January 27, 2012   3 Sh'vat 5772
Temple Emanu-El, Waterford, CT 
Search our site:
Welcome to Temple Emanu-El  

Temple Emanu-El strives to be a warm and welcoming Bet Knesset (House of Assembly), an inspiring and uplifting Bet Tefilah (House of Prayer), and an engaging and enlightening Bet Midrash (House of Study) for people of all ages and backgrounds.  We invite you to join us in our full range of services and programs.

Highlights  
Rabbi's Message  

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I make a pilgrimage to New York City several times a year. Not only do two of my sons live in Brooklyn, and Manhattan could be considered the cultural capital of the United States, but New York City is truly a center for American Jewry. Many of our immigrant ancestors were greeted by the Statue of Liberty. Some settled in the legendary Lower East Side. New York houses yeshivas and headquarters for the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements. Tourists flock to Ellis Island, the Jewish Museum and the Museum of Jewish Heritage (recently visited by our 8th Graders).

On Nov. 29th, the anniversary of the historic 1947 United Nations vote for partition of Palestine that opened the way for the birth of the State of Israel, I journeyed to New York City. My first stop was to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, Life and Faith in Biblical Times exhibit at Discovery Times Square, 226 W. 44th Street.

 (read more)

President's Message  
 Celia's Gift... [click here]
Sherry's Message  
“Days pass and the years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles...  [click here]
Upcoming Events  
The Temple Emanu-El Monthly Bulletin  

January BulletinThe Temple Emanu-El Bulletin is Temple Emanu-El's monthly newsletter and calendar. Click here or on the image to view the January bulletin and calendar.

If you would like to request a paper copy, please contact the temple office. Click here to view last month's December bulletin and calendar.

Temple Emanu-El Website  

Do you have photos of Temple events?  Want to share them with the Temple Emanu-El community?  Just click on the webmaster link at the bottom of the page and I'll help you post them here at the Temple Emanu-El website!   - Phil Ross

Friends of Emanu-El Business Directory  
2012 Travel Raffle  
Social Action Committee  

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

On a daily basis, many of us serve and give of ourselves without fanfare or recognition. We are a caring and loving congregation that lives up to the highest ideals of Judaism. The role of the Social Action Committee is to stimulate and support the performance of mitzvot by our members, especially mitzvot that help others beyond the Temple community.

First, in tandem with the rabbi the committee monitors the Temple Mitzvah Fund and makes thoughtful recommendations for congregational donations and the distribution of funds. Among the questions the committee considers are: What allocation of funds best fulfills our values as a congregation? How can we help locally, regionally, nationally, and globally? What charities achieve the greatest level of benefit dollar per dollar? And how can we support the service and organizations in which our own members are investing their time, labor, and creativity?

Second, the committee also coordinates the year-round collection of grocery, drug store, and general store gift cards. While most of the cards are distributed during holiday periods, some are used for emergencies and ongoing needs throughout the year. Members are encouraged to donate cards at any time and to bring non-perishable food for the community Interfaith Food Locker.

Third, the committee promotes involvement in our core service activities as a congregation. We have a long-standing volunteer commitment to Habitat for Humanity and local soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Anyone who wants to help is more than welcome.

Finally, the committee tries to recognize and support the mitzvah efforts of individual members, whether they are involved in one of our core service activities or another. Any member of the congregation 14 or older may apply for a Mitzvah Grant up to $360 to help with supplies or other expenses of a mitzvah project. The simple, one page application form is available in the office or here; the completed applications can be left in the Social Action Committee mailbox at the temple office or emailed to Wayne at wasilver@snet.net. These and other projects [including those completed by our Bar/Bat Mitzvah and religious school children] are highlighted during Temple Mitzvah Days, Friday evening Social Action services, or special programs in the religious school.

Any member of the congregation may join the Social Action Committee. For more information, e-mail Wayne Silver at wasilver@snet.net

Recent Event Highlights  
Making latkes at Temple Emanu-El on December 14, 2011.

Photos from Progressive Dinner on November 5, 2011.

Video from Simchat Torah.

Photos from Sisterhood Dinner Bunko on October 17, 2011.

Photos from Sukkot on October 12, 2011.

Photos from Tailgate Treasures and Trash on September 18, 2011.

Jewish World News  


Send mail to the Webmaster with
questions or comments about this web site.
Union for Reform Judaism Member of the
Union for
Reform Judaism