Before We Forgot: Torah, Memory, and the Angel Lailah with Rabbi Jamie Kotler
2026-03-22 09:45 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Jewish tradition teaches that each soul begins its journey bathed in light, knowing the whole Torah — until an angel gently wipes our memory, and sends us into the world to figure it out all for ourselves.
In this class, we’ll explore the story of Lailah, the angel of night and birth, and what she can teach us about memory, forgetting, and wholeness. Through text study and conversation, we’ll reflect on what it means to spend a lifetime remembering what our souls once knew— and the small traces that sacred forgetting leaves behind. All texts will be in English and all are welcome!
This program is for Temple Emanuel members only.
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Bible & Siddur Hebrew I
2026-03-23 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-03-30 15:30 - 16:30, 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

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Biblical & Siddur Hebrew V
2026-03-23 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-30 17:30 - 18:30, 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

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Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-03-24 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-31 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-07 09:30 - 10:30, 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
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:00, 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
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Modern Hebrew I: Speaking Foundations
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:00, 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
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Torah for our Times
2026-03-26 09:30 - 10:30, 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→

Modern Spoken Hebrew III
2026-03-26 17:00 - 18:00, 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
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Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2026-03-28 08:30 - 09:20, 2026-04-04 08:30 - 09:20, 2026-04-11 08:30 - 09:20, 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

Minyan Ma’or Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Michelle Robinson
2026-03-28 12:45 - 14:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Rabbi Michelle Robinson will lead an interactive discussion on Rabbi Math at Minyan Ma’or’s Lunch & Learn in Reisman Hall following Ma’or’s service, which starts at 9:30 a.m.
Rabbi Math
The Seder has been going for quite some time…you’ve sung, you’ve shared, you’ve even dipped for all 10 plagues, and suddenly the Haggadah launches into a math competition with three rabbis arguing about how many plagues there actually were. Stomachs are starting to grumble. Do you read it? Skip it? What is this odd numerical argument all about? Join us as we explore together why this rabbinic math lesson is not just for math enthusiasts, but for all of us, with deep meaning to offer, especially this year.

Yoga Minyan
2026-04-05 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

You, Too, Can Cantillate: Chanting the Festival Megilot
2026-04-13 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
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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, of 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.
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.

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.
