Torah for our Times
2026-01-22 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-01-15 09:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | 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→

Yisod Plans
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Room 21, 385 Ward St, Newton Centre, MA, 02459-1263, United States
Bring your event ideas to share as we plan out the calendar for all major Yisod events next year! Pizza and snacks will be provided.
Register→

Drop-In Play
2026-01-21 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-14 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

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-01-20 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-01-13 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.

Teen Ice Skating (Grades 9-12)
2026-01-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Daly Rink, 1 Nonantum Road, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
Join your fellow teens (Grades 9-12) for a fun afternoon of ice skating at our local rink in Nonantum. NO BUS for this event, so please meet us there for skating, skate rental and snacks. We will also play some fun skating games with prizes for the winners.
Daly Rink is located at 1 Nonantum Road, Newton, MA 02458.
Register→

ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2026-01-18 12:00 - 12:45, 2026-01-11 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→

Temple Emanuel Children's Choir
2026-01-18 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-01-11 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 Aviv Israeli Dance Troupe
2026-01-18 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
2026-01-18 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→

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca and David
2026-01-17 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
2026-01-17 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
2026-01-17 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 Cozy Shabbat Dinner
2026-01-16 18:30 - 22:30 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Bundle up with Yisod for a warm Shabbat dinner! Wear your favorite comfy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and enjoy a homely meal with friends. Hope to see you there!
Register→

K-5 Shabbat Alive Dinner
2026-01-16 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→

Close Reading: Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade - A Jewish Novel Taught by Dr. Susanne Klingenstein
2026-01-15 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.

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2026-01-15 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→

Modern Spoken Hebrew VI
2026-01-13 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→

L’Chaim
2026-01-13 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-13 12:15 - 14:00 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays to connect with friends and be inspired!
Contact Tracy Schneider at tracys120@yahoo.com to RSVP and for more information.
Dec 23 in Reisman Hall – Annual L’Chaim Holiday Hannukah Party! Featuring Steve Siagel, Followed by lighting of the menorah
Come schmooze & wish your friends a Chag Sameach!
About Steve Siagel: Steve’s love for Jewish music comes from his late father Lou Siagel, who was a violinist, and the music director here at Temple Emanuel for 27 years. Lou led a professional choir of vocalists for Friday night services, and the High Holidays. Steve continues L’dor V’dor following in his father’s footsteps by sharing his love of music with others.
Steve Siagel is the owner of Siagel Productions, an entertainment and event planning company which he founded in 1976. He is regarded as a pioneer in the Disc Jockey industry in Boston. Steve is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Fine Arts where he earned a bachelor’s degree in piano and musical composition. As an accomplished pianist Steve began his entertainment business by performing Jewish music at bar mitzvah events and offering disc jockey services for kids’ parties.
12:15pm Latkes and catered lunch1:00pm Program
Kosher catered lunch by Gourmet Catering By AndrewLunch is fully sponsored from generous donations by 1 Wingate Way East and West River Care in appreciation for the senior programming.
Jan 6, 13, 27 on Zoom – Talking About Senior Sex with Joan Price
Well known Senior-Sex Coach and Activist, Author of trailblazing Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex
Tuesdays at 8pm on zoom, January 2026
This is a lecture-style event and participants should not be sharing their personal/sexual information.
You may submit questions beforehand to Tracy as well as enter questions on the chat.
Please RSVP to Tracys120@yahoo.com for program zoom link.
Jan 13 in Reisman Hall – Book Talk with guest Jill Ebstein, TE member & author
Jill Ebstein, TE Member, Marketing Consultant and Newton Author of two new books as well as the “AT MY PACE” collection of books, wherein ordinary women share important stories.
Book 1: Alfred’s Journey to Be Liked
Book 2: Hannah’s Journal to Be Happy
We will delve into the teenage characters portrayed in the books listed above and relate those characters to our real lives and how we face the world. Like the protagonist Hannah in Hannah’s Journey, we can ask ourselves if we can…
• Scrap a to-do list and relax.
• Record moments of anger and ask whether we voiced our feelings and felt heard.
How can we decode social cues…body language…eye contact…
Can you face your fears?
Do you feel the burden of perfection?
Do you wish you had do overs in your life ?
Join us for lunch and discussion. RSVP is required to Tracy at Tracys120@yahoo.com
Feb 3, 10, 17 on Zoom – Jewish Women Portrayed in Film with Debra Block
6:30pm-7:30pm
We recommend watching the following films in advance of each presentation
SESSION 1: Hester Street (watch here) – Gitl (Carol Kane), a young Jewish orthodox woman, comes to America in the 1890’s only to discover that her husband Jake (Steven Keats) has given up the ways of the old country, and taken up with a new girlfriend, and a new life! Gitl faces the New World with strength and grace!
SESSION 2: Crossing Delancey (watch here)– Izzy Grossman faces two romantic choices reflecting two conflicting aspects of her life…uptown world where she works and the traditional world of her grandmother where Izzy lives on the Lower East Side. In Marjorie Morningstar & Goodbye Columbus, both women are using their romantic involvement with men to challenge the middle-class values of their parental homes.
SESSION 3: Today, the portrayal of Jewish women in film and television is undergoing a shift, moving away from one-dimensional caricatures toward more nuanced, self-defined, and diverse characters. While traditional, negative stereotypes persist, the rise of Jewish women in creative roles behind the camera is driving a “renaissance” in representation. We will give examples of these portrayals in films such as Unorthodox (watch here) and in several television programs.
About the facilitator, Debra Block, Artistic Director and Creator, DGB Productions
Debra Block is the Artistic Director and Creator of DGB Productions. She presents educational programs on film, theatre and culture to age 55+ senior communities. Debra possesses a strong Jewish identity, having lived and taught in Israel for two years, and has directed numerous musical theater productions focusing on Jewish themes. She has taught English and theater at Shaloh House, a Jewish Day School and has been contracted by various synagogues and Jewish community centers to develop meaningful theatrical experiences. She graduated BA cum laude in psychology with a performing arts minor. After graduating college, she continued her studies at the Master’s level in the performing arts and in Judaism.
Please email Tracys120@yahoo.com to register. Zoom info will be provided upon registration.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES are $18 per person. Please consider making a small donation of appreciation to the L’CHAIM Group. Please mail checks of any donation to Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459, ATTN: Eileen Rose/Controller. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.

Modern Hebrew I: Speaking Foundations
2026-01-13 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→

Total Body Workout
2026-01-13 14:10 - 15:10 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
A class for all levels. 20 minutes basic fun cardio dance, 20 minutes body sculpting/conditioning & 20 minutes stretch and balance.

NEW winter dates added with Jill Meyer: Jan 8, Feb 5

Fall 2025 dates with Jill Meyer: Sept 9; Oct 21, 28; Nov 4, 18, 25; Dec 2, 23
Spring 2026 dates with Jill Meyer: March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 21, 28; May 19, 26; June 2, 9
Save the dates for a NEW WINTER WORKOUT with Carole Rodenstein coming in Winter 2026! Tuesdays/Thursdays at 1pm
Jan 6, 13*, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17
*Jan 13th exercise will follow a L’CHAIM program, beginning at 2:10pm

No RSVP needed. All are welcome.
We are grateful to Village Bank and the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund for supporting Total Body Workout and Adapted Seated Exercises this season.

Modern Spoken Hebrew V
2026-01-13 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→

Biblical & Siddur Hebrew V
2026-01-12 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→

Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2026-01-12 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→

6th-8th Grade Lunch and Party Games
2026-01-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Calling all 6th-8th graders! Come join us on January 11th 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→
