Temple Emanuel

Temple Emanuel Teen Choir
2026-04-12 09:00 - 09:30, 2026-04-05 09:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | 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→

Material Witness Holocaust Exhibit
2026-04-12 - 2026-04-15 | Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Through Nancy Marks’ art and poetry, Material Witness confronts the chilling parallels between her mother’s hiding in France in the 1940s and the realities faced by immigrants today. The echoes between the 1940s and our contemporary world are undeniable and demand witness. This mixed-media installation, which premiered in Boston in 2025, features twenty-five drypoint prints and original poems. The images invite viewers to see them through a dual lens: ‘then’ and ‘now.’ What befell Jews, Roma, leftists, and so many others targeted in that era resonates starkly with the experiences of immigrants navigating hostile systems and rhetoric today. Material Witness presents interwoven histories, holding the pain of the past alongside the urgencies of the present.
Nancy Marks is a Boston-based artist and social justice advocate who uses her practice to address critical societal issues. She is the co-founder of The Opioid Project: Changing Perceptions Through Art and Storytelling, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding the opioid crisis. In 2024, her work was recognized with a First-Place award from the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) for Arts Advancing Social Justice.
Marks’s current traveling exhibition, Material Witness, weaves together her mother’s experience as a Holocaust survivor with the contemporary struggles of immigrants. The project is also featured in the anthology America’s Slide Towards Authoritarianism (IHRAM Press).
Beyond her advocacy work, Marks explores the “aesthetic and social paradoxes” of the city through her Urban Abstraction series—an interest in the power of place rooted in her New York upbringing. Her Dialogue/Interpretation series further explores her connection to nature and the abstract emotional world, reflecting an enduring respect for the human spirit’s capacity for profound healing.

Gesher Havdalah Craft Night
2026-04-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join Gesher—the 30s, 40s, and 50s community at Temple Emanuel—as we braid our own beautiful havdalah candles while enjoying a movie and making new friends!
Register→

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2026-04-11 10:45 - 12:00, 2026-04-04 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
2026-04-11 08:30 - 09:20, 2026-04-04 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

A Taste of Shabbat Alive
2026-04-10 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 required.
Register→
Generously supported by the Dr. Trudy Karger Family Education Fund

Drop-In Play
2026-04-08 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-01 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

Total Body Workout
2026-04-07 14:10 - 15:10, 2026-03-31 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 WORKOUT! Tuesdays 1pm:
Jan 6, 13, 27; Feb 3, 5, 10, 17
Spring 2026 dates: March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 21, 28; May 19, 26; June 2, 9
led by Carole Rodenstein on March 3, 10
led by Kim Bartlett on March 17, 31, April 7, 28
Led by Jill Meyer on April 21, May 19, 26, June 9
No RSVP needed. All are welcome.
These Total Body Workout exercise classes will follow L’CHAIM programs.
We are grateful to Village Bank and the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund for supporting Total Body Workout and Adapted Seated Exercises this season.

Sisterhood Tuesday Morning Study Group
2026-04-07 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-31 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.

K-2nd Grade Lunch and Cooking
2026-04-05 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 5th for a delicious Passover lunch and cooking! Please register so we know how many people to expect. We can’t wait to see you there!
Register→

ONOT Kayitz Israeli Dance Troupe
2026-04-05 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
2026-04-05 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→

Holiday Magic
2026-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
We’re excited to introduce a new program which is designed to provide parents and children ages 0-5 with age-appropriate activities, songs, stories, and teachings that will infuse each upcoming holiday with meaning!
Register→
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Baby Brunch
2026-04-05 09:30 - 10:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a brunch in Feldberg, around the corner from the Housman Activity Room, hosted by Yaffa Tilles, Co-Founder of Boston Birth Village! This is a great opportunity to meet other parents with infants, share stories, and enjoy a delicious FREE breakfast together.
Register Today!
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

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

ONOT Aviv Israeli Dance Troupe
2026-04-05 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→

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca and David
2026-04-04 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!

First Friday @ Shabbat Alive!: Sweet Freedom
2026-04-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Leventhal-Sidman Community Court, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for Passover desserts at oneg after Shabbat Alive. All are invited!
What is First Friday? Start with an inspiring musical Shabbat Alive! Service in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, then stay for a beautiful post-service Oneg filled with delicious food and fellowship.
Who is First Friday for? First Fridays are for everyone, age 0 on up!
Why come to First Friday? To lift your spirit. To be inspired by ancient words animated with new melodies. To connect with a community of friends – old and new. To stand generation to generation, together.
View the First Friday 2025-26 Calendar HERE→

Let My People Sing: A Community Passover Seder
2026-04-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Adelson Community Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a joyous Community Passover Seder with Rabbi Michelle Robinson and Cantor Elias Rosemberg together with a group of wonderful musicians and singers.
Cost: Adults – $80 (TE members) or $100 (non-TE members)
Children under 13 – $36
Children under 3 – Free
Open Seating. Tables will be reserved for groups of 6 or more. Buffet style dinner by Gourmet Catering by Andrew!
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 20th
Register→

L’Chaim
2026-03-31 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 in Reisman Hall! Stay for exercise following our L’CHAIM programs at 2:10pm
You must RSVP for each program to Tracy Schneider 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.
Mar 3 – An Afternoon of Purim Festivities with Master of Ceremonies Rabbi Leslie Tannenwald and Musician Jonah Sidman performing Yiddish Purim songs
12:15pm lunch and goodies
12:30-1:10pm Purim Jeopardy with prizes
1:10-2pm musical performance by Jonah Sidman
Come prepared to have fun and be silly! Wear a Purim festive tie, scarf or hat. Leslie will explain the story of Purim. Mishloach Manot gift bags to be handed out supported by a generous donation from a TE family with love.

Lunch and goodies are generously sponsored by Esther and Alan Greif, Eva and Alan Radding, Marjorie and Barry Afergan, Esther and Barry Torem, and Dr Lloyd David, and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew.
Mar 10 – Piano Concert with Rick Scalise
12:15pm Luncheon anonymously and generously sponsored by a TE family donation and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1:00pm Program
Light Classical selections by Beethoven, Mozart, and Gershwin along with some Broadway favorites including Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Mar 17 – Tribute to George and Ira Gershwin, legendary American songwriting duo, with Lisa Yves
12:15pm Luncheon generously sponsored by a TE family donation
1:00pm Program
Lisa Yves is a highly accomplished musician, vocalist, songwriter and mentor with a diverse range of experiences in the music industry. As a singer and songwriter, Lisa has released over 10 albums of original music across various genres.
Mar 31 – The Genius of Steven Sondheim with Debra Block
12:15pm Luncheon generously sponsored by The Residence at Boylston Place, Chestnut Hill, an LCB senior living community and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
12:45pm-2:00pm Program
An American Composer and Lyricist, Stephen Joshua Sondheim, is regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th Century Musical Theatre. We will discuss his contribution to West Side Story, Gypsy, Company and Sunday in the Park with George.
Apr 21 – American Jewish Music The Golden Years with Hal Slifer of Chagigah
12:15pm luncheon generously sponsored by a TE family and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1pm program
Hal Slifer’s multimedia presentation explores the rich history of American Jewish music from the 1930s to today and illustrates the key moments, artists and musical styles that have become the musical soundtrack of our lives.
Apr 28 – Concert with Ruth Rappaport and Jonah Sidman
12:15pm luncheon generously sponsored by The Residence, at Boylston Place, Chestnut Hill, an LCB senior living community and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1pm program
Guitarist and pianist Ruth Rappaport and fiddler Jonah Sidman will perform an exciting show influenced by klezmer, Yiddish, Irish fiddle, and American musical traditions.

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: FINANCE. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.

Biblical & Siddur Hebrew V
2026-03-30 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
2026-03-30 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→

Chamber Music Concerts
2026-03-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
The second concert in our free 2026 Chamber Music Concert series will feature Constantine Finehouse, piano soloist.
Join us in-person or on livestream!
The Chamber Series is sponsored by Saul B. and Naomi R. Cohen Foundation

THE SAUL B. AND NAOMI R. COHEN FOUNDATION
Founded in 1997, the Foundation supports and promotes the fine and performing arts. It awards grants to promising young artists and especially gifted performing musicians to enable them to further their artistic pursuits. The Foundation also assists in the development of the musical careers of classical artists with assistance in arranging performance engagements, counseling in career strategy, guidance in the selection of live and recorded performances and help in day-to-day living matters.
To receive email communications about the Chamber Concert series, please contact sbc87home@gmail.com.

RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Women's Self Defense Class
2026-03-29 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
To register or for more information, please contact Joanne Kazarian.
Register→
