Temple Emanuel

Kitah Hay (5th Grade) Haifa Fair
2025-12-07 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Kitah Hay (5th Grade) Parents are invited to join their students for the annual Haifa Fair!

Holiday Magic: Hanukkah
2025-12-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Celebrate Hanukkah with your TE Tots friends! Join Lena and special guest Risa Wagner, K-5 Engagement Specialist, as we craft our own Hanukkah candles, read stories, and sing songs to welcome in the holiday!
Register→
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Temple Emanuel Children's Choir
2025-12-07 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-14 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
2025-12-07 12:00 - 12:45, 2025-12-14 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→

Yisod Tikkun Olam Craft Event
2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Get crafty with Yisod! Join Yisod and Yad Chessed—a non-profit providing food support, emergency financial assistance, advice, and referrals for Jews in need around Massachusetts—as we decorate our own tzedakah boxes and learn about the importance of mutual responsibility. Register now!
Register now!

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2025-12-08 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
2025-12-08 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→

Pathways to Hope: A Conversation with Young Israeli Changemakers
2025-12-08 20:00 - 21:30 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Hartman’s Ronit Heyd, Vice President and Director of the Center for Israeli & Jewish Identity, in conversation with participants from the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hazon program visiting from Israel Israel — Noi Schwartz, Ayala Dahlan and Yonathan Machlis.
Since October 7, it has been hard to imagine a secure and peaceful future for Israel. Conversations across the Jewish world have often been marked by despair: ongoing war, political deadlock, internal divisions, and a growing sense that the vision of a democratic, united Israel feels more distant than ever.
Yet there is another story—one grounded in hope. Hope is more than a feeling; it is the engine of social change and the foundation of a better future. As Israel’s anthem, Hatikvah, reminds us, hope is central to Jewish identity and to those shaping Israel’s tomorrow: young changemakers building community, students defending democratic values, spiritual leaders offering guidance, and bold thinkers imagining new paths for shared society. They remind us that even in difficult times, aspiring and working towards a better vision for tomorrow can bring about real change.
Temple Emanuel and the Shalom Hartman Institute invite you to join us at Pathways to Hope (Netivim Shel Tikva) where you’ll hear from the leaders who are meeting today’s realities with vision and courage. Together, with purpose and optimism, we can help shape a better future for Israel. Register here.
Hazon (Hebrew for vision) is a cutting-edge leadership training initiative for Israeli university students eager to become agents of change. Grounded in a bold vision for a Jewish and democratic Israel, Hazon equips participants with the tools and inspiration to shape the future of Israeli society. Learn more about Hazon here.
Watch a Recording Here→
About the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hazon Program Participants
Noi Schwartz is the Student Communities Manager at Tene Yerushalmi and a psychodrama student at Seminar Hakibbutzim, where she interns with people experiencing homelessness. An actress and writer in independent theater ensembles, she has also taken part in a wide range of leadership and community programs in Israel and abroad. As part of the Hazon fellowship, she founded an interfaith women’s theater group—bringing together Jewish, Muslim, and Christian participants for dialogue, study, and performance.
Ayala Dahan is the Alumni Program Director of Hazon at the Shalom Hartman Institute. She has been active in the political field, serving as former Chair of Yesh Atid at the Hebrew University, Deputy Head of the party’s field operations, and a participant in both national and municipal campaigns. She was also among the founders of the student protest against the judicial overhaul and previously served as CEO of the social justice organization Ma’aglei Tzedek. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Gender Studies at Tel Aviv University.
Yonathan Machlis is the Director of the Center for Social Justice in Haifa. He leads the student chapter of Brothers and Sisters in Arms and serves as a teaching assistant in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa. His work combines civic activism, community leadership, and academic engagement, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing social responsibility and democratic values in Israel.
Upcoming Hartman Learning Programs:
Shabbat, November 15 – Micah Goodman Shabbat Scholar in Residence
Sunday, November 16, 2025 @ 10:00 am– TE-Hartman Trip 2026 Information Session. Register here!
Wednesday February 25, 2026 @ 8:00 pm – Hartman learning in person with Elana Stein Hain – details to be announced.
June 24 – June 30, 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.

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2025-12-09 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
2025-12-09 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
2025-12-09 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
2025-12-09 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
2025-12-10 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 Jews in Newton and Temple Emanuel
2025-12-10 19:45 - 21:00 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Was There A Golden Age in American Judaism, is it Over, and What Does That Mean for Temple Emanuel and for Us?
Please join us for Professor Jonathan Sarna, one of the leading scholars of American Jewish history, as he gives a thought-provoking lecture on the history of Jews in Newton and Temple Emanuel, marking Temple Emanuel’s 90th Anniversary.
Register→
About Professor Jonathan Sarna
Jonathan D. Sarna is University Professor and the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University. He also is the past president of the Association for Jewish Studies and Chief Historian of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Author or editor of more than thirty books on American Jewish history and life, his American Judaism: A History, now in its second edition, won six awards including the 2004 “Everett Jewish Book of the Year Award” from the Jewish Book Council. Sarna is a fellow both of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the American Academy of Jewish Research, and he holds five honorary degrees. His most recent books are Coming to Terms with America, a volume of essays now translated into Hebrew under the title Zehuyot Bemifgash (Mercaz Shazar); and Yearning to Breathe Free: Jews in Gilded Age America, coedited with Adam Mendelsohn.

Torah for our Times
2025-12-11 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→

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2025-12-11 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
2025-12-11 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.

A Taste of Shabbat Alive
2025-12-12 17:45 - 18:15 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary 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 festive Shabbat dinner in Adelson Community Hall – a perfect place to meet other young families!
Registration appreciated.
Register→
Generously supported by the Dr. Trudy Karger Family Education Fund

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2025-12-13 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
2025-12-13 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!

Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls with Dr. Sidney Kadish
2025-12-13 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.

Jewish Singles 50+ Hanukkah Party
2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Hosted by Temple Emanuel in partnership with JCC, Temple Emunah, Temple Ohabai Shalom and Temple Israel Natick
Mingle with other Jewish singles (50+), listen to music and play dreidel!
Wine, beer, and appetizers included!
Free street parking available on site.
Cost: $25
Advance registration deadline has been extended to December 11th!
Register Here→
Questions? Contact HERE→

Temple Emanuel Teen Choir
2025-12-14 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
2025-12-14 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→

Yoga Minyan
2025-12-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
With Michelle Silberman Hubbard, Yoga Instructor
Sundays mornings | 9 – 10 am
Our rabbis taught us that the soul is joined intimately to the body. The two move together and each can be used in the service of God. In this innovative morning minyan we will be using our bodies to pray, our voices to chant, and movement to connect with holiness in a Jewish way. Awaken your senses as you awaken your soul. Expect an uplifting morning service and a great sweat. No previous Yoga or davening experience necessary. Dress for comfort. Bring a yoga mat or towel, a small towel, and water. Time to get up and stretch your body! Grab your mat or towel and join in via Zoom. New participants always welcome!
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Register Here→
Sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel

Brotherhood Financial Breakfast: Investment Ideas & Financial Strategies in an Uncertain World
2025-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Please join us for a timely and engaging discussion with best-selling author and acclaimed financial journalist Roger Lowenstein as he shares insights on the markets, the economy, and the lessons investors can draw from history and what’s going on today.
Register→
Featured Speaker:
Roger Lowenstein – celebrated financial writer and author of Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist, When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management, and The End of Wall Street. His latest book, Ways and Means: Lincoln and His Cabinet and the Financing of the Civil War, was awarded the Lincoln Forum Book Prize. Lowenstein’s work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, and his commentary has shaped how investors understand risk, value, and financial history.
Moderated by:
Larry Glazer – Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Mayflower Advisors, a nationally ranked wealth-management firm. A frequent guest on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox Business, Larry brings more than three decades of investment experience and perspective to this discussion.
Free and open to the entire TE community.
Sponsored by the Temple Emanuel Brotherhood

K-5 Krav Maga with StandStrong
2025-12-14 09:30 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Our Kindergarten – 5th graders will join us to learn all about Israeli Krav Maga and the art of self defense. We are partnering with StandStrong, a wonderful organization, to lead this program. If there are any non-Religious School students that would like to participate in this event, please email Risa.

K-2nd Grade Lunch and Party Games
2025-12-14 12:00 - 13:15 | TE Preschool, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all K-2nd graders!
Come join us on December 14th for a delicious lunch and party games! Please register so we know how many people to expect.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Register Here→
