Temple Emanuel

Drop-In Play
2025-10-22 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2025-10-21 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
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Modern Hebrew I: Speaking Foundations
2025-10-21 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
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Modern Spoken Hebrew V
2025-10-21 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
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Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2025-10-21 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.

Loud and Clear: Leadership Perspectives of a Senior Israeli Air Force Pilot with Brigadier General (ret.) Iftach Spector
2025-10-20 20:00 - 21:00 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Brigadier General (ret.) Iftach Spector, a distinguished former fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, is regarded as one of the leading flying aces in the history of the IAF. He is also an expert on organizational performance and military tactics.
Spector has served, among other roles, as Commander of the Ramat David and Tel Nof Airbases, as Head of the Air Operations department and head of the F-16 induction project. He participated in the 1981 attack on the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak.
Spector invented the “HALO” system, an avionics system for helicopters operating on the battlefield, whose core features have been adopted in many military forces worldwide.
In 2003, Spector was a signatory of the of the “Pilots’ Letter” in which he and 27 other pilots stated their refusal to bomb targets in the West Bank and Gaza when collateral damage would likely be severe.
Spector holds a bachelor’s degree from Tel Aviv University, and a master’s degree from UCLA. In 2023, he received a doctoral degree from Bar-Ilan University for his dissertation titled: “The Richthofen Symptom: Task Focus – Contributions, Costs, and the Harms of Excess.”
His 2009 memoir, “Loud and Clear,” is available in English. He is also the author of a prize-winning novela.
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Sponsored by the Israel Connections Committee

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Learn to Read Torah
2025-10-20 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
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View the teaser below!

Brotherhood Wellness Series: Strengthening our Mental Well-being by Building Resilience and Managing Stress
2025-10-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
We are all facing stress from work, family and current events. How do we manage to keep our heads above water? The goal of this session is to give our participants the tools they need to build resilience and manage stress and trauma.
Schedule:
6:00 pm – Light Dinner
6:30 pm – Lecture and Q&A
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About the Speaker
Dr. Irle Goldman has been a clinical psychologist and teacher of psychotherapy for the past 50 years. He tries to help people become our “best selves” by tuning in to our hopes, our talents, our possibilities…instead of just noticing our challenges and disappointments and failures.

Biblical & Siddur Hebrew V
2025-10-20 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

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Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2025-10-20 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

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ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2025-10-19 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!
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Temple Emanuel Children's Choir
2025-10-19 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!
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Music and Movement with Little Beats
2025-10-19 11:00 - 12:00 | TE Preschool, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for an epic dance class perfect for little ones ages 0-5! It’s a good work out for parents too and a sweet opportunity to get out and play with your child(ren) and friends!
Register Today!
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Gan Nah Likro Book & Author Program
2025-10-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Feldberg Meeting Room, 385 Ward St, Newton Centre, MA, 02459-1263, United States
Calling all Kindergarten students and families!
Come join your kindergartner as they decorate their own book bag and hear author Leah Berkowitz read her story: Moving Box Sukkah!

Yoga Minyan
2025-10-19 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

ONOT Aviv Israeli Dance Troupe
2025-10-19 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→

Temple Emanuel Teen Choir
2025-10-19 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!
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Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls with Dr. Sidney Kadish
2025-10-18 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
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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.

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca and David
2025-10-18 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!

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2025-10-18 10:45 - 12:00, 2025-10-11 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!

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2025-10-18 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

Yisod Bingo Shabbat Dinner
2025-10-17 18:30 - 21:30 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Test your luck with Yisod in a boisterous game of bingo over a delicious Shabbat dinner! There will be tantalizing prizes for the winners, so save your seat now!
This is a 21+ event. If you need support finding a babysitter, please contact Lena Ravitch.
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K-5 Shabbat Alive Dinner
2025-10-17 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.
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Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2025-10-16 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→

Teen Ice Cream Party after Simchat Torah
2025-10-14 19:30 - 20:30 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come and join us in the Solomon Youth Lounge for ice cream after Simchat Torah services!
All Temple Emanuel teens, grades 6-12 ,and parents are invited to join.
No RSVP required.

Erev Simchat Torah Celebration
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a community celebration in the Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, featuring Hakafot led by the TE Children’s Choir and Tizmoret Teen Band!

Gan/Kindergarten Kabbalat Torah Ceremony
2025-10-14 18:00 - 18:30 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Gan (Kindergarten) students begin their Jewish learning journey by receiving their very own mini-Torahs from the clergy.
Dancing and celebrating for Simchat Torah immediately following the ceremony!
If your child is not yet enrolled in Religious School, please email Risa Wagner to make sure we have your child on the list to receive a Torah.

Family Sukkahfest!
2025-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come join us for a Sukkot celebration! There will be some fun activities, including candy sukkah making and a petting zoo!
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This program is presented in partnership with the IAC

Rocking Tot Shabbat with Wayne Potash
2025-10-11 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!
