Temple Emanuel, located in Kensington, MD, just a mile north of the Capital Beltway, has been a vibrant part of Reform Jewish life in the Washington area for more than 50 years.
Temple Emanuel is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, and our mission statement follows the ideas of God, Torah and Israel:
- Strengthen our faith, commitment and observance as Jews;
- Foster the love of Judaism, and the preservation of Judaism and the Jewish people;
- Promote Jewish learning as a life long process for ourselves and our children;
- Maintain our congregation as a community caring for others, with that care based in Jewish ethics and principles.
Led by Rabbi Warren Stone and Cantor Rosalie Boxt, we are a diverse multi-generational and dynamic community. Our membership includes families who have been at the Temple for many decades, and others who have just joined. One need only watch the children streaming out of our Religious School on Sunday mornings to see the wide range of ethnic origins our community enjoys. We welcome interfaith couples and are GLBT inclusive.
Our religious services are equally as vibrant and engaging as our community. In addition to Friday night Shabbat services, we have Shabbat Minyan, Torah and Tanakh study every Saturday morning, once a month, theme-oriented services and much more.
The Religious School, under the leadership of Dr. Itzik Eshel, offers Kindergarten through 10th Grade Confirmation, as well as mid-week Hebrew for those studying for b'nai mitzvot. The Religious School offers accomodation for special needs students. The Temple youth group, KESTY, provides activities not only for high school-aged children, but for younger children, as well.
Our Brotherhood and Women of Reform Judaism chapter, make significant contributions to the life of the Congregation. In addition, many of our members join Chavurim, smaller groups of Temple members who share their friendship in ongoing activities of their own choosing. The Senior Focus Group and Wise Years Program conduct program by and for our older congregants. Adult Education programs (run by the professional staff and congregation members) and numerous committees and special groups add additional dimension to Temple life.
A pioneer in the development of Temple-based social action/social justice activities, Temple Emanuel provides many opportunities for community service (for example, cooking and collecting food for area shelters and social service organizations, volunteering for the Mobile Medical Clinic and the Interfaith Housing Coalition, our Green Team environmental programs) and for education and action on important social issues. The Nanette Dembitz Berman Judaism and Social Issues Program brings important speakers to the Temple. Our participation in interfaith activities and annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Service remind us of the importance of our connectedness to the wider community.
In short, Temple Emanuel offers a caring community in which we are able to grow in our Judaism, in our families, and in our world.
For more information, please contact either of our Membership Chair, Debra Berkowitz, at dwberkowitz@gmail.com.
