Temple Emanuel

Second Nurture Foster Family Support Group
2025-05-04 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Help support a gathering of local foster families who meet monthly for discussions (and snacks!), with supervised kids’ activities in an nearby room. Martha Hausman, The 2N Family Support Specialist (FSS) facilitates these informal meetings with each parent taking a turn to share what’s happening in their lives, and everyone offering their wisdom. The Cohort soon becomes its own little community.
Volunteers will:

Sign people in
Help kids get snacks
Show adults and kids the rooms we will meet in
Supervise/play with kids while their adults meet

Sign-up to volunteer HERE→
Contact Martha with any questions!

Micah Goodman: Global Chaos - The Forces Undermining the World Order
2025-05-05 20:00 - 21:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Our Temple Emanuel Hartman Learning Initiative continues with Dr. Micah Goodman, who will join us in person from Israel.
We all get, every day, that we are living in no ordinary time. That we are living in historically tumultuous times. In America. The world. The financial markets. Universities. Alliances that are upturned. America’s role in the international order since World War II upturned. In Israel. Its government under a cloud of investigations and mistrust. The moral and reputational challenges to its war with Hamas that will not end, with Hamas damaged but not gone, and with our hostages still held captive.
But why?
Why is there this world-wide international tumult? What are its origins? What, if anything, can we do to ameliorate it? Most of us work on creating a counterworld of decency and dignity in our own dalet amot, the four cubits of our local existence. But can any of us make the problem of this global chaos better at its roots? Or not?
On Monday night, May 5, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm, in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, we will wrap up our year of in person Hartman learning at Temple Emanuel with a visit from our friend and teacher, thought leader and public intellectual Micah Goodman who will be here from Israel to speak about the chaos now afflicting the lands we love and the world in which we live.
Watch a Recording Here→
Upcoming Hartman Learning Programs:
June 25 – July 2, 2025 – TE-Hartman 2025 Trip to Israel. Let us know here you’d like to learn more!
June 24 – July 1, 2026 – TE-Hartman 2026 Trip to Israel. Let us know here you’d like to learn more!
Look for recordings of all our online sessions and selected lectures of Hartman scholars at Temple Emanuel here.
Watch for updated details on this program and all Hartman learning opportunities in our weekly Friday midday Hartman @ Home email.

Drop-In Play
2025-05-07 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-05-14 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-05-21 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-05-28 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

A Taste of Shabbat Alive
2025-05-09 17:45 - 18:15 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for our last young family dinner of the season! We’ll meet outdoors 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 free festive Shabbat dinner in Adelson Community Hall – a perfect place to meet other young families!
Registration appreciated.
Register Today→
Generously supported by the Dr. Trudy Karger Family Education Fund

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2025-05-10 10:45 - 12:00, 2025-05-24 10:45 - 12:00, 2025-05-31 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!

Pirke Avot Study
2025-05-10 12:45 - 13:45, 2025-05-17 12:45 - 13:45, 2025-05-24 12:45 - 13:45, 2025-05-31 12:45 - 13:45 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Since the 10th century, CE Jews have studied the 6 chapters of Mishna Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) between Pesach and Shavout on Shabbat afternoons. We at Temple Emanuel search the wisdom together with lively discussion for, as Ben Zoma taught: “Who is wise? Those who learn from everyone”. (4:1)
Facilitator Schedule:
4/26 – Sid Kadish
5/3 – Howard Zilber
5/10 – Marty Paley
5/17 – Hy Kempler
5/24 – David Rozenson
5/31 – Molly Peddar and Roberta Gross-Torres
We’ll meet in the Slater Conference Room (or on Zoom) from 12:45 to 1:45 each Shabbat.
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.” (2:20-21). A nice version, including translation and commentary, appears in Siddur Lev Shalem p. 235 – 262

Hebrew for Travelers
2025-05-11 20:00 - 21:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Essential Phrases for Your Israel Journey
Led by Sigalit Davis
Location: Temple Emanuel, Room 24/25
Duration: 1 hour per session
Free, No Prerequisites Required!
Planning a trip to Israel? Whether you’re joining a mission or traveling independently, this practical and engaging three-session course will equip you with essential Hebrew phrases to navigate your journey with confidence.
You’ll learn everyday expressions to use at:
– Airport security and flight check-in
– Ben Gurion Airport arrivals
– Hotels and accommodations
– Touring and getting around
– Common slang and useful phrases
Session Dates:
Sunday, May 11 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday, June 8 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday, June 12 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM
No prior Hebrew knowledge is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to immerse yourself in the language of travel!
Register→

What Does It Mean To Be Pro-Israel in 2025? Conversation with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz and Adina Vogel-Ayalon, J Street Chief Of Staff
2025-05-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Adina Vogel Ayalon – an Israeli citizen who has lived and raised a family in Israel and worked for decades toward building peaceful relations between Israelis and Palestinians – and Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz are uniquely positioned to unpack some of the difficult questions facing our communities today, including:

How can American Jews most effectively advocate to bring about the return of the hostages, sideline Hamas and promote a peaceful and safe future for Israeli and Palestinian families alike?
What constitutes anti-semitism on campus and how can we best combat it?
How should our community encourage the US government to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support of terrorism throughout the region?
How would the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel affect Israel’s security?

Registration has graciously been provided by J Street.
Register→

Yisod Trivia Shabbat Dinner
2025-05-16 18:30 - 21:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month through trivia with Yisod! Brush up on your history of notable Jewish Americans and general trivia topics for this memorable Shabbat dinner!
Register→

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2025-05-17 10:45 - 12:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
For Grades K-6. Join Arielle Waite on Shabbat morning in Room 22 at Temple Emanuel for a fun children’s service!

K'tonton Pre-K Dropoff Program
2025-05-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-01 10:00 - 12:00 | TE Preschool, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Our much loved “K’tonton” program for Pre-K students, ages 3-5 is returning twice a month! This program will meet two Sundays a month from 10:00-12:00 and is the perfect “taste of Religious School” for our littlest friends.
Discover the joy of Jewish learning with your pre-k friends!
Please note: K’tonton is now at capacity. Contact us HERE to join the waitlist!

Walking Tour of Jewish Beacon Hill & The Vilna Shul
2025-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person – Other, MA, United States
Join us for a unique two-hour Jewish history program that includes both Boston By Foot’s guided Jewish Beacon Hill tour and a tour of The Vilna Shul. Rain or shine!
Space is limited to 25 people. $18 to register and $5 to park (parking paid when you arrive).
Details of the morning will be sent upon registration. Registration is limited to one person at a time.
Register→
Questions? Contact Julie Lipsett

Preschool Open House
2025-05-18 11:00 - 13:00 | TE Preschool, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come for a tour, play on the playground, stay for Knucklebones and pizza!
RSVP to Stacey

TEen Picnic and Sports Day
2025-05-18 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for our final teen social event of the year! We will be enjoying lunch, play games (sports, trivia, lawn games) and holding a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the synagogue. Don’t miss the fun!
Register→

Jewish Heritage Night at the Red Sox!
2025-05-19 17:45 - 21:00 | Fenway Park, 4 Jersey Street, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
Fun for the whole family! We have a reserved block of seats at Jewish Heritage Night at Fenway Park.
Join Temple Emanuel’s dance troupes: KesheRoked and Onot Aviv as they perform on Jersey Street prior to the Red Sox vs Mets game for Jewish Heritage Night!
All dancers and audience members need a ticket to enter the park. Then, stay for as much or as little of the game as you want. All Jewish Heritage Night ticket holders receive a Hebrew Red Sox jersey. Our block of seats is in the upper bleachers and costs $32 per ticket.
Register→
To purchase different tickets directly from the park, please click HERE→
Check out the promotional video, featuring Temple Emanuel dancers!

Please contact Ilana with any questions.

Caregiver Support Group
2025-05-20 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.

Seated Zumba Gold
2025-05-22 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-05-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
With Ketty Rosenfeld
Thursday mornings| 9:00 – 10:00am
Session Dates: Sept 11, 25; Oct 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4; Jan 8, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19; March 5, 12; 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.

Antisemitism in US Healthcare: Is History Repeating Itself?
2025-05-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Dr. Poznansky and Dr. Park are founders and co-chairs of the newly formed Jewish Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Mass General Brigham. They took the initiative to organize the ERG in response to the growing antisemitism in the healthcare profession and recognized the need for Jewish doctors, staff and faculty to be supported. They are dedicated to fostering community, culture, and support for the Jewish and Jewish affiliated community in healthcare in the face of growing antisemitism in healthcare and in the US in general. They will explain the challenges in healthcare today, why there is a need for an employee resource group, how they created one and what you can do as a patient, carer in a hospital or center of healthcare or in your workplace.
Register→
About the Speakers
Mark C Poznansky, MD, PhD, is a Professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician in infectious diseases medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and Director of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center at MGH. He holds a doctoral degree Cambridge University and a medical degree from University of Edinburgh. His clinical subspecialization includes the treatment of infection in immune-compromised patients. The Poznansky laboratory works at the interface between scientific discovery and medical product development, discovering novel immune processes, defining their molecular mechanisms and exploring their relevance to the development of vaccines and immunotherapies for cancer, infectious diseases and type I diabetes. Dr. Poznansky is also the co-founder of Harvard Medical School – Kalaniyot which sets as its mission to foster academic relations between Israeli academic medical centers and HMS here in Boston. He also serves on the Board of the newly formed American Jewish Medical Association.
Elyse R Park, PhD, MPH is a Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine at MGH/Harvard Medical School and Director of Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research (HPRIR) Center. She is a clinical health psychologist and health services researcher who designs interventions to improve health-related behaviors among cancer survivors and populations at risk for cancer and chronic disease. Her research focuses on developing and implementing behavioral interventions to enhance resiliency, decrease tobacco use, and improve access to healthcare. Her work is funded by the National Institute of Health and several foundations. Clinically, she treats cancer survivors. She founded the MGH Division of Clinical Research’s Qualitative Mixed Methods Research Unit and directs behavioral research at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine.
Moderated by Michelle S. Robinson, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Michelle Robinson was ordained in 1999 as part of the first graduating class of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Since then, she has been blessed to call Temple Emanuel home. She loves community building, sharing the joy of traditional text study, and facilitating personal connections to the beauty of prayer. Rabbi Robinson has also spent three years and many summers learning and traveling in Israel, where she was blessed to meet her husband, Mike. Together they are the proud parents of four children who remind them of God’s blessings every day.

6th Grade Shabbat Service
2025-05-31 09:30 - 12:00 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all 6th grade families!
Join us for services and a special kiddush in the Gann Chapel.
Register Here→

Taste of Shavuot
2025-06-01 17:00 - 17:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Rabbi Aliza and our TE Tots community for a Shavuot adventure perfect for little ones ages 0-5 and their families! We will climb “Mount Sinai,” we will receive Torah, and then we will enjoy a delicious dinner together.
Click here to register for the community dinner.
