Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2025-10-28 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-04 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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
Register→

Drop-In Play
2025-10-29 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-11-05 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 Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Yisod Israeli Cooking Series
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Yisod’s Israeli Cooking Series returns by popular demand! Led by culinary expert, Chef Andy from The Chubby Chickpea, join Yisod for the first of three sessions as we craft shakshuka and then enjoy it together. You are sure to leave with top-notch cooking skills mastered, your taste buds satisfied, and a recipe card to share the meal with friends and family.
Session Schedule:

October 29th @ 6:00 pm – Shakshuka
November 12th @ 6:00 pm – Chicken Shawarma, hummus, and Israeli salad
December 3rd @ 6:00 pm – Schnitzel and couscous

Registration for the October 29th session is now closed.
Sponsored by CJP

History of the Jews in the Americas
2025-10-29 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-05 19:30 - 21:00 | 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
2025-10-30 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→

Seated Zumba Gold
2025-10-30 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.

Adult Day Drop Off
2025-10-30 12:30 - 15:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Temple Emanuel Senior Fund presents Adult Day Drop Off for spouses who have early to mid stage memory loss. Join us at Reisman Hall for 2 1/2 hours to have a light dairy lunch snack and engage in meaningful activities with staff from Adelaide of Newton Centre, A Benchmark Mind & Memory Experience. Sample activities: Music & Memories, Strength & Balance Exercise Class, Hydration & Relaxation, Historical Discussion, and more.
No charge – Registration limited to 10 adults per session
Spouses/partners – please arrange to be in Reisman Hall by 2:50pm to pick up your loved one.
To register, please contact Tracy Schneider with the following info:

Are you a TE member?
Name and age of attendee
Early or Mid Stage dementia
Physician contact info/any pertinent medical issues (Swallowing food status/Toileting status )
Care giving spouse contact info

This program is generously sponsored by Adelaide and co-sponsored by the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund. Thank you to Adelaide for sponsoring the light lunch/snacks.

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2025-10-30 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→

Bereavement Group
2025-10-30 20:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
This bereavement group is open to adult children who have lost an elder parent or elder spouses who have lost a spouse, partner or friend within the last year.
Disclaimer: We ask that all dialogue and information shared during the group discussion remain confidential to the participants.
There is no cost to attend- but registration is required. This series is open to Temple Emanuel members as well as the greater community.
Session Dates: October 23rd & 30th, November 6th & 13th on Zoom
Call Tracy Schneider at 617-959-4928 or email Tracys120@yahoo.com for the zoom link and registration.
Nikki Stournaras, MTS, Four units clinical pastoral education, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester. Reiki Master. Nikki has been with West River Care for nine years as a Spiritual Care Coordinator/Bereavement facilitator. She has nine bereavement groups. She lives in Framingham with her husband Nicholas. She has three children and seven grandchildren. She is involved with community outreach and loves meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Bereavement Group is sponsored by West River Care.
West River Care is part of the Wingate Collective and provides home health, hospice, and private duty services wherever you call home. We believe every day should be lived to its fullest. Let us help you achieve just that.

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2025-11-01 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
2025-11-01 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
2025-11-01 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!

ONOT Aviv Israeli Dance Troupe
2025-11-02 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→

Sisterhood Fall Fundraiser featuring Comedian Ophira Eisenberg
2025-11-02 09:00 - 12:30 | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a fun-filled morning with Ophira Eisenberg, a standup comedian, writer, and host of the award-winning comedy podcast Parenting Is A Joke.
Ophira has also hosted NPR’s Ask Me Another where she interviewed and played games with hundreds of celebrities including Rosie Perez, Yo-Yo Ma, Roxanne Gay, Nick Kroll, and Chelsea Handler. She appears frequently as a storyteller with The Moth and her stories have been featured in The Moth Radio Hour and the Moth’s best-selling collections.
Enjoy a delicious, seated buffet brunch, great company, and laughter. Shop a small group of boutiques, including both favorites and new vendors, and take a chance on a fabulous raffle!
RSVP by October 23rd!
Boutiques, Hor d’Oeuvres, and Raffle Sales at 9:00 AM
Brunch Buffet and Ophira at 10:30 AM
Please note NO recording is allowed at the event.
Register→
Donate & Buy Raffle Tickets→
Become a Sponsor→
Help support the causes and nonprofits that Sisterhood champions!
Proceeds support Sisterhood and Temple Emanuel programs, as well as community initiatives including Newton Food Pantry, Project Manna, and Leket Israel
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Platinum Level Sponsors
Levine Chapels
The Village Bank
Diamond Level Sponsors
Catering by Andrew
Gold Level Sponsors
Pestex Inc.
Central Steel Supply
Silver Level Sponsors
Fox’s of Newton
Marquis Jewelers
Waterstone at Wellesley
West Newton Hearing Center
Bronze Level Sponsors
Fenway Group
Zayde’s Market

Baby Brunch
2025-11-02 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 Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Holiday Magic
2025-11-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Lena and special guest David Rosemberg for a program designed to provide parents and children ages 0-5 with age-appropriate activities, songs, stories, and teachings that will infuse each upcoming holiday with meaning.
Register→
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2025-11-02 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 Tie Dye!
2025-11-02 12:00 - 13:15 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all Kindergarten-2nd graders! Come join us on November 2nd for a delicious lunch and tie dying!
Please register so we know how many people to expect.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2025-11-03 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
2025-11-03 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: Learn to Read Torah
2025-11-03 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!

L’Chaim
2025-11-03 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-04 12:15 - 14:00 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays to connect with friends and be inspired!
Contact Tracy Schneider at tracys120@yahoo.com to RSVP and for more information.
Dec 23 in Reisman Hall – Annual L’Chaim Holiday Hannukah Party! Featuring Steve Siagel, Followed by lighting of the menorah
Come schmooze & wish your friends a Chag Sameach!
About Steve Siagel: Steve’s love for Jewish music comes from his late father Lou Siagel, who was a violinist, and the music director here at Temple Emanuel for 27 years. Lou led a professional choir of vocalists for Friday night services, and the High Holidays. Steve continues L’dor V’dor following in his father’s footsteps by sharing his love of music with others.
Steve Siagel is the owner of Siagel Productions, an entertainment and event planning company which he founded in 1976. He is regarded as a pioneer in the Disc Jockey industry in Boston. Steve is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Fine Arts where he earned a bachelor’s degree in piano and musical composition. As an accomplished pianist Steve began his entertainment business by performing Jewish music at bar mitzvah events and offering disc jockey services for kids’ parties.
12:15pm Latkes and catered lunch1:00pm Program
Kosher catered lunch by Gourmet Catering By AndrewLunch is fully sponsored from generous donations by 1 Wingate Way East and West River Care in appreciation for the senior programming.
Jan 6, 13, 27 on Zoom – Talking About Senior Sex with Joan Price
Well known Senior-Sex Coach and Activist, Author of trailblazing Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex
Tuesdays at 8pm on zoom, January 2026
This is a lecture-style event and participants should not be sharing their personal/sexual information.
You may submit questions beforehand to Tracy as well as enter questions on the chat.
Please RSVP to Tracys120@yahoo.com for program zoom link.
Jan 13 in Reisman Hall – Book Talk with guest Jill Ebstein, TE member & author
Jill Ebstein, TE Member, Marketing Consultant and Newton Author of two new books as well as the “AT MY PACE” collection of books, wherein ordinary women share important stories.
Book 1: Alfred’s Journey to Be Liked
Book 2: Hannah’s Journal to Be Happy
We will delve into the teenage characters portrayed in the books listed above and relate those characters to our real lives and how we face the world. Like the protagonist Hannah in Hannah’s Journey, we can ask ourselves if we can…
• Scrap a to-do list and relax.
• Record moments of anger and ask whether we voiced our feelings and felt heard.
How can we decode social cues…body language…eye contact…
Can you face your fears?
Do you feel the burden of perfection?
Do you wish you had do overs in your life ?
Join us for lunch and discussion. RSVP is required to Tracy at Tracys120@yahoo.com
Feb 3, 10, 17 on Zoom – Jewish Women Portrayed in Film with Debra Block
6:30pm-7:30pm
We recommend watching the following films in advance of each presentation
SESSION 1: Hester Street (watch here) – Gitl (Carol Kane), a young Jewish orthodox woman, comes to America in the 1890’s only to discover that her husband Jake (Steven Keats) has given up the ways of the old country, and taken up with a new girlfriend, and a new life! Gitl faces the New World with strength and grace!
SESSION 2: Crossing Delancey (watch here)– Izzy Grossman faces two romantic choices reflecting two conflicting aspects of her life…uptown world where she works and the traditional world of her grandmother where Izzy lives on the Lower East Side. In Marjorie Morningstar & Goodbye Columbus, both women are using their romantic involvement with men to challenge the middle-class values of their parental homes.
SESSION 3: Today, the portrayal of Jewish women in film and television is undergoing a shift, moving away from one-dimensional caricatures toward more nuanced, self-defined, and diverse characters. While traditional, negative stereotypes persist, the rise of Jewish women in creative roles behind the camera is driving a “renaissance” in representation. We will give examples of these portrayals in films such as Unorthodox (watch here) and in several television programs.
About the facilitator, Debra Block, Artistic Director and Creator, DGB Productions
Debra Block is the Artistic Director and Creator of DGB Productions. She presents educational programs on film, theatre and culture to age 55+ senior communities. Debra possesses a strong Jewish identity, having lived and taught in Israel for two years, and has directed numerous musical theater productions focusing on Jewish themes. She has taught English and theater at Shaloh House, a Jewish Day School and has been contracted by various synagogues and Jewish community centers to develop meaningful theatrical experiences. She graduated BA cum laude in psychology with a performing arts minor. After graduating college, she continued her studies at the Master’s level in the performing arts and in Judaism.
Please email Tracys120@yahoo.com to register. Zoom info will be provided upon registration.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES are $18 per person. Please consider making a small donation of appreciation to the L’CHAIM Group. Please mail checks of any donation to Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459, ATTN: Eileen Rose/Controller. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.

Brotherhood Meeting Night
2025-11-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for Brotherhood Meeting Night in the Youth Lounge.
8:00 pm – Business Meeting
Join us to learn about upcoming Brotherhood events and initiatives. This is an opportunity to also provide feedback on future programming.
9:00 pm – Meeting After the Meeting
Time to play ping pong, foosball, shoot baskets, socialize or just watch the game on TV.
Feel free to join us for either meeting or both!
Snacks and drinks served all evening.
Register→

Modern Spoken Hebrew V
2025-11-04 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
2025-11-04 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→

Caregiver Support Group
2025-11-05 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.
