The following programs represent a sampling of our diverse activities. Our volunteers, in partnership with our professional staff, contribute to the vibrancy of Temple life through involvement in these activities Your participation is always welcome.
Alumni Connection: Originally conceived of to serve college-age students, and recently expanded to include members’ children age 22-29, the Alumni Connection is our way of staying in touch with young adults. They may not be living in this community, but they are still part of our congregational family. Our gifts may include apple fruit leather and honey sticks, a disposable menorah and candles, chocolate covered matzo, links to the Rabbi’s High Holy Day sermons and most importantly, a voice from home reminding them of their heritage and community.
Brotherhood: The Brotherhood consists of the men of the congregation, of all ages, backgrounds, and interests, who come together to enhance the vibrancy of Temple life. They host a year-long calendar of events as well as organize fund-raisers for charitable gifts which benefit the Temple.
Continuing Education: Our commitment to life-long learning includes a diversity of educational opportunities.
Religious School: The Samuel and Bernice Shapiro Religious School of Temple Emanu-El is dedicated to preparing our students to live and engage Jewish tradition in an inclusive community of life-long learning. Our program combines study with prayer and celebration for students in grades K-12 as we explore Torah and Jewish culture and values; acquire Hebrew and synagogue skills; experience holidays together, and get busy with a variety of community service projects.
Sisterhood: The Sisterhood consists of the women of the congregation, of all ages, backgrounds, and interests, who find joy in one another as they come together to celebrate their heritage, socialize, support, share and learn.
SMARTY: SMARTYYAiSH, the ground-breaking collaborative youth program between Temple Emanu-El and Congregation Shirat Hayam is the most active Jewish youth group on the North Shore. We run 6 – 8 events a month for Jewish Teens in grades 6-12 and are always welcoming to new members.
Social Action: Helping to repair the world, tikun olam, is a core Jewish value. Our Social Action program promotes a wide variety of activities throughout the year, such as the High Holyday Food Drive, the Book Drive for Reach Out and Read, Mitzvah Day, celebration with local churches of Martin Luther King’s birthday, serving monthly in a local soup kitchen, and participation in world issues where injustice exists, to name just a few activities.
Torah Study: “I don’t know enough for Torah Study…I can’t even read Hebrew…I don’t have time to prepare…” That’s what a lot of us thought before we started participating in Temple Emanu-El’s Torah Study. But after a few sessions, we understood that no Hebrew or previous knowledge is required; and all that is needed is an open mind and a desire to understand Torah in the light of our modern lives. Every Saturday morning we gather for study of the week’s Torah portion, in an informal session.
Young Families: Our children keep us young! A series of services, celebrations and programs designed for children age 6 and younger and their families (older siblings, too). We gather throughout the year for food, stories, music, friends, and fun, with a Jewish flavor.
