We offer regular worship and social opportunities to gather in community each month, along with special programs. Check out our Calendar of events, and descriptions below.
-
Joint Service with Etz ChaimJanuary 16, 2026, at Etz Chaim at 7:30 pm
2 Mountain Rise Fairport, NY 14450
Join us on Friday as we gather with the congregation at Etz Chaim to celebrate community and connection, led by Rabbi Sandra Katz and Cantor Charlene Sommers. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday, our service is inspired by his enduring legacy and teachings. As was observed last Friday, “We all sing a little bit louder when we’re together!”
If you’d like more information before attending, please contact our office at emanuelrochester@gmail.com. -
We welcome guests and visitors to join our informal, personal worship services and holiday celebrations, which always include time to share news about our lives. We’d love to have you join us. For up-to-date information about any of the services, please visit the calendar at the top of this page.
Shabbat Services
Our Friday evening services are currently lay-led, as we work to find a new Rabbi, with cantorial soloist Charlene Sommers and one or more accompanists, including Rabbi Sandra Katz and Bob Dietch. From Passover to Sukkot our services begin at 6 pm and from Sukkot to Passover, our services begin at 7 pm. Our Shabbat services are typically followed by an oneg where you can enjoy conversation with our members, along with the tasty sweetness of the Sabbath. For Temple Emanu-El’s Music YouTube channel that includes songs we sing during services, click here: music.
On the fourth Friday of each month, we hold a combined Shabbat service and potluck dinner, beginning at 6 pm, with no oneg. On the fifth Friday of each month, we have a potluck dinner at various congregants’ homes. Please contact xkarsten@gmail.com for more information.
We’d love to have you join us at any of our services. Just come by! If you’d like more information ahead of a visit, please contact our office at emanuelrochester@gmail.com. We look forward to meeting you!
Chevre Torah Study Online
Most Saturday mornings, via Zoom – Currently on Hiatus.
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.
Family Fun
We meet on the first Shabbat of each month from 9 am – 11 am at one of our members’ homes
Join us each month as we gather for a Shabbat event open to everyone but with a particular focus on children. We share Shabbat traditions and celebrate a key Jewish concept each month. Bring a friend! Grandparents, cousins, neighbors, and anyone you think might enjoy it is welcome. For this month’s topic and RSVP information, check out the description in the calendar above!
-
We have a variety of social programs each month. Below are our regular recurring programs. For up-to-date information about any of the programs – including this month’s topic – keep an eye on the newsletter and the Calendar.
Temple Library Book Club
First Sunday of the month at 11 am in the TEE Library. Our Temple Book Club brings participants together to explore a variety of books, share perspectives, and engage in thoughtful discussion. It’s a welcoming space to connect with others through literature and community. See our calendar and newsletter for this month’s book!First Monday of the month at 7:30 pm at various locations. Join us for 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 (including this month’s location) or to RSVP, contact Charlene at Girardsommers@gmail.com.
Sit ‘n Stitch
Second Sunday of the month at 11 am at the TEE Library at the JCC. 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!
Brunch Talk
Third Sunday of the month at 11 am at the JCC. We host a monthly brunch featuring engaging speakers on a wide range of topics. Each gathering offers an opportunity to learn something new, connect with others, and enjoy good food and conversation. Whether the focus is culture, community, or current events, there’s always something inspiring to take away.
Men’s Club
Once a month, the time, date, and locations vary—see the Calendar for the next get-together. Join us for breakfast and conversation. Please contact Dave Kassnoff (davek57@yahoo.com) with reservations by the Friday before.
-
We come together at various times throughout the year to celebrate our shared holidays. Below are the general descriptions of what you can expect. These will change as the holidays get closer, so please do check back!
High Holidays
Our High Holiday services are warm, inclusive, welcoming, and informal — a time to gather in community, reflect, and begin anew. As is our tradition, the second day of Rosh Hashana is lay-led, bringing our voices and hearts together in a special way. We invite you to celebrate these sacred days with us — whether you come every year or this is your first time, you are welcome here.
Sukkot
The Shabbat of Sukkot, we learn about (and make!) local lulav and etrog over a potluck dinner in the Sukkah.
Simchat Torah
On the Shabbat of Simchat Torah, we hold a special service to dance, read the last and first parashiyot, and get up close to the Torah!
Hanukkah Celebration
In the darkest time of the year, we gather to light candles, eat latkas and sufganiyot (okay, sometimes it’s donuts), sing songs, play dreidle, entertain ourselves with crafts, and enjoy one another.
Zoom Hanukkah Candle Lighting
Each night of Hanukkah, when we’re not together in person, we gather on Zoom for our nightly Candle Lighting tradition. During this lay-led 15-minute program, we will light the candles, say the blessings, the lay leader will share a story, memory, or reading, and Charlene will lead us in song.
We start promptly at 6:15, and you can expect to be ready to continue your evening at 6:30 pm.
Dates, the Song & Prayer Sheet, and the Zoom Information will be updated here.
Tu Bishvat Seder
Join us for a Shabbat service and Tu BiShvat seder, celebrating renewal, gratitude, and our connection to the natural world. We look forward to celebrating together!
Purim Shabbat
Celebrate Purim Shabbat with us – Join us for a joyful, carnivalesque evening featuring Purim trivia, singing, and an interpretive Purim spiel. We hope to see you there!
Community Passover Seder
Each year we gather for an evening Seder dinner, singing, story, and community. This is a potluck! Drinks, matzah, and the ceremonial foods of the seder plate will be provided (including Matzah Ball Soup, of course!). We ask every attending to bring a dairy or vegan Kosher-for Passover dish to pass. More information can be found here!
Shavot
Each year we come together to celebrate Shavot with a short program to introduce the holiday, and various stations for arts and crafts, paper cuttings, text study, (weather permitting) a nature-based scavenger hunt outside, and other activities. We close the celebrations together with a few songs. Some years we partner with the JCC, while other years we do our own thing!
-
If you are interested in the goings on and running of TEE, you’ve come to the right place. All our meetings are open to the public. For an up-to-date list of meetings this month, updates to the location, and Zoom information please – visit our calendar!
Temple Team Meeting
Second Tuesday of the month on Zoom (unless otherwise indicated in the calendar). This gathering brings together Temple Emanuel team leads and congregants interested in deeper involvement to review upcoming events and identify needs for the next two months. The focus is on collaboration, volunteer coordination, and developing new programs or offerings. This is a working meeting centered on planning and participation; broader concerns such as governance, facilities, etc are addressed through board meetings.
Board of Trustees Meetings
Third Tuesday of the month on Zoom (unless otherwise indicated in the calendar), our Board meets to discuss the day-to-day business of the Temple. Meetings are open to all congregational members.
Congregational Meetings
Once a year, each June, we gather to approve our annual budget, elect our board, hear from each team, and make various decisions that impact our community. Special Congregational Meetings are held as needed. Members are informed of these meetings (both regular and special) in accordance with the TEE Constitution.
-
We offer many opportunities throughout the year to come together as a community outside of worship. Below are our regular annual offerings; special offerings are at the top of this page. Please keep an eye on the newsletter and check back here or on the Calendar as we get closer for more details on any specific event.
Annual Congregational Picnic
Annually, typically in August in Seneca Park. Have fun and relax with our members and friends at our Annual Summer Picnic. Hot dogs and veggie dogs, water, and plates will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass and an ingredient list to help those with dietary concerns. Bring games, if you’d like.
Cemetery Clean Up
At various times throughout the year, we come together to clean up our cemetery plots.
Flags In
Twice per year (Memorial Day and Veterans Day), we place American flags at the 31 graves of our veterans. Please join us if you’re able.