Almost all of our events are open to members and non-members alike – please join us.
Mysticism, Meditation, and Mindfulness
Tuesdays, Sept 3, 10, 17 and 24, 7-8:30pm
Contemporary Judaism has been deeply influenced by a revival of Jewish mystical traditions emphasizing a personal connection with the sacred. In these four sessions we will learn about and experience spiritual practices rooted in Jewish mystical teachings. The classes will be held at Temple Emanu-El from 7 – 8:30 pm. All are welcome for any of the sessions. There is no fee for members; a donation of any amount is requested from guests.
Session 1: Mysticism (Sept 3)
In the first class we will explore mystical teachings from the past while learning how they have been brought forward into contemporary belief and practice.
Session 2: Meditation (Sept 10)
Mystical practices have emerged from diverse Jewish communities for thousands of years. This session will introduce various forms of meditation that have become part of contemporary Jewish ritual.
Session 3: Mindfulness (Sept 17)
While the term “mindfulness” has come to us from Buddhism, the cultivation of spiritual awareness is, of course, profoundly Jewish as well. In this class we will consider how a range of Jewish traditions, such as prayer, kashrut, and Shabbat, may enhance mindfulness in our own lives.
Session 4: Meaningful High Holidays (Sept 24)
In this final session we will discuss High Holiday traditions in light of the mystical ideas and practices we have studied, seeking to give them greater meaning in the coming year.
Shabbat Morning Chevra Torah
Saturdays, Sept 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, 10am
Chevra Torah meets on Saturday mornings from 10-11:30am for an in-depth discussion of the weekly Torah portion, combining traditional commentaries with contemporary perspectives and the wisdom of our own experience. We’d love to have you join us.
Cemetery Cleanup at Riverside Cemetery
Sunday, Sept 22, 10am
Join us in holy work to honor and remember our departed members. We will meet at the front entrance of Riverside Cemetery at 10am. Bring gloves, shovels, hand tools, etc.
Men’s Club
Tuesday, Oct 8, 9am
Our Men’s Club meets for coffee at Panera’s, 12 Corners, Brighton. RSVP to Michael (388-5211 or perlson@frontiernet.net). Open to all Temple Emanu-El men.
Discussion Oneg
Friday, Oct 11 after the conclusion of our 7:30pm Shabbat service
Ian Layton, Temple Emanu-El member, will talk about the Rochester Rapid Response Network – a local group that engages in community action, education, and political advocacy to support immigrants facing detention or deportation.
Sukkot Celebration
Sunday, Oct 3, 4pm
We will celebrate the holiday with sukkah decoration, seasonal crafts and pizza. (Vegan and gluten-free options will be available.) Family friendly!
Project Homeless Connect Volunteer Opportunity
Monday, Oct 14, 4–7pm
On Tuesday, Oct 15, Project Homeless Connect (HomelessConnectRochester.org ) will hold a “Day of Services” for the homeless community, offering a variety of services such as medical referrals, dental care, and clothing. Our Tikkun Olam Team will be helping out by sorting the donated clothing on Monday at the War Memorial / Blue Cross Arena. Please let Carl Wetzstein (266-6982 or carlwetzstein38@gmail.com) know if you plan to come.
Simchat Torah Celebration
Sunday, Oct 20, 4pm
Be part of our joyous celebration as we unroll our Torah, dance, sing, and eat. Family friendly!
Challah Baking
Thursday, Oct 24, 7-8:30pm
While waiting for the dough to rise and bake, we will study about the coming month.
Supper Before Services
Friday, Oct 25, 5:30pm
Please join us for a pleasant dinner at Tran Huy Gardens (the old Taste of China, under new ownership), 519 Ridge Road East, prior to heading to Sabbat Services. RSVP by Thursday, Oct 24 to Carl Wetzstein, 585-266–6982, carlwetzstein38@gmail.com or reply on-line at https://emanuelrochester.org/reservations-carl/
Books and Bagels
Sunday, Oct 27, 10am
We’re a small but dedicated group, and we’d love to have you join us for conversations about books of Jewish interest. Call Carl (585-266-6982) to confirm that we’re meeting. Free and open to the community – visitors and guests are warmly welcome.
Tikkun Olam (“Repairing the World”) Team Meeting
Sunday, Oct 27, 11:30am
We will review our completed projects and to plan future ones. Our aim is to help those in the community, both Jewish and not, who are in need. All are welcome.