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.
Shabbat Services – An Overview
Our Friday evening services are generally led by Rabbi Drorah Setel with cantorial soloist Charlene Sommers and one or more accompanists including Rabbi Sandra Katz and Bob Dietch. Our fall and winter services begin at 7pm; starting in June, our services begin at 6pm, outdoors in the Memorial Courtyard if the weather permits. On the last Friday of each 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
In several of the months that have five 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 Rachelle, our office administrator (emanuelrochester@gmail.com, 585-461-2000, ex 203).
Saturday Morning Shabbat Services in 2025: Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 19, and May 17, at 10:30 am in the TechAge Room
Join us on for a spirited and engaging Shabbat service including Torah reading and discussion. We’ll be using our Reform prayerbook. All ages welcome. Childcare provided.
[Photo: Temple Emanu-El’s Torah ark with member Judy Greenstein. The ark was handcrafted by Julius Dorsey.]
This Month’s Shabbat Services
Fri, May 30, Fifth Friday Shabbat Dinner. In several of the months that have five 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 Rachelle, our office administrator (emanuelrochester@gmail.com, 585-461-2000, ex 203).
Celebrate Shavuot with Us!
Sunday, June 1, 1 pm at the JCC’s Ice Cream Social
Join us in celebrating Shavuot — an uplifting holiday of learning, creativity, and community! This year, we’re partnering with the JCC’s Ice Cream Social for a joyful afternoon of tradition and fun.
Activities include:
Paper Cutting – Explore this beautiful art form and its history
Text Study – Engage in lively discussion and reflection on themes of reflection and renewal
Blessings Walk – A mindful stroll to connect with nature and gratitude
And of course, enjoy plenty of delicious ice cream as we celebrate Torah and togetherness.
All ages welcome—bring your friends, family, and a sweet tooth!
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.]