Temple Emanuel

TE Reads with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz
2025-11-17 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Our first TE Reads for the year is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.
It is beyond compelling. It asks all the questions that go into building a life of meaning, joy and resilience:

What do we do with our mistakes? What do we do with the mistakes that hurt people that cannot be fixed?
What do we do with our regrets?
How do we nurture, sustain and deepen love?
How do we nurture, sustain and deepen joy?
How do we live our imperfect lives robustly?
How do we handle the infirmities and indignities of aging with grace and strength?

We’re excited to partner with Hummingbird Books, a locally Jewish owned independent bookstore, who is offering 10% off The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Reserve your copy today and pick it up at Hummingbird Books located at 55 Boylston Street Suite 5510, Chestnut Hill. Click HERE to reserve!
You will not want to miss this book. See you then!
Register→
Please note: This event will be recorded

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2025-11-18 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-25 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
2025-11-18 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
2025-11-18 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→

New Moon Monthly Yoga
2025-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Each month of the Hebrew lunar calendar has a lesson to teach, and this month is no exception.
Join us for a free yoga event where we connect with the teachings and energies of the new hebrew month.
Our session will incorporate gentle movements, breathwork, and meditation, allowing you to attune to the spiritual and physical aspects of the hebrew month.
This event is open to all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, you’ll find a welcoming and inclusive environment.
What to Bring:

Your yoga mat
A water bottle to stay hydrated

Looking forward to seeing you there!
Register→

Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2025-11-18 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
2025-11-19 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

History of the Jews in the Americas
2025-11-19 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
2025-11-20 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
2025-11-20 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
2025-11-20 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
2025-11-20 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→

Close Reading: Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade - A Jewish Novel Taught by Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
2025-11-20 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.

K-5 Shabbat Alive Dinner
2025-11-21 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 Mitzvah & Mingle Shabbat Dinner
2025-11-21 18:30 - 21:30 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Enjoy a hearty Shabbat dinner with Yisod and meet new friends while supporting community members in need! Bring 1-3 cans of kosher vegetarian soup, canned salmon, or canned tuna and we will donate all items collected to the JF&CS Family Table Food Pantry. Invite a friend who is new to Yisod (sign them up as your guest when you register) to be entered for a chance to win a free Shabbat dinner ticket! We can’t wait to see you there!
Register→

Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah: Talmud Study
2025-11-22 08:30 - 09:20 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Is Anybody Listening?
What are the chances our prayers are answered? Should you pray if you don’t believe? What is prayer really about? Join Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash in conversation with the Temple Emanuel Clergy on a journey through Jewish legal and spiritual perspectives on the power of your personal prayer.

Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah: Shabbat Morning Service
2025-11-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Sermon Topic: Campus Chaos – A View from Inside Academia Today
Antisemitism, Activism, AI, Administrative Upheaval, Anticipations undermined…Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash has been a professor for two decades at Washington University in St. Louis. In the past two years, so much has changed. Yet her department, Jewish Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, has managed to be an oasis of respectful conversation. Could this be a model for life beyond the University? What can we learn from her experience on campus?

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2025-11-22 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
2025-11-22 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!

Rabbi Samuel Chiel Kallah: Post-Service Lunch and Learn with Minyan Ma’or
2025-11-22 12:45 - 13:45 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
What now? When Ethical Principles Collide

How do we figure out what to do when ethical ideals conflict? Join us as Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash shares some surprising and satisfying answers from Jewish law today.
We’ll explore cutting edge quandaries in personal ethics and ritual controversies.

Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls with Dr. Sidney Kadish
2025-11-22 12:45 - 13:45 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Since then, they have been intensely studied. We will inquire about how they were found and studied, what they tell us about Jewish life 2000 years ago, and what they mean to us today. Join us in the Slater Conference Room after Shabbat morning services for this incredible program.
Session Dates: 10/18, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13
Register→
About Dr. Sidney Kadish
Dr. Sidney Kadish was born in Butler, NJ. His Hebrew education began with home schooling, and later he attended Camp Massad, a Hebrew speaking camp in the Poconos. After grade school, he attended Yeshiva University HS. He obtained a BA from Columbia (1963) and an MD from U of Chicago (1967). After internship, he came to Boston for a residency in Radiology at Mass General Hospital. After Army service, he returned to New England and served as a radiation oncologist, principally in Worcester. He retired in 2013 and has been a member of the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR) where he gave a course on the Dead Sea Scrolls. He has been married to Helen for 43 years and has 2 grown children, Michael and Emily. Sidney has been a member of Temple Emanuel since 1976.

Temple Emanuel Teen Choir
2025-11-23 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
2025-11-23 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→

Kitah Alef: Joy of Shabbat
2025-11-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Alef (1st Grade) Parents!
Together, parents and children will create an “Everything-You-Need-for-Shabbat” kit, including Challah Covers, Candle Sticks, Kiddush Cups, and much more!
Each family will receive Noam Zion’s beautiful resource and guide, A Day Apart: Shabbat at Home

8th & 9th Grade Mock Trial Workshop
2025-11-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Learn about the biggest debates in Judaism from the Talmud and beyond with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz!
Meets monthly in Slater conference room. Snack provided.
Register→

Temple Emanuel Children's Choir
2025-11-23 12:00 - 12:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
For any Temple Emanuel children in grades 1-5 who love to sing! Work with Morah Eugenia Gerstein on making beautiful music together.
Meets directly after Religious School (but open to all) from 12:00-12:30. Snack provided!
Register→

ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2025-11-23 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→

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Learn to Read Torah
2025-11-24 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!

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2025-11-29 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
