ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2025-12-21 12:00 - 12:45 (America/New_York) | 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→

3rd-5th Grade Lunch and Mitzvah Project
2025-12-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all 3rd-5th graders! Come join us on December 21st for a delicious lunch and mitzvah project! Please register so we know how many people to expect.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Register→

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2025-12-22 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-29 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-05 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
2025-12-22 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-12-29 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-01-05 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→

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2025-12-23 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-30 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-01-06 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.

Modern Spoken Hebrew V
2025-12-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-06 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
2025-12-23 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-01-06 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
2025-12-23 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-06 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
2025-12-24 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

Evening Minyan
2025-12-24 19:00 - 19:30 | Live Stream Gann Chapel

Hanukkah Happens XXXV - KLEZAMIR
2025-12-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
The Zamir Chorale of Boston, led by Artistic Director Joshua Jacobson, joins Cantor Elias Rosemberg, Cantor Becky Khitrik, and her band Klezwoods to present a program of exhilarating music bringing together choral and klezmer traditions.
Adult Tickets $30
Student/Senior Tickets $25
Register→

Seated Zumba Gold
2025-12-25 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.

Friday Night Service
2025-12-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
On Friday evening, December 26th, we are excited to offer a traditional Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:30pm in the Gann Chapel in lieu of Shabbat Alive. Come join us in spirited davening, followed by an oneg Shabbat!
At 4:00pm, the Minyan Ma’or-led service will also meet in the Gann Chapel in lively prayer.

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2025-12-27 10:45 - 12:00, 2026-01-03 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 AJ
2025-12-27 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!

Close Reading: Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade - A Jewish Novel Taught by Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
2025-12-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
The sharp Yiddish novelist, Chaim Grade, described the falling apart of the orthodox world in Eastern Europe in the 1930s. Sons and daughters of rabbis get out of the shtetl, but the fathers claw them back through guilt. Grade’s characters are incredibly alive; they are goofy, mad, heroic and wise. The novel is long, learned and confusing, so we will read it together at the clip of 50 pages each week, accompanied by one of discussion each week to help understand the religious world of the Lithuanian rabbis.
Class dates: Nov 6, 13, 20, Dec 4, 11, 17, 30, Jan 8, 15, 26, 29, Feb 5
All classes will meet on Zoom.
Cost: (Scholarships available)

$180 for Temple Emanuel Members
$250 for Non-Members
This class is now at capacity.
About Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
Dr. Susanne Klingenstein is an Associate at the Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University. She served as professor of Writing and Humanistic Studies at MIT, as Lecturer in the Humanities at Harvard Medical School, and as Director of the Communication Curriculum in the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. She the author of six books, her new book on Chaim Grade will be published in the spring of 2026. She has offered courses at TE since 2006 and is a popular, sought-after teacher.

First Friday @ Shabbat Alive! Welcome 2026
2026-01-02 18:30 - 20:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Ring in 2026 with us at our first Shabbat Alive! Service of the year, followed by a special First Friday oneg!
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→

Shabbat Morning Service: From Vision to Reality - the New Holocaust Museum in Boston
2026-01-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Why does Boston need a new Holocaust museum now? Jody Kipnis, Co-Founder and President & CEO of the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, will share the ways the museum (opening in late 2026 across from Boston’s historic Freedom Trail) urgently confronts the rise in antisemitism today, and how its exhibits teach about democracy, choice, and moral courage.
Join us on Shabbat morning, January 3rd, to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the transformational vision behind this landmark project.

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca
2026-01-03 11:00 - 11:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Rebecca Gonzalez 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!

Brotherhood Meeting Night
2026-01-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Celebrate the start of summer with us at our Brotherhood Meeting Night!
Enjoy a deli dinner as we:

Learn about upcoming Brotherhood events and initiatives and discover meaningful ways to get involved.
Share your feedback and help shape the future of Brotherhood programming.

Your voice matters — come connect, contribute, and celebrate together!
7:30 pm – Meeting After the Meeting
Stick around for a casual evening of fun and connection. Play ping pong, foosball, shoot baskets or just socialize.
Feel free to join us for either part of the evening — or both!
Food, drinks, and snacks will be served all evening.
Register→
