Board of Trustees Meeting Online
3rd Tuesday of the month, 7pm – next meeting Feb 21 via Zoom
Our Board meetings are open to all current Temple Emanu-El members. To login by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 848 0442 4414.
Books and Bagels
One Sunday a month, 10am – next meeting Feb 26 via Zoom
We discuss books of Jewish interest; bring a book to present or come to discuss the books that others bring. To join our discussion by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 833 6569 0413. To zoom into online discussions, click on the button below.
Chevre Torah Study
Every Saturday
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. You are welcome to join either or both of the sessions; no prior knowledge of the texts is assumed. For the Hebrew blessing for Torah study, click here: blessing.
Next meeting Saturday, Feb 4, 10am and 11:05am via Zoom
From 10 – 10:55am – Isaiah 42:5 – 43:7. God promises redemption and return from exile, finally declaring, “I have kept silent far too long, kept still and restrained myself.” Can we ask if God has been mostly or completely silent through centuries of Jewish suffering? Is that a heretical question? It was asked in Psalm 44: “Why do You hide Your face, ignoring our affliction and distress?”
From 11:05pm – noon – Exodus 13:17 – 14:31. After being led by God’s highly visible and dramatic signs, the Israelites cross the sea. Noteworthy is that the text describes an event very differently than depicted in Bible paintings and Hollywood movies. Most striking is that the crossing happens at night, in the dark. Why not in full daylight, for all to see?
Hebrew for Adults Online
Thursday evenings via Zoom
7pm – Beginning Hebrew – By the end of this course, you’ll be able to pronounce (decode, read aloud) any Hebrew word and also know the meaning of a number of Hebrew words that are important in our liturgy.
8pm – Prayer Book Hebrew – For adults who can read (decode) Hebrew. We basically stroll through the Shabbat prayer book, discussing the service, words, and meanings, with time for reading practice as well.
The courses are open to everyone. They are free for Temple Emanu-El members; non-members are asked to make a donation from their hearts. Contact Leslie Schwartz (schwartzljs@gmail.com) for more information and if you are interested in attending one of the 2022-2023 courses.
Hospitality Team Meeting Online
1st Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm – next meeting Tuesday, Feb 7 via Zoom
All are welcome. To login by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 869 2515 9460.
Men’s Club
2nd Tuesday of the month, 9am – next get-together Tuesday, Feb 14 at the Nutcracker Family Restaurant
Opportunities for Learning taught by Rabbi Drorah Setel
–Understanding the Kaddish
Tuesday, Feb 21, 12noon in the Erdle Lounge at the JCC
The Jewish prayer said in memory of the dead is actually an extended litany of praise for God. In this session we’ll discuss 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. All are welcome.
–Preparing for Passover
Tuesdays: Mar 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 11:30am in the Erdle Lounge at the JCC
In these four sessions, 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. All are welcome.
–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 – please specify your preference with your registration (registration link coming soon)
Fee: $40, each part
This course offers an opportunity to examine the diversity of Jewish life and to engage with Jewish history and traditions from multiple perspectives. Our text will be Judaisms: A Twenty-First-Century Introduction to Jews and Jewish Identities by Aaron Hahn J. Tapper, which examines how Jews are a culture, ethnicity, nation, nationality, race, religion, and more. Each chapter of the book addresses a theme (such as Narratives, Mysticisms or Cultures) and illustrates how it is understood by different Jewish communities over time. 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. Participants are asked to obtain a copy of the book and, if possible, read the first chapter (Narratives) prior to the first class. Offered by the Rochester Kollel.
–A Taste of Jewish Mysticism
Tuesdays: Apr 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 11am in the Erdle Lounge at the JCC
This series 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. All are welcome.
Spiritual Practices Team Meeting Online
2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm – next meeting Feb 14 via Zoom
All are welcome. To login by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 852 6777 2051.
Tikkun Olam Team Meeting
One Sunday per month, 11:30am – next meeting TBD
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 more information, contact Carl Wetzstein (561-699-1494). To join online meetings by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 811 2007 4902. To Zoom into online meetings, click on the button below.