Temple Emanuel

Seated Zumba Gold
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2026-04-23 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-30 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→

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.

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2026-04-25 08:30 - 09:20, 2026-05-02 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

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 or were born 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!

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2026-04-25 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
2026-04-25 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
2026-04-25 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.

"Lift-Off": A Hagbah Clinic
2026-04-26 09:30 - 10:30 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
“Lift-Off!” Hagbah Clinic led by Howie Breslau
Hagbah is an honor and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a Jewish weightlifter to do it. Come on! It’s time to:

• Remove the fear and mystery around hagbah
• Learn proper hagbah technique
• Practice safe lifting and positioning
• Understand gelilah (dressing the scroll)
• Gain confidence to participate in services
This hands-on practice session is open to everyone!
Please reserve your space for this “uplifting exerience,” or get more information by emailing Howie.

Yisod Nature Cleanup
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Greenwood Park, 176 Pond Street, Stoneham, 02180, United States
Join Yisod and Repair Boston this Earth Day for a hands-on environmental service experience. Together, we’ll remove garlic mustard—an invasive plant species that threatens local ecosystems by crowding out native plants.
No experience needed: volunteers will use trowels and hand-pulling techniques to restore the health of our shared green spaces. Sign up now for this meaningful Jewish service experience!
Register 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→

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Chanting the Festival Megilot
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→

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-04-28 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.

L’Chaim
2026-04-28 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 in Reisman Hall! Stay for exercise following our L’CHAIM programs at 2:10pm
You must RSVP for each program to Tracy Schneider at tracys120@yahoo.com

Apr 28 – Concert with Ruth Rappaport and Jonah Sidman
12:15pm luncheon generously sponsored by The Residence, at Boylston Place, Chestnut Hill, an LCB senior living community and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1pm program
Guitarist and pianist Ruth Rappaport and fiddler Jonah Sidman will perform an exciting show influenced by klezmer, Yiddish, Irish fiddle, and American musical traditions.
May 19 – A Tribute to Soprano Beverly Sills
12:15pm lunch generously sponsored by a donation from a Temple Emanuel couple and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew.
Program at 1pm
For more than three decades, coloratura-soprano Beverly Sills captured America’s heart with her silvery voice, glorious artistry, irrepressible personality and self-deprecating humor. She demystified opera – and fine arts in general. Her life embodied an archetypal American story of humble origins, years of struggle, family tragedy and artistic triumph!
Speaker Erika Reitshamer returns to Temple Emanuel. She brings opera to life with the insight, enthusiasm, and storytelling flair of someone who has devoted her entire life to the art form. Born and educated in Germany, she has become one of the Boston area’s most engaging voices on opera, captivating audiences for decades with her deep knowledge of the repertoire and the legendary singers who shaped it.
A driving force behind the founding of the Boston Lyric Opera more than 45 years ago, Ms. Reitshamer has led opera tours across Europe, served for many years as Vice President of the Boston Wagner Society, and built a reputation as an inspiring educator. Her most recent program for Temple Emanuel was “The Great Tenors Sing Out” on October 15, 2025.
May 26 – Cantor Elias Rosemberg and Pianist Jeremiah Klarman in concert
12:15pm lunch generously sponsored by a donation from The Residence at Boylston Place, an LCB senior living community in Chestnut Hill, and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew. Program at 1pm. Stay for exercise following our L’CHAIM programs at 2:10pm.
Cantor Elias Rosemberg will perform along with Pianist Jeremiah Klarman in a wonderful concert of Cantorial, Yiddish, Israeli and Ladino music as well as Broadway Favorites, and Opera! Not to be missed!
Friday, June 5 – Join L’CHAIM for a Shabbat dinner together as a community of Active Older Adults!
4:30pm concert followed by dinner at 5:15pm in Reisman Hall
Special performance by Kol Emanuel led by Eugenia Gerstein with special guest performance by Cantor Elias Rosemberg.
You MUST RSVP to Tracys120@yahoo.com. 70 spots available.
Dinner sponsored by Wingate Senior Living and West River Care and suppoted by Gourmet Catering By Andrew.

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: FINANCE. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.

Modern Spoken Hebrew V
2026-04-28 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→

Total Body Workout
2026-04-28 14:10 - 15:10 | 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.

Modern Hebrew I: Speaking Foundations
2026-04-28 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→

Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2026-04-28 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
Register→

Drop-In Play
2026-04-29 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

D'var in the Bar with Will Schwartz
2026-04-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler Street, Somerville, MA, 02143, United States
Join Yisod and Repair the World City of Boston Director, Will Schwartz, for an exciting evening of great conversation, learning, and delicious food and drinks! Free to attend but seats are limited, so you must sign up to reserve your seat.
Repair the World connects young adults to service and learning through a Jewish lens. They partner with local nonprofits and Jewish organizations to create meaningful Jewish learning experiences, to address pressing local needs, and to build community.
This event is for adults in their 20s & 30s.
Register Here→

Torah for our Times
2026-04-30 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→

Adult Day Drop Off
2026-04-30 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.

Parents' Night Out - Wine Tasting for 2nd-8th Grade Parents
2026-04-30 17:45 - 19:15 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all young families!
In partnership with Temple Emanuel Sisterhood, we’re hosting a fun and relaxed wine tasting event for parents with kids in 2nd-8th grade. Come meet other parents and enjoy sampling a variety of Israeli wines, with delicious hors d’oeuvres provided.
We’ve got the kids covered too! There will be supervised programming for children, so no need to arrange a babysitter. Siblings younger than 2nd grade are absolutely welcome—pizza dinner will be provided for all kids at no cost!
We hope you’ll join us for a great evening!
Cost: $10 per adult
Register→
Questions? Reach out to Risa Wagner.

Teen Shabbat Dinner(Grades 9-12)
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Grades 9-12
Join your friends and celebrate Shabbat with us for our monthly Shabbat dinner. We will join together for Shabbat Alive! services and then eat dinner in two locations. Shabbat Shalom!
Cost: $18 per person
Register Here→

Teen Shabbat Dinner(Grades 6-8)
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Grades 6-8
Join your friends and celebrate Shabbat with us for our monthly Shabbat dinner. We will join together for Shabbat Alive! services and then eat dinner in two locations. Shabbat Shalom!
Cost: $18 per person
Register Here→

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
In the period of counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuot, Lag B’Omer stands out as a joyful celebration complete with bonfires and festive fun. Join us for s’mores and other desserts 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→
