Join Us for Tu b’Shevat!
Guests and visitors are warmly invited to join us!
Upcoming Classes – All Are Welcome
Understanding the Kaddish
Tuesday, Feb 21, 12noon at the JCC
The Jewish prayer said in memory of the dead is actually an extended litany of praise for God. In this session, Rabbi Drorah Setel will lead a discussion about why this is so, what the words of the prayer actually mean, and why it is recited in Aramaic rather than Hebrew. We’ll also look at some traditional and contemporary alternatives for saying Kaddish. Sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and Lifespan.
Preparing for Passover
Tuesdays: Mar 7, 14, 21, and 28, 11:30am at the JCC
In these four sessions led by Rabbi Drorah Setel, we will learn together to prepare for Passover both spiritually and practically. The classes will cover the story of the Exodus and biblical Passover traditions, the Haggadah (seder ritual), rabbinic teachings on observing Passover, and contemporary and global Passover customs. Sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and Lifespan.
A Taste of Jewish Mysticism
Tuesdays: Apr 4, 11, 18, and 25, 11am at the JCC
Rabbi Drorah Setel will lead this series which will give participants a broad overview of the history and teachings of Jewish mystical traditions, beginning with the Hebrew Bible and continuing to the present day. Session topics are: Early mystical teachings, Medieval mysticisms, Hassidic movements, and Modern mysticisms. Sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and Lifespan.
Exploring Jewishness
Wednesdays:
Part 1 – Mar 15, 22, and 29; Apr 19 and 26
Part 2 – May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
7-8pm at the JCC either in person or via Zoom – specify your preference with your registration (registration link coming soon)
Fee: $40, each part
This course offered by Rabbi Drorah Setel provides an opportunity to examine the diversity of Jewish life and to engage with Jewish history and traditions from multiple perspectives, examining how Jews are a culture, ethnicity, nation, nationality, race, religion, and more. This class is intended for anyone who wishes to understand Jewish identity as a multifaceted experience, whether learning about Judaism for the first time or wishing to bring their earlier learning up to date. Offered by the Rochester Kollel.
קהילת עמנו אל
K’hilat Imanu El – Our Emanu-El Congregation
תורה
Torah
Study
עבודה
Avodah
Celebration
תקון אולם
Tikkun Olam
Mending the World
Shalom and thanks for visiting our Temple Emanu-El website
We are a Reform Jewish Congregation in Rochester, New York. Our members are Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and those drawn to Judaism, including multiracial, LGBTQ+, and interfaith households. We see ourselves as a family, where everyone’s participation is sought and appreciated. We invite you to attend our services and events, and share in our warm, informal approach to Reform Judaism.
This Week at Temple Emanu-El
Shabbat Service, Tu BiShvat Seder, and Potluck Dinner
Friday, Feb 3, 6pm in person in the Erdle Lounge at the JCC
Chevre Torah Study Online
Saturday, Feb 4, 10am and 11:05am via Zoom
Hospitality Team Meeting Online
Tuesday, Feb 7, 7:30pm via Zoom
Our Covid-19 Policy
We value the health and safety of all who worship, celebrate, and learn with us. We want to take care of each other and are particularly conscious of protecting the most vulnerable among us. For that reason, we ask that attendees at our in-person services, celebrations, and events (whether held indoors or not) wear masks. It is essential that masks be worn properly, as described by the CDC.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Rabbi Drorah Setel’s Jan 25, 2023 Message
You may have noticed recently that it’s not getting dark quite as early as it was a few weeks ago. Almost imperceptibly, we are moving toward spring. Tree sap is beginning to rise and it will soon be maple syrup season. Next week we will be observing Tu b’Shevat (the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat), a holiday which celebrates the significance of trees but also the importance of each season, both in nature and in our lives.
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Our Temple Emanu-El Tu b’Shevat Seder will combine mystical traditions of food and drink, symbolizing the changing seasons and our own spiritual development, with newer customs connecting the holiday to environmental consciousness. With that in mind, we will focus on foods that are grown in our region and consider our ties with the land on which we live.
Read Rabbi Setel’s Entire Message
Also from Rabbi Setel
World Union for Progressive Judaism – www.wupj.org. For those wishing to donate specifically to the Ukrainian Jewish community, consider giving to the WUPJ Ukraine Crisis Fund.
