Welcome to Temple Emanuel!
Walking into a new place for the first time can feel intimidating, so here’s a bit more about Temple Emanuel and what you can expect.
Temple Emanuel is a community of connections and relationships.
We strive to be a sacred community, committed to shared values that strengthen our connection to each other, our community, and our Judaism. Explore the many opportunities to connect, whether by working on a committee of interest, joining a social group or volunteering to be part of our caring community offering support and assistance to others. If you need support, we are here to help. Offer up your expertise, connect with others who share your passion, or explore new opportunities to get involved in our community. We look forward to welcoming you!
Interested in Learning More?
Meet our Family
Symbolically, there are Seven Gates into Temple Emanuel. The Seven Gates are a reflection of the reality that there are many ways of living Jewishly and to explore and strengthen our shared Jewish connections. In pursuing our sacred purposes, Temple Emanuel offers the best of big and small: the resources that allow for choices, and the communities of shared passion that allow for intimacy.
Ready to Join Us? Click HERE to view our membership application.
Meet the Clergy
At Temple Emanuel, our clergy are scholars, musicians, teachers, and trusted guides who walk beside our community through moments of joy, challenge, growth, and meaning — creating powerful experiences of prayer, learning, and connection.
Wesley R. Gardenswartz, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Gardenswartz often shares a blessing: “May you love Monday mornings.” Serving Temple Emanuel since 1997, he brings a spirit of purpose and joy to our community. A gifted teacher and visionary leader, he inspires through soulful prayer, thoughtful learning, and a deep commitment to building a more just world — while cherishing family life with his wife Shira, their children, and granddaughter.
Michelle Robinson, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Robinson has called Temple Emanuel home since her ordination in 1999. She is passionate about community-building, meaningful text study, and helping individuals deepen their connection to Jewish prayer and tradition. Her warmth, wisdom, and love of Israel infuse her work with depth and authenticity.
Elias Rosemberg, Cantor
Born into a musical family in Buenos Aires, Cantor Rosemberg has enriched Temple Emanuel since 2007. An internationally recognized vocalist and educator, he brings dynamic leadership, inspiring programming, and music that uplifts the soul and fills our sanctuary with joy.
Aliza Berger, Rav Hazzan
Serving Temple Emanuel since 2016, Rav Hazzan Berger — ordained as both rabbi and cantor — blends scholarship, spirituality, and musical creativity. She brings energy and kavannah to the bimah, leads TE Tots and young family engagement with warmth and joy, and guides members in their 20s, 30s, and 40s through Yisod and Gesher to build meaningful Jewish connection.
Daniel J. Nesson, Ritual Director & Hazzan Sheini
A beloved presence at Temple Emanuel since 1990, Dan Nesson ensures that our ritual life is precise, seamless, and deeply meaningful. A master of nusach and Torah reading, he brings dedication, expertise, and musicality to every service and life-cycle moment.
Together, our clergy create a vibrant spiritual home where learning is alive, prayer is uplifting, and every member is known.
Meet the President
Shalom & Welcome!
Temple Emanuel is a thriving and dynamic Jewish community where people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs come together to be inspired, make friends, and find meaning. I am truly honored to be serving as the next president of our beloved Temple Emanuel, and it is my pleasure to invite you to explore all that we have to offer.
Our Seven Gates symbolize our commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to find a way into our community. Whether through services, concerts, adult education, youth engagement, supporting Israel, or social action, we encourage you to make Temple Emanuel your Jewish home in whatever ways are meaningful to you.
Our outstanding and dedicated clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership work tirelessly to make Temple Emanuel a warm and welcoming place. It is a place where we find support and comfort in times of joy and sorrow, and to mark the milestones of our lives. Particularly in this difficult time for Israel and the Jewish people, it is a place to be together in a safe and supportive community.
Whether you are new to Temple Emanuel or a lifelong member, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at liz@templeemanuel.com to share your thoughts and ideas. Together we will ensure that all members find Temple Emanuel a place of meaning, warmth, and joy.
L’Shalom,
Liz Goldstein, President
We extend a warm welcome to anyone seeking a connection to God, to Torah, or simply wanting to learn more about the Jewish people. This includes Jews, people who are thinking about or working towards becoming Jews-by-choice, and people whom our tradition calls rey’im ahuvim, beloved companions, those not converting to Judaism but would like to know more about Judaism or wish to be supportive of Jews in their family.
What our members have to say!
It's just the best!
""Every Jewish family should have the experience that we've had at Temple Emanuel. I wish that for all the young families. It's just the best!" - Suzanne D."
I'm excited to learn Hebrew
""I made a lot of friends here at Temple Emanuel. I'm excited to learn Hebrew this year. It's really fun." - Jack H."