Total Body Workout
2026-03-31 14:10 - 15:10, 2026-04-07 14:10 - 15:10 (America/New_York) | 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.

Siyyum HaB’Chorim/ Morning Minyan
2026-04-01 06:45 - 08:00 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
BREAKING THE FAST OF THE FIRSTBORN at Daily Morning Minyan
In recognition that God spared the first born Israelites, traditionally the first born fast on the day leading up to the Seder.
A festive meal accompanies learning a segment of Talmud, exempting one from fasting. This is known as a “Siyyum.” Everyone is invited to participate in prayer, study and feasting on Wednesday April 1st, Erev Pesach, beginning at 6:45 am.

Ma'ariv/ Erev Pesach
2026-04-01 18:00 - 18:45 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us in person in the Gann Chapel or Livestream!

Pesach Day I Early Morning Service
2026-04-02 07:00 - 09:30 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States

Pesach Day I Services
2026-04-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States

Mincha / Ma’ariv/ Erev Yom Tov Pesach
2026-04-02 18:00 - 18:45 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States

Let My People Sing: A Community Passover Seder
2026-04-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a joyous Community Passover Seder with Rabbi Michelle Robinson and Cantor Elias Rosemberg together with a group of wonderful musicians and singers.
Cost: Adults – $80 (TE members) or $100 (non-TE members)
Children under 13 – $36
Children under 3 – Free
Open Seating. Tables will be reserved for groups of 6 or more. Buffet style dinner by Gourmet Catering by Andrew!
Registration is now closed. Please contact LauraSue with any questions.

Memory Cafe Passover Shabbat Dinner
2026-04-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join the Active Older Adults Memory Cafe community for our first Shabbat dinner during Passover! We invite you to share your gratitude this season. A remembrance from seders growing up.
You must RSVP to Tracys120@yahoo.com. Only a few spots left so RSVP today!

Dinner graciously sponsored by an anonymous donation by the adult children of participants, an anonymous donation from a TE couple who support our programs with gratitude, Matthew Morgenstern, and supported by Gourmet Catering by Andrew.

First Friday @ Shabbat Alive!: Sweet Freedom
2026-04-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for Passover 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→

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2026-04-04 08:30 - 09:20, 2026-04-11 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

Shabbat Morning Service with Guest Speaker Amy Schectman, CEO of 2Life Communities
2026-04-04 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Please join us for a special Shabbat morning service with Amy Schectman, CEO of 2Life Communities. Amy will teach us about optimal aging and the liberation that is possible when we orient ourselves around living in and building community.
About Amy Schectman
Amy has served as the CEO of 2Life Communities for over a decade where she successfully launched an aggressive expansion campaign to fill gaps in the senior housing affordability marketplace, managed the creation of a quasi-endowment to support agency innovation, and has more than doubled the number of communities built and supported by 2Life. She brings over 30 years’ experience in housing and economic development policy, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Learn more→

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2026-04-04 10:45 - 12:00, 2026-04-11 10:45 - 12:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
For Grades K-6. Join Jon Tatelman on Shabbat morning in Room 22 at Temple Emanuel for a fun children’s service!

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca and David
2026-04-04 11:00 - 11:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a fabulous Tot Shabbat service geared towards children from birth to age 5! We will sing our favorite songs, create beautiful crafts, and have challah and grape juice. After the service, we’ll all go up onto the bimah for a special treat!

Temple Emanuel Teen Choir
2026-04-05 09:00 - 09:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all 6th-12th graders who love to sing and make music! Perform at holiday and concert events. All levels welcome.
Meets right before Religious School, but any Temple Emanuel teen can participate. Morning snack provided!
Register→

ONOT Aviv Israeli Dance Troupe
2026-04-05 09:00 - 09:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
ONOT Aviv is Temple Emanuel’s premiere Israeli Dance Troupe for children in grades 2-5!
(ONOT means “seasons” and Aviv means “Spring”)
Students will learn Harkeda (popular, just-for-fun) dances as well as a choreographed routine that will be performed at the Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston and at the Zimkudiyah! They might even pick up some Hebrew along the way!
ONOT Alumna, Ruthie Holzer will be instructing the class with the help of Temple Emanuel dance teacher, Avi Wald.
Tuition is included with Religious School tuition, apart from a $25 t-shirt/costume fee. $180 for students outside of the Religious School. Beginners welcome!
Register→

Yoga Minyan
2026-04-05 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

Baby Brunch
2026-04-05 09:30 - 10:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a brunch in Feldberg, around the corner from the Housman Activity Room, hosted by Yaffa Tilles, Co-Founder of Boston Birth Village! This is a great opportunity to meet other parents with infants, share stories, and enjoy a delicious FREE breakfast together.
Register Today!
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy and Dan Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Holiday Magic: Passover
2026-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
After Passover, we begin a special tradition called Counting the Omer—a way of marking each day as we get ready for the joyful holiday of Shavuot. In this Holiday Magic session, join Aliza and Lena as we explore the wonder of counting, the excitement of getting ready to learn something new, and how the “in‑between” days can be filled with meaning, curiosity, and connection.
Register→
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy and Dan Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Temple Emanuel Children's Choir
2026-04-05 12:00 - 12:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
For any Temple Emanuel children in grades 1-5 who love to sing! Work with Morah Eugenia Gerstein on making beautiful music together.
Meets directly after Religious School (but open to all) from 12:00-12:30. Snack provided!
Register→

ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2026-04-05 12:00 - 12:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
ONOT Kayitz is Temple Emanuel’s premiere Israeli Dance Troupe for teens in grades 6-12!
(ONOT means “seasons” and Kayitz means “Summer”)
Students will learn Harkeda (popular, just-for-fun) dances as well as a choreographed routine that will be performed at the Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston and at the Zimkudiyah! They might even pick up some Hebrew along the way.
ONOT Alumni, Eliana Blankstein and Daniella Bunch will be instructing the class with the help of Temple Emanuel dance teacher, Avi Wald.
$180 includes instruction, costume rental and t-shirt and snacks!
Register→

K-2nd Grade Lunch and Cooking
2026-04-05 12:00 - 13:15 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all Kindergarten – 2nd graders! Come join us on April 5th for a delicious Passover lunch and cooking! Please register so we know how many people to expect. We can’t wait to see you there!
Register→

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-04-07 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.

A Taste of Shabbat Alive
2026-04-10 17:45 - 18:15 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service filled with singing, dancing, and stories, geared specifically for families with young children from birth to age 5. After services, we’ll share a festive Shabbat dinner in Adelson Community Hall – a perfect place to meet other young families!
Registration appreciated.
Register→
Generously supported by the Dr. Trudy Karger Family Education Fund

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca
2026-04-11 11:00 - 11:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States

Pirke Avot Study
2026-04-11 12:45 - 13:45 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Since the third century of the common era Jews have studied the six chapters of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) between Pesach and Shavuot on Shabbat afternoons. We, at Temple Emanuel, learn the wisdom together with lively discussion because, as Ben Zoma taught: “Who is wise? Those who learn from everyone”. (4:1)
Facilitator Schedule:

April 11 – David Rozenson
April 18 – Sharlene Finkel
April 25 – Dan Nesson
May 2 – Howard Zilber
May 9 – Frank Aronson
May 16 – Hy Kempler

We’ll meet in the Slater Conference Room (or on Zoom) after kiddush from 12:45 to 1:45pm each Shabbat.
Zoom Meeting ID: 881 5880 6758
Passcode: [REDACTED]
As Rabbi Tarfon taught “The day is short and the work is great….It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (2:21). A nice version, including translation and commentary, appears in Siddur Lev Shalem p. 235 – 262.

Gesher Havdalah Craft Night
2026-04-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Gesher—the 30s & 40s community at Temple Emanuel—as we braid our own beautiful havdalah candles, or feel free to bring your own craft, and make new friends! Sign up now!
Register→

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.
