Adult Ed
Elul Class 2025 – Harm and Healing: Contemporary Perspectives on Teshuvah
Online: Wednesday evenings at 7pm: Aug 27, Sept 3, and Sept 10 via Zoom
In-person: Thursday mornings at 10am: Aug 28, Sept 11, and Sept 18 in the TEE Library at the JCC
Teshuvah, “return,” is the focus of the High Holidays. It is traditional to begin reflecting on our actions and their consequences during the month of Elul, leading up to Rosh Hashanah. In these three sessions we will explore the writing of three contemporary authors on the topic, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, Sarah Schulman, and Dr. Judith L. Herman. Their work leads us to consider not only the harm we do to others, but how we assess harm, as well as how we might heal from the harms that have been done to us. No previous study of the topic is required and all are welcome to participate. Please register so we can plan ahead.
Click here for the readings for the second class.
Click here for the readings for the third class.
Board of Trustees Meetings
Our Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month – our next Board meeting is on Tues, Sept 16 at 7pm via Zoom. Our monthly Board meetings are open to all current Temple Emanu-El members.
For meetings on Zoom, login by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 848 0442 4414. [Photo: Our 2025 Board in Zoomland]
Chevre Torah Study
Most Saturday mornings
Chevre Torah provides an in-depth discussion of the weekly Torah portion and highlights from the other books of the Bible, combining traditional commentaries with contemporary perspectives and the wisdom of our own experience. No prior knowledge of the texts is assumed. For the Hebrew blessing for Torah study, click here: blessing.
Our next meeting will be on Sept 20, via Zoom. Check our calendar for times.
To login by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 884 3153 5267. [Photo: Temple Emanu-El members Charlie and Charly Sommers unrolling our Torah scroll on Simchat Torah]
Family Fun
We meet on the first Shabbat of each month from 9am – 11am at one of our member’s homes
Join us each month as we gather with our young children to enjoy a Shabbat morning together. We look forward to sharing traditions and celebrating each new season with our Jewish community.
For more information, contact Nick at TritonCeramics@gmail.com or Alexa at alexalacey@me.com.
Men’s Club
Once a month – our next get-together will be on Oct 7 at 9am at George’s Restaurant
Join us for breakfast and conversation. George’s Restaurant is located at 1601 Penfield Rd, Rochester (west end of Panorama Plaza, by Dollar Tree). Please contact Dave Kassnoff with reservations by Oct. 2 (davek57@yahoo.com).
Music Monday
First Monday of the month at 7pm at members’ homes – our next get-together will be on Sept 15 – an extra September meeting to rehearse for the High Holidays
Join us on the first Monday of every month for Music Monday — a chance to learn new songs and dig into old favorites with Temple Emanu-El’s cantorial soloist, Charly Sommers. All are welcome. For additional details or to RSVP, contact Charlene at Girardsommers@gmail.com
[Image by Fruke Riether courtesy of Pixabay]
Rabbi’s Book Club
Selected Sundays at 11am in the TEE Library at the JCC
Join us for a lively discussion of Jewish literature.
Our next meeting will be on Oct 5 at 11am in the TEE Library at the JCC. We will discuss The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Sit ‘n Stitch
Second Sunday of each month from 11am – 12pm in the TEE Library at the JCC – our next get-together is on Oct 12.
We have a monthly group where we knit, crochet, sew, and work on needle crafts together. Bring your projects and a snack and beverage if you’d like. There is no need to RSVP. We hope you’ll come by!
Spiritual Practices Team Meetings Online
2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm – our next meeting is on Oct 14 via Zoom.
All are welcome. To login by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 852 6777 2051. [Photo by Temple Emanu-El Member Dave Kassnoff]
Tikkun Olam Team
As Reform Jews, we participate actively in Tikkun Olam, “repair of the world.” Our social justice work is done in a variety of ways: education on the issues, advocacy for specific policies and legislation, and implementing our vision through direct action and service. Please join us to hear what we’re doing next – we’d love to have your input and help. For meeting dates and more information, contact Carl (561-699-1494, carlwetzstein38@gmail.com).