Services at Temple Emanuel are known for their warm and inviting spirit. The clergy highly value participation from all aspects of the congregation, young and old. We welcome a baby’s cry, a laugh out loud, or a question from the kahal, the congregation. Our liturgy is liberal and egalitarian, allowing for different views of faith and tradition to exist beautifully side by side. The Rabbi and the Cantor weave music, stories, text and teaching into services for Jews from all backgrounds. The clergy and leadership are always in tune with what is new and creative in the Reform Movement, and they are often leading those creative trends.
Erev Shabbat Services
We gather every Friday evening to welcome Shabbat. Our service consists of Kabbalat Shabbat (receiving the Sabbath) and Maariv (the evening service).
We have several types of Erev Shabbat Services, and hope you’ll come and enjoy them all!
Our very talented and active Adult Choir, Kol Zimrah shares their love of music and of prayer during one Friday Shabbat service every month, and they perform in various community concerts throughout the year.
Our home-grown band of temple members, the Mizmor L’Shabbat Band, enhances our music and sense of community when they share the bimah leading many times during the year.
Services begin at either 6:30 or 7:30pm. Usually 6:30pm services begin after a prozdor (light snacks); 7:30pm services are followed by an oneg (sweet treats); the schedule is confirmed in weekly emails or contact the Temple office.
We are occasionally joined by our Mizmor L’Shabbat Ensemble, our home-grown band of temple members.
Tot Shabbat
Bring your instruments and join Rabbi Adam and Cantor Lindsay in singing songs, hearing stories, and celebrating Shabbat with your Temple Emanuel community. This engaging 30-minute service is most appropriate for newborns through 6-year olds but siblings are welcome! Tot Shabbat services are on Friday evenings at 5:30 pm, generally monthly September – June.
Please check our calendar for the next Tot Shabbat service.
Torah Study
Join us for study and discussion of the weekly parashah every Saturday at 9:00am. Learners of all levels are welcome. Torah Study is often lay led and open to all. It generally meets in a hybrid format – attendees can choose to be in person or via Zoom. Confirm details with our weekly emails. Learn more and sign up to lead a weekly Torah study HERE
Simchat Shabbat
One Shabbat a month September – May at 10:00am, join Rabbi Adam, Cantor Lindsay, and the Kol Ruach Junior Choir for a joyful and fun service. There will be lots of singing, a creative Torah reading, and a story. Religious School students will help lead sections of liturgy, and each service concludes with a festive kiddush lunch. The students share songs, stories, dramatic presentations and thoughtful readings. All are welcome, this service is specifically designed for students in grades Pre-K through 7th. (In-person only)
Shalom Shabbat
One Shabbat a month September – May at 10:00am. Our clergy and laypersons lead a service geared for learners and seekers. A “learners’ minyan”, with interesting explanations of the liturgy and structure of the service, healing services, and focus on themes related to Shabbat. The service includes a Torah reading, quiet meditations, and contemplative music, and will be followed by a kiddush lunch. All are welcome! (In-person only)
B’nei Mitzvah
Join us as we pray and honor the newest leaders of our Temple Emanuel community. Bar/Bat/Brit Mitzvah is a significant life cycle event, shared by students, their families, and the entire community. Students chant from the Torah, lead portions of the service, and deliver a D’var Torah (sermon), demonstrating that they are worthy of being called a Bar/Bat/Brit Mitzvah, a child of the commandments, someone who can now fully participate in the religious life of our people. There are opportunitiess for members of families from diverse backgrounds to participate, as
well as a great deal of active participation from the community. Learn more about b’nei mitzvah at Temple Emanuel here.
Temple Emanuel has hosted Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Shabbats since 1987; click here for details of past programs and speakers. Save the Date for Friday January 17, 2025!
Temple Emanuel has hosted Kulanu / Pride Services since 2000; click here for details of past programs and speakers.
Temple Emanuel has hosted several speakers commemorating Labor Day on the Bimah, click here for details of past speakers.
