V
2025-12-01 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-12-08 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
This group is dedicated to deepening our understanding of Torah, Haftara, and Prayers—texts that form the bedrock of Modern Spoken Hebrew in Israel. These sacred sources have played a vital role in the revival and survival of Hebrew, sustaining its transmission MiDor L’Dor (from generation to generation).
New participants are warmly welcomed! If you’re joining us for the first time, please ensure you have the necessary background knowledge. We’re here to support your journey and help you find your place in the learning community. Contact Sigalit with any questions.
Session Dates

Session 1: Oct 20, 27; Nov 3, 10, 17; Dec 1, 8
Session 2: Dec 22, 29; Jan 5, 12, 26; Feb 2, 9
Session 3: Feb 23; Mar 9, 16, 23, 30; Apr 13, 20
Session 4: May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, 15, 22

Register→

Modern Spoken Hebrew V
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
The Sisterhood team continues to thrive—we are an active, engaged force!
Thank you for your leadership in making Hebrew a meaningful part of our community. We welcome new participants who meet the prerequisites.
Newcomers: To assess your level and join us, please reach out to Sigalit for guidance. We’re excited to help you find your place.
Session Dates
Session 1: Oct 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18; Dec 2, 9
Session 2: Dec 23; Jan 6, 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 24
Session 3: Mar 10, 17, 24; Apr 14, 21, 28; May 5
Session 4: May 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Register→

Modern Hebrew I: Speaking Foundations
2025-12-02 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
Modern Spoken Hebrew: A Journey of Language and Culture
This course invites you to explore Modern Spoken Hebrew through reading, writing, speaking, singing, and listening—with a strong emphasis on comprehension. Whether you’re connecting to your heritage, preparing to travel to Israel, or simply curious about Israeli culture, this program offers a meaningful path forward.
You’ll build bridges across generations, deepen your understanding of Jewish identity, and even give your brain a healthy workout. We start from the basics and progress at the group’s pace, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all learners.
Session Dates
Session 1: Oct 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18; Dec 2, 9
Session 2: Dec 23; Jan 6, 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 24
Session 3: Mar 10, 17, 24; Apr 14, 21, 28; May 5
Session 4: May 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Register→

Adult Child Support Group
2025-12-04 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.

Pathways to Hope: A Conversation with Young Israeli Changemakers
2025-12-08 20:00 - 21:30 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Hartman’s Ronit Heyd, Vice President and Director of the Center for Israeli & Jewish Identity, in conversation with participants from the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hazon program visiting from Israel Israel — Noi Schwartz, Ayala Dahlan and Yonathan Machlis.
Since October 7, it has been hard to imagine a secure and peaceful future for Israel. Conversations across the Jewish world have often been marked by despair: ongoing war, political deadlock, internal divisions, and a growing sense that the vision of a democratic, united Israel feels more distant than ever.
Yet there is another story—one grounded in hope. Hope is more than a feeling; it is the engine of social change and the foundation of a better future. As Israel’s anthem, Hatikvah, reminds us, hope is central to Jewish identity and to those shaping Israel’s tomorrow: young changemakers building community, students defending democratic values, spiritual leaders offering guidance, and bold thinkers imagining new paths for shared society. They remind us that even in difficult times, aspiring and working towards a better vision for tomorrow can bring about real change.
Temple Emanuel and the Shalom Hartman Institute invite you to join us at Pathways to Hope (Netivim Shel Tikva) where you’ll hear from the leaders who are meeting today’s realities with vision and courage. Together, with purpose and optimism, we can help shape a better future for Israel. Register here.
Hazon (Hebrew for vision) is a cutting-edge leadership training initiative for Israeli university students eager to become agents of change. Grounded in a bold vision for a Jewish and democratic Israel, Hazon equips participants with the tools and inspiration to shape the future of Israeli society. Learn more about Hazon here.
Watch a Recording Here→
About the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hazon Program Participants
Noi Schwartz is the Student Communities Manager at Tene Yerushalmi and a psychodrama student at Seminar Hakibbutzim, where she interns with people experiencing homelessness. An actress and writer in independent theater ensembles, she has also taken part in a wide range of leadership and community programs in Israel and abroad. As part of the Hazon fellowship, she founded an interfaith women’s theater group—bringing together Jewish, Muslim, and Christian participants for dialogue, study, and performance.
Ayala Dahan is the Alumni Program Director of Hazon at the Shalom Hartman Institute. She has been active in the political field, serving as former Chair of Yesh Atid at the Hebrew University, Deputy Head of the party’s field operations, and a participant in both national and municipal campaigns. She was also among the founders of the student protest against the judicial overhaul and previously served as CEO of the social justice organization Ma’aglei Tzedek. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Gender Studies at Tel Aviv University.
Yonathan Machlis is the Director of the Center for Social Justice in Haifa. He leads the student chapter of Brothers and Sisters in Arms and serves as a teaching assistant in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa. His work combines civic activism, community leadership, and academic engagement, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing social responsibility and democratic values in Israel.
Upcoming Hartman Learning Programs:
Shabbat, November 15 – Micah Goodman Shabbat Scholar in Residence
Sunday, November 16, 2025 @ 10:00 am– TE-Hartman Trip 2026 Information Session. Register here!
Wednesday February 25, 2026 @ 8:00 pm – Hartman learning in person with Elana Stein Hain – details to be announced.
June 24 – June 30, 2026 – TE-Hartman 2026 Trip to Israel. Let us know here you’d like to learn more!
Look for recordings of all our online sessions and selected lectures of Hartman scholars at Temple Emanuel here.
Watch for updated details on this program and all Hartman learning opportunities in our weekly Friday midday Hartman @ Home email.
