We have the wonderful opportunity to join with three neighboring synagogues for our Festival Morning and Yiskor services together – all the clergy come together to share the service, and to bring our congregants together in friendship and worship.  Temple Emanuel hosts one or two of these rotating services every year.  A wonderful community opportunity. Please check our calendar for more information.

At Tu B’shvat, we welcome environmental speakers to our Shabbat services and facilitate home Tu B'Shvat seders.  And check out our ARZA page to find out about supporting the Jewish National Fund - and Temple Emanuel at the same time. 

 Almond Trees In Bloom In Israel

After creating the first human beings, God led them around the Garden of Eden and said: ‘Look at My works! See how beautiful they are, how excellent! For your sake, I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil or destroy My world – for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you.’”  (Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabbah7:13)

Simchat Torah (“Celebration of the Torah”) celebrates the conclusion of our cycle of Torah reading, completing the final verses of Deuteronomy and immediately beginning the first book, Genesis. The cycle of our Torah readings reminds us of the cycles of nature – as we roll the scrolls, the seasons change, and we with them.

Simchat Torah is a perfect time to couple our love for Torah with our concerns for the environment. As we begin anew the readings of Genesis, we are reminded of our obligations as caretakers of God’s creation. From this point in the Jewish calendar year, we begin to recite the blessing for rain during our prayer service, reflecting the agricultural seasons of the Land of Israel and our reliance on the natural world for our sustenance and well-being. Simchat Torah, together with Sukkot, serve as a reminder of our connection to, and reliance upon, the natural world around us. 

The cycle of Torah readings, moving from end to beginning, mirrors the cycle of life. We read the last lines of Torah with sadness as we learn that Moses’ life is coming to an end. We imagine the feelings he must have experienced, knowing that he would never reach the Promised Land, reflecting on his lifetime of struggle and regrets as well as achievements. Today’s seniors face physical challenges and limitations, confronting discrimination and prejudice just at the time they should be venerated for their wisdom and accomplishments. Our elders require our sensitivity and support, and advocacy on public policy matters that could help improve their lives.

And yet, despite the bittersweet conclusion of one part of the journey, without pause, the cycle is renewed and we start the process all over again. We march and dance with the Torah scrolls around and around, celebrating our community’s ongoing commitment to study and love of the Torah. Turning our thoughts to our youngest students during Consecration ceremonies, we witness with joy the birth of Jewish learning. We know our precious children have needs and concerns that we must address to make sure they remain safe and hopeful. The teachings contained within the Torah have lessons for us at all stages of the lifecycle.

Our warm and inviting Holy Day services are open to anyone, begin the year with uplifting music, inspirational words, and an opportunity to study, reflect, and rejoice with the community. Click HERE for updated information about how you can celebrate the High Holidays at Temple Emanuel.

Purim at Temple Emanuel... ...Unlike any other day

Come in costume, ready for a romp! Hear the Purim Story with Kol Zimrah and Kol Ruach, the Adult and Junior Choir! Fun for the whole family, from babies to boomers! A musical parody and short megillah reading and story, followed by costume parade and special treats make our Purim service and celebration a hoot!

Would you like to contribute to Mitzvah Madness tonight?  Bring boxes of uncooked pasta to shake as your groggers, and leave them at the Temple that night as a contribution to our Mitzvah Madness 4 Manna drive!

Our youth group, KESTY, does a fantastic job organizing our wonderful annual Purim Carnival during Religious School, intended for all ages! Click Here to see some 2009 Purim photos.

Please join us for our annual Sukkot Under the Stars, on the Friday evening of each Sukkot.  Enjoy the perfect celebration of Sukkot – under our “sukkah” in the outdoor Mark Mann Pavilion.  This participatory family service celebrates Sukkot by living as the holiday requires, in sight of the stars and in full view of nature.  We shake the lulav, smell the etrog, and really feel what it is to dwell with God in God’s beautiful creation.   Don’t forget to bring a flashlight!

Join us for family friendly services and celebrations – during Chanukah, we encourage multi-generational participation, including participation by our youth and adult choirs, congregational Chanukah dinners and candle lighting.

(Photo courtesy of Party Judaica LLC.)