We welcome guests and visitors to join our informal and personal worship services and holiday celebrations, where we always include time for sharing news about our lives. We have returned to in-person services and celebrations, and it has been wonderful. On the other hand, we have found that Zoom actually suits some of us, so we are trying to also include Zoom options for many of our in-person services, celebrations, and events. Whether in-person or online, we strive for connection and warmth. We’d love to have you join us.
For Temple Emanu-El’s Music YouTube channel that includes songs we sing during services, click here: music.
Friday Evening Shabbat Services
Our evening services are generally led by Rabbi Drorah Setel with cantorial soloist Charlene Sommers and one or more accompanists including Rabbi Sandra Katz, Bob Dietch, and Dave Schwartz. Our fall and winter services start at 7pm; on the last Friday of the month, we generally have a combined Shabbat service and potluck dinner that begins at 6pm.
Fifth Friday Shabbat Dinners in 2025: Jan 31, May 30, Aug 29, and Oct 31
On Fifth Fridays, small groups of Temple members gather in different homes to share a meal, reflect on Shabbat, and enjoy each other’s company. Each host provides a main course, guests bring a dish to pass, and hosts will have a suggested program to help guide the evening and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For more information and to express your interest in being a guest (or a host!), contact Jo-Ann, our office administrator (emanuelrochester@gmail.com, 585-461-2000, ex 203).
Fri, Feb 7, Shabbat Service, 7pm in the Lipson Lounge at the JCC (Enter the building through the main entrance across from the main parking lot). Our service will be led by Rabbi Drorah setel accompanied by Charlene Sommers.
Fri, Feb 14, Tu BiShvat Seder, 6pm in the TechAge Room at the JCC
Join us for a unique Tu BiShvat Seder that celebrates and explores our local ecosystem. Guided by Rabbi Drorah Setel and ethnobotanist and educator Lauren Mohn, with music provided by Charlene Sommers and Rabbi Sandra Katz, we’ll delve into the rich tapestry of native plant species and their cultural significance in the Rochester area.
Tu BiShvat, often referred to as the “New Year for Trees,” is traditionally marked by partaking in fruits and nuts. Our Seder will honor this tradition by incorporating local, seasonal fruits and plants, fostering a deeper connection to our immediate natural surroundings.
Lauren will share her expertise on the relationships between people and plants, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and human well-being through a connection to the natural world. Her insights will guide us in understanding the importance of native species and how we can contribute to the health of our local environment.
This Seder is an invitation to reflect on our role as caretakers of the earth, inspired by the teachings of Tu BiShvat and our unique ecology. We look forward to sharing this meaningful evening with you as we deepen our appreciation for the natural world and our place within it.
RSVP to attend our Tu BiShvat Seder
Fri, Feb 21, Shabbat Service, 7pm in the Lipson Lounge at the JCC (Enter the building through the main entrance across from the main parking lot). Our service will be led by Rabbi Drorah setel accompanied by Charlene Sommers and Bob Dietch.
Fri, Feb 28, Shabbat Service and Potluck Dinner, 6pm in the Lipson Lounge at the JCC (Enter the building through the main entrance across from the main parking lot). Our service will be led by Rabbi Drorah Setel. Participants are asked to bring a dish to share along with an ingredient list to help those with dietary concerns. [No meat, poultry, or shellfish, please, and vegan and gluten-free options are always welcome.]
[Photo: Temple Emanu-El’s Torah ark with member Judy Greenstein. The ark was handcrafted by Julius Dorsey.]
Here’s what you need to know to join services that feature Zoom:
For most services and holiday celebrations (except our High Holiday services and Hanukkah candle lighting), when we are on Zoom, you can join by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and using meeting ID 859 5479 0326, or by clicking on the Zoom link that follows.
We use the Reform Movement’s Mishkan T’filah prayer book for our Shabbat services. Temple Emanu-El members may check out a copy of the prayer book from our office (585-461-2000, ext 203 or emanuelrochester@gmail.com). Kindle and print versions of the prayer book can be purchased from the CCAR Press website – there are several options, eg Shabbat only, Shabbat + Weekdays and Festivals, transliterations included, no transliterations, etc.
We also sometimes use supplemental service handouts: Supplement1, Supplement2, Supplement3, Supplement4, Supplement5, Supplement6, Supplement7, and Supplement8. (For convenience, you may want to print these out and put them in order in a binder.) The service descriptions, above, will indicate if we’ll be using supplemental handouts.
[Photo: Temple Emanu-El’s reading desk with member Gary Horwitz, who designed and handcrafted it. Photo by member Carl Wetzstein.]