Modern Hebrew I: Speaking Foundations
2026-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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→

Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2026-05-05 20:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
Continuing the Journey: The Torch Holder Cohort
We move forward with joy and pride as part of the Torch Holder Cohort—dedicated learners committed to deepening their Hebrew through speaking, writing, reading, singing, and observing.
Language acquisition is a meaningful struggle, and reaching the intermediate level is no small feat. This group embraces the challenge with heart and determination.
Thank you to our inspiring leader for guiding us in this journey of Hebrew learning. Newcomers: If you’re ready to join, please reach out to Sigalit to assess your level. We’d love to welcome you into the cohort.
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
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Brotherhood Farewell Lag B’Omer Whiskey Tasting
2026-05-05 20:00 - 21:30 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
On Tuesday, May 5th, as we bid farewell to Lag B’Omer, join us for an evening of discovery at a special whiskey tasting event.
Join Pablo Goldbarg, founder of Catador Itinerante, for six rare world whiskies from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, each with its own story. We’ll explore how casks chosen for character and potential become bottled reality in Massachusetts. Pablo brings the anecdotes that come with the hunt, the travel, and the unexpected moments.
A selection of snacks will accompany this experience. This event is for Brotherhood members only.
Cost: $18
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Drop-In Play
2026-05-06 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-05-13 15:30 - 17:30 | Housman Activity Center, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for Drop-In Play to help your little one burn off excess energy in our Housman Activity Center!
Register Today!
This program is generously sponsored by the Cindy and Dan Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Torah for our Times
2026-05-07 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-05-14 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
2026-05-07 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-14 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→

A Taste of Shabbat Alive
2026-05-08 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

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2026-05-09 08:30 - 09:20, 2026-05-16 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

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2026-05-09 10:45 - 12:00, 2026-05-16 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!

Rocking Tot Shabbat with Wayne Potash
2026-05-09 11:00 - 11:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a special Rock n’ Roll Tot Shabbat with rockstar Wayne Potash! In this fabulous service, we have prayerful songs and games perfect for children from birth to age 5 and their parents. Join us for the service and then stay for a delicious lunch with friends!

Pirke Avot Study
2026-05-09 12:45 - 13:45, 2026-05-16 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.

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2026-05-11 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
2026-05-11 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→

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Aicha Edition
2026-05-11 18:15 - 19:15 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Learn how to chant Aicha in this edition of You, Too, Can Cantillate! Arguably the most haunting of our sacred ancient chant traditions, the melody for the chanting of Lamentations (Aicha) on Tisha B’Av will remain with you.
A reading knowledge of Hebrew and some knowledge of trope is recommended.
Class Dates: May 4, 11, 18
Register→

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. However, you may purchase a signed and personalized copy of the cookbook HERE.

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-05-12 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.

TE Brotherhood - Hearing Men's Voices
2026-05-12 20:00 - 21:15 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Introduce Your Dad
Come join a small group of men who will meet in the Solomon Youth Lounge to explore who we imagine our fathers to be, our feelings about them, and any unfinished business we have been dealing with for years. We will introduce our fathers to the group, as if our dads were actually there. We may realize how we may be just like them.
This session will be moderated by Marty Paley.
To register, please email Marty Paley.
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.

K-5 Shabbat Alive Dinner
2026-05-15 17:45 - 18:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for our monthly K-5 Shabbat Alive dinner! We’ll start with a Shabbat dinner in Adelson Community Hall at 5:45PM and meet other families! After dinner, we will head over to Kabbalat Shabbat services in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary. We are so excited to have you join us!
Registration required for each dinner.
Register→

Yisod BBQ Shabbat Dinner
2026-05-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Reisman Patio, 385 Ward St, Newton Centre, MA, 02459-1263, United States
Bask in the beautiful weather with Yisod! We’ll enjoy beautiful Shabbat Alive music, savor sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers (veggie burgers available), and play lively lawn games on the patio.
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Tot Shabbat with Rebecca and David
2026-05-16 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!

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.

Temple Emanuel Teen Choir
2026-05-17 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
2026-05-17 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→

Music and Movement with Little Beats
2026-05-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for an epic dance class perfect for little ones ages 0-5! It’s a good work out for parents too and a sweet opportunity to get out and play with your child(ren) and friends!
Register Today!
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy and Dan Levinson Fund for Parenting Education
