Temple Emanuel

8th & 9th Grade Mock Trial Workshop
2026-04-12 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-04-12 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
2026-04-12 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→

3rd-5th Grade Lunch and Tie Dye!
2026-04-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all 3rd-5th graders! Come join us on April 12th for a delicious lunch and tie dying!
Please register so we know how many people to expect.
We can’t wait to see you there!

RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Women's Self Defense Class
2026-04-12 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-19 13:00 - 17:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Temple Emanuel, in conjunction with the Newton Police Department, is offering a complimentary three part program that no woman should miss!
You will learn both physically how to protect yourself and the importance of awareness in the world. You will walk away feeling empowered and equipped in many situations including those that were never even on your radar!
This is a three part program. Classes will take place on Sundays from 1-5 pm at Temple Emanuel.
March 29th – Benjamin Vestry
April 12th – Room 24/25
April 19th – Reisman Hall
Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the class is now full. If you would like to add your name to the list for future classes, please contact Joanne Kazarian.

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2026-04-13 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-04-20 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

Register→

Biblical & Siddur Hebrew V
2026-04-13 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-20 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

Register→

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Chanting the Festival Megilot
2026-04-13 18:15 - 19:30, 2026-04-20 18:15 - 19:30 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Learn how to chant the special festival megillot in this edition of You, Too, Can Cantillate! The character of each of the Haggim (Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot) is reflected in an additional liturgical reading that is chanted during these holidays. Learn how to chant Shir HaShirim, Kohelet, and Ruth with Ritual Director/Hazzan Sheini Dan Nesson.
A reading knowledge of Hebrew and some knowledge of trope is recommended.
Class Dates: April 13, 20, 27
Register→

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-04-14 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
2026-04-14 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
2026-04-14 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→

Yom HaShoah Annual Commemoration
2026-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us as we come together to remember the Holocaust as we ponder its meaning for us today. Together with our clergy and families of survivors, we will observe this solemn evening through reflection, prayer, and music performed by our choir and members of our congregation.
Our guest speaker will be Rachel Tesler, daughter of our member Michael and director of the film, The Last Holocaust Survivors: Never Again is Now, from which a portion will be shown during the service.
Congregants are invited to the Gann Chapel at 8:00pm for an extended viewing of the film and a Q&A session with Rachel Tesler
About The Speaker
Rachel Tesler is an award-winning writer and producer with 10+ years working in film and television. She has developed her craft as a multimedia storyteller producing the top news stories of the day and longform documentary series on topics ranging from crime to human interest. As an undergraduate at Boston University, her screenplay Little Lost Puppy won the First Place Award in the Fleder-Rosenberg Screenwriting contest, as part of the Redstone Film Festival. At Boston University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Science in Film and Television. Rachel has lived and worked in politics and media all over the world including Boston, Washington, D.C., Jerusalem, London, and New York City. In 2017, she graduated from Columbia University with her Master of Arts in English Education. She published her first book UNBLOSSOMING, a series of poetry in 2023. She started Tattletales Productions in 2024, a boutique production house focused on documentary film and development. She lives in New York City.

Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2026-04-14 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
2026-04-15 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

Caregiver Support Group
2026-04-15 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.

Torah for our Times
2026-04-16 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
2026-04-16 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.

Memory Cafe
2026-04-16 12:15 - 14:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
What is a Memory Café? A memory café is a model of social programming that provides an inviting place for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking – and their family/friends!
Please RSVP for the lunch programs to Tracys120@yahoo.com

April 16 – Music and Movement with Steve Ginz

After receiving a masters degree in music therapy and mental health counseling, Steve Gintz, MT-BC, MA, CDP, began his career working as a counselor for teen girls in 2015. Three years later, Steve left his counseling position—and faced his fear of cold calling—to start Instrumental Health™, which uses the power of music and the arts to nourish mind, body, and spirit.
Lunch at 12:15pm sponsored by Miriam Chernoff in memory of her beloved husband Stan Morse of blessed memory. Program at 1pm.

May 21 – A Lively Sing Along with Ruth & Joe Pete
Join husband and wife team Ruth Rappaport and Joe Pete Wetherbee for a lively sing-along! We’ll be singing some of your favorite country songs.
Lunch at 12:15pm generously sponsored by Dr. Harvey and Ellen Silverberg and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew. Concert at 1pm.

June 11 – Concert Sing Along with Joel Light & Dan Moore
Join a live concert/sing-along of classic hits from the 1940s, 1950s, and Broadway. Joel’s “Fill My Heart with Song,” with Dan/accompanist and singer, perform for senior communities and memory cafes throughout the Greater Boston area.
Musical leaders: Joel Light, artist/educator, and Dan Moore, keyboard and electronic musician, are a wonderful duo whose repertoire ranges across twentieth century popular music.
Lunch at 12:15pm generously sponsored by Dr. Harvey and Ellen Silverberg and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew. Concert at 1pm.

Memory Café is proudly co-presented by Temple Emanuel Senior Fund and the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health at Hebrew SeniorLife

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2026-04-16 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→

Adult Child Support Group
2026-04-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Thursday evenings | 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Zoom
Are you caring for an aging parent? Are you looking for local resources and support?
Join us for monthly discussions on all topics about managing the care of our parents and maintaining our own expectations. We will have guest speakers set up by the team at Adelaide, a Benchmark community.
Register Here→
For the best experience, participants are encouraged to attend regularly. There is no cost to attend- but registration is required. Questions? Please contact Tracy Schneider.
This series is sponsored by Adelaide and co-presented by TE senior fund.

Yisod Trivia Shabbat Dinner
2026-04-17 18:30 - 22:30 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Yisod Trivia returns at this energetic Shabbat Dinner! Our resident Trivia Master Adam Rabinowitz is back, with questions sure to make you scour the edges of your brain as you complete with other tables to come out on top and win the trophy! Grab a drink, meet your team, eat dinner, and get ready for a night of fun!
*Please note that there will be no recorded music/ppt at this event, and there will options for submitting answers without writing.
Register→

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2026-04-18 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

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2026-04-18 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 David
2026-04-18 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!

Pirke Avot Study
2026-04-18 12:45 - 13:45 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Since the third century of the common era Jews have studied the six chapters of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) between Pesach and Shavout on Shabbat afternoons. We, at Temple Emanuel, learn the wisdom together with lively discussion because, as Ben Zoma taught: “Who is wise? Those who learn from everyone”. (4:1)
We’ll meet in the Slater Conference Room (or on Zoom) after kiddush from 12:45 to 1:45pm each Shabbat. Session Dates: April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16
Zoom Meeting ID: 881 5880 6758
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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.” (2:21). A nice version, including translation and commentary, appears in Siddur Lev Shalem p. 235 – 262.

Music and Movement with Little Beats
2026-04-19 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
