Temple Emanuel

Material Witness Holocaust Exhibit
2026-04-12 - 2026-04-15 | Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Through Nancy Marks’ art and poetry, Material Witness confronts the chilling parallels between her mother’s hiding in France in the 1940s and the realities faced by immigrants today. The echoes between the 1940s and our contemporary world are undeniable and demand witness. This mixed-media installation, which premiered in Boston in 2025, features twenty-five drypoint prints and original poems. The images invite viewers to see them through a dual lens: ‘then’ and ‘now.’ What befell Jews, Roma, leftists, and so many others targeted in that era resonates starkly with the experiences of immigrants navigating hostile systems and rhetoric today. Material Witness presents interwoven histories, holding the pain of the past alongside the urgencies of the present.
About Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks is a Boston-based artist and social justice advocate who uses her practice to address critical societal issues. She is the co-founder of The Opioid Project: Changing Perceptions Through Art and Storytelling, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding the opioid crisis. In 2024, her work was recognized with a First-Place award from the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) for Arts Advancing Social Justice.
Marks’s current traveling exhibition, Material Witness, weaves together her mother’s experience as a Holocaust survivor with the contemporary struggles of immigrants. The project is also featured in the anthology America’s Slide Towards Authoritarianism (IHRAM Press).
Beyond her advocacy work, Marks explores the “aesthetic and social paradoxes” of the city through her Urban Abstraction series—an interest in the power of place rooted in her New York upbringing. Her Dialogue/Interpretation series further explores her connection to nature and the abstract emotional world, reflecting an enduring respect for the human spirit’s capacity for profound healing.

Torah Fund Brunch
2026-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Please join us for a celebratory brunch as we near the end of this year’s 2025-2026 Torah Fund campaign, Oseh Shalom. The Torah Fund campaign supports scholarships and programming at Conservative/Masorti Institutes of higher learning worldwide which educate our future clergy, cantors and Jewish educators.
We are thrilled to honor Jordana Alford and Kim Creem as this year’s Women of Distinction for their dedicated service to Temple Emanuel and the community. We also welcome this year’s speaker Dr. Dalia Hochman, Head of School at Gann Academy. The musical program will feature Cantor Elias Rosemberg.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support Jewish education and future leaders.
Everyone is welcome!
Register→
Please RSVP by April 6th. Questions? Please contact Sheryl Kalis or Joanne Cudkowicz.
Donations of $180 or more will receive this year’s Torah Fund Pin.

RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Women's Self Defense Class
2026-04-12 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-19 13:00 - 17:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Temple Emanuel, in conjunction with the Newton Police Department, is offering a complimentary three part program that no woman should miss!
You will learn both physically how to protect yourself and the importance of awareness in the world. You will walk away feeling empowered and equipped in many situations including those that were never even on your radar!
This is a three part program. Classes will take place on Sundays from 1-5 pm at Temple Emanuel.
March 29th – Benjamin Vestry
April 12th – Room 24/25
April 19th – Reisman Hall
Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the class is now full. If you would like to add your name to the list for future classes, please contact Joanne Kazarian.

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Chanting the Festival Megilot
2026-04-13 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-04-20 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-04-27 18:15 - 19:30 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Learn how to chant the special festival megillot in this edition of You, Too, Can Cantillate! The character of each of the Haggim (Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot) is reflected in an additional liturgical reading that is chanted during these holidays. Learn how to chant Shir HaShirim, Kohelet, and Ruth with Ritual Director/Hazzan Sheini Dan Nesson.
A reading knowledge of Hebrew and some knowledge of trope is recommended.
Class Dates: April 13, 20, 27
Register→

Yom HaShoah Annual Commemoration
2026-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us as we come together to remember the Holocaust as we ponder its meaning for us today. Together with our clergy and families of survivors, we will observe this solemn evening through reflection, prayer, and music performed by our choir and members of our congregation.
Our guest speaker will be Rachel Tesler, daughter of our member Michael and director of the film, The Last Holocaust Survivors: Never Again is Now, of which a portion will be shown during the service.
Congregants are invited to the Gann Chapel at 8:00pm for an extended viewing of the film and a Q&A session with Rachel.
About The Speaker
Rachel Tesler is an award-winning writer and producer with 10+ years working in film and television. She has developed her craft as a multimedia storyteller producing the top news stories of the day and longform documentary series on topics ranging from crime to human interest. As an undergraduate at Boston University, her screenplay Little Lost Puppy won the First Place Award in the Fleder-Rosenberg Screenwriting contest, as part of the Redstone Film Festival. At Boston University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Science in Film and Television. Rachel has lived and worked in politics and media all over the world including Boston, Washington, D.C., Jerusalem, London, and New York City. In 2017, she graduated from Columbia University with her Master of Arts in English Education. She published her first book UNBLOSSOMING, a series of poetry in 2023. She started Tattletales Productions in 2024, a boutique production house focused on documentary film and development. She lives in New York City.

Israel Friends - Boston
2026-04-21 20:00 - 21:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Israel Friends’ Development Director, Alex Levite, and IDF Reservist Eli Wininger, known to many as “Batman for the Bibas Boys”, for a timely and powerful conversation with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz on Israel’s evolving domestic security landscape and the profound mental health toll of the ongoing conflict.
As Israel continues to navigate the aftermath of October 7 and sustained regional threats, communities across the country face unprecedented challenges, both on the front lines and at home. This intimate discussion will offer firsthand insight into the realities reservists and civilians are confronting, the psychological impact of prolonged instability, and how Israel Friends is strengthening resilience through critical mental health and security initiatives.
Come hear the stories, understand the needs, and discover how you can stand with Israel in this pivotal moment.
Register→

DIY Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
2026-04-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Please join us on Thursday, April 23rd for a DIY Texas Hold ‘Em tournament.

We will begin promptly at 7:30 pm and finish by 9:30 pm.
We will send detailed instructions and rules in advance.
We are running this ourselves for lower costs and better prizes

Cost: $18 – includes dessert and drinks
All are welcome!
Register Here→
We are looking for 2 or 3 experienced poker players to be table captains to help maintain the flow of the game. Please email Adam Steinberg if interested in being a table captain.

Honor our Members Through the Decades Shabbat Morning Service: Celebrating 90 Years!
2026-04-25 09:30 - 12:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
We began the celebration of our members Through the Decades at Temple Emanuel in 2023 by honoring our members who joined our community from the 1940s through the 2020s. In 2024, we went on to celebrate Travelers with our community, B’nei Mitzvah from the 1950s to 1990s and Adult B’nei Mitzvah from the 1970s through the 2000s. In 2025, we honored all of our B’nei Mitzvah who had their Bar or Bat Mitzvah during Covid – from March 14, 2020 through May 29, 2021 – and celebrated the 59 B’nei Mitzvah and their families with our entire community. We also welcomed our shul year’s 100 New Members. And, the celebration continues this year!
Join us on April 25, 2026 as we continue to honor our members Through the Decades as part of our Celebration of Temple Emanuel’s 90th! We will celebrate all of our members who joined our community in 1990, honor all of our members who are in their 90s, and welcome all of our New Members who joined our community this shul year as we celebrate Temple Emanuel’s 90th!
If that includes you, look for your invitation to celebrate with us at Through the Decades Shabbat on April 25 and plan to be with us so we can honor you!
If it does not include you, join us on this special Shabbat to celebrate our community.
Festive kiddush to follow!
Contact us with any questions at ThroughTheDecades@templeemanuel.com
Temple Emanuel is all about community and our community is all about you.
Marcie Abramson and Amy B. Klein, Membership Committee Co-Chairs
Sandy Cohn Thau, Vice President of Membership
View our 90th Celebration events HERE!

Chamber Music Concerts
2026-04-26 15:00 - 16:30 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Featuring Opera selections by finalists in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition for the New England Region!
Join us in-person or on livestream!
The Chamber Series is sponsored by Saul B. and Naomi R. Cohen Foundation
THE SAUL B. AND NAOMI R. COHEN FOUNDATION
Founded in 1997, the Foundation supports and promotes the fine and performing arts. It awards grants to promising young artists and especially gifted performing musicians to enable them to further their artistic pursuits. The Foundation also assists in the development of the musical careers of classical artists with assistance in arranging performance engagements, counseling in career strategy, guidance in the selection of live and recorded performances and help in day-to-day living matters.
To receive email communications about the Chamber Concert series, please contact sbc87home@gmail.com.

Brotherhood Wellness Series: Holistic Health, Nutritional Supplements & Functional Medicine
2026-04-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
This workshop will focus on holistic approaches to medical care and overall wellbeing including: Mindbody techniques, nutritional supplements, and the evolving role of alternative health practitioners in care. This session will review the rationale and science behind these approaches and how they can support overall personal wellness.
Schedule:
6:00 pm – Light Dinner
6:30 pm – Lecture and Q&A
About the Speaker
Stewart Levy is Vice President of Population Health for Wellworks and serves as a board member of the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts. He is also a wellness consultant for Merrimack College and has published studies with the American Heart Association.
Register→

First Friday @ Shabbat Alive! S'mores N Stuff
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for s’mores and other desserts at oneg after Shabbat Alive. All are invited!
What is First Friday? Start with an inspiring musical Shabbat Alive! Service in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, then stay for a beautiful post-service Oneg filled with delicious food and fellowship.
Who is First Friday for? First Fridays are for everyone, age 0 on up!
Why come to First Friday? To lift your spirit. To be inspired by ancient words animated with new melodies. To connect with a community of friends – old and new. To stand generation to generation, together.
View the First Friday 2025-26 Calendar HERE→

Temple Emanuel 90th Celebration
2026-05-03 18:00 - 21:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a festive evening as we honor Temple Emanuel’s 90th anniversary and celebrate the future we are building together. The evening itself is going to be a wonderful celebration that you won’t want to miss! A festive dinner, dessert, music, dancing, and a compelling program that reflects the love of our congregation.
We are especially excited to welcome comedian Noah Gardenswartz, whose warmth and distinctly Jewish humor will bring even more laughter to the celebration. Click HERE for a sneak peek of Noah’s innate ability to bring joy to those around him!
6:00 PM | Dinner (Open seating)
7:30 PM | Program
8:30 PM | Hora & Dancing
Meat dinner provided by Gourmet Catering by Andrew.
Cost: $118 per person
Tickets included for all sponsors! For more information on event sponsorship, please click HERE.
Become a Sponsor→
Register→
About Noah Gardenswartz
Noah Gardenswartz is an award-winning writer and nationally touring comedian. Gardenswartz was a writer on Amazon’s Emmy and Golden Globe winning “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as well as TruTv’s popular panel show, “Comedy Knockout”. He has performed stand-up on Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and has his own Comedy Central special. Additionally, he was a semi-finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” and has released four chart-topping comedy albums. Noah currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife and two children
View our 90th Celebration events HERE!

Adeena Sussman in Conversation with Ruhama Shitrit and Cooking Demonstration
2026-05-11 18:30 - 22:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Mark your calendars for the evening of Monday, May 11, when we welcome back Adeena Sussman, who will be in conversation with Ruhama Shitrit!
Adeena will do a cooking demonstration and introduce her new cookbook, Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes.
A dessert reception will follow, with Adeena available to personalize cookbooks sold for the event.
Doors open at 6:30pm; program begins at 7:00pm.
Due to and overwhelming response the event is now closed.
Purchase additional cookbooks HERE.

Seudah Shlishit
2026-05-16 16:00 - 17:15 | Brezniak Terrace, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Sponsored by Brotherhood
Seudah Shlishit, the third meal of Shabbat, is a light meal featuring:
• Study with Rabbi Elie Lehmann, Director of Boston Hadar
• Singing Shabbat songs
• Socializing
All are welcome!
Register→
About the Discussion Leader
Rabbi Elie Lehmann is Director of Hadar Boston. Elie loves learning Torah with people of all backgrounds. He served as Campus Rabbi at Boston University Hillel and was the Inaugural Director of Kulanu’s Global Teaching Fellows, with whom he taught and built curricula for Jewish communities in Kenya, Ghana, India and beyond.

Game Night: Mah Jongg, Canasta, and Rummikub
2026-05-19 18:45 - 21:30 | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come and enjoy an evening of playing mah jongg, canasta and/or rummikub. Meet up with old friends and make new friends. All playing levels are welcome.
Open to the community. Please spread the word!
Participants must be able to play independently.
If playing rummikub, please bring your own set. Mah jongg sets and canasta cards and trays will be provided.
$5 cover charge. Light refreshments will be served.
Register→
Questions? Contact Jane Lenson
Co-sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel and Hadassah Boston

Jewish Heritage Night at the Red Sox!
2026-05-27 17:45 - 21:00 | Fenway Park, 4 Jersey Street, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
Temple Emanuel and the Temple Emanuel Brotherhood will be joining the greater Boston Jewish community for Jewish Heritage Night at Fenway Park!
Join Temple Emanuel’s dance troupes, Onot Aviv, Onot Kayitz, and KesheRoked, as they perform on Jersey Street at 5:45, prior to the Red Sox vs Braves game for Jewish Heritage Night.
Then, Cantor Elias Rosemberg and his son David will perform the national anthem at 6:45, when the game starts!
Temple Emanuel is thrilled to offer discounted tickets to our members at a price of $38 each, which includes your ticket(s) PLUS a Red Sox Jewish Heritage City Connect jersey with “Red Sox” written in Hebrew for each ticket holder! We have a block of seats reserved at the park for everyone to sit together. All dancers and audience members need a ticket to enter the park. You are welcome to stay for as much or as little of the game as you want.
Registration Deadline: March 31st
Register→
Please contact Risa with any questions.

Chamber Music Concerts
2026-05-31 15:00 - 16:30 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
The fourth concert in our free 2026 Chamber Music Concert series will feature a string trio with Thomas Cooper (violin), Abigail Elder (viola), and Jiyoung Lee (cello).
Join us in-person or on livestream!
The Chamber Series is sponsored by Saul B. and Naomi R. Cohen Foundation
THE SAUL B. AND NAOMI R. COHEN FOUNDATION
Founded in 1997, the Foundation supports and promotes the fine and performing arts. It awards grants to promising young artists and especially gifted performing musicians to enable them to further their artistic pursuits. The Foundation also assists in the development of the musical careers of classical artists with assistance in arranging performance engagements, counseling in career strategy, guidance in the selection of live and recorded performances and help in day-to-day living matters.
To receive email communications about the Chamber Concert series, please contact HERE→

Hazzan Sheni Dan Nesson's 36th Anniversary Shabbat Celebration
2026-06-13 09:30 - 13:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us Saturday, June 13th as we look forward to celebrating Dan Nesson’s 36 years of dedicated service to Temple Emanuel. As our Hazzan Sheni and Ritual Director, Dan has shaped our ritual life in profound ways — teaching and tutoring generations of students, chanting and reading Torah, guiding services, and supporting our community with warmth and care at every turn.
Please join us for a festive kiddush as we honor Dan and express our deep gratitude for all he brings to Temple Emanuel.
View our 90th Celebration events HERE!
