About Us

Our Mission

Temple Emanu-El is an egalitarian, Conservative synagogue serving the spiritual and communal needs of our congregants in the northern valley of Bergen County, NJ.  For more than 95 years, Temple Emanu-El has sustained an atmosphere of warmth and spirituality that brings families back from generation to generation.

Under the direction of our clergy Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, Assistant Rabbi Gabe Cohen, Rabbi for Lifelong Learning Jeremy Ruberg, and Cantor Israel Singer, we offer daily and Shabbat services, a wide range of programming for adults and children of all ages, and one of the pre-eminent Religious School programs in Bergen County.  We also offer a vibrant Adult Education program, an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Social Action Committee, Israeli Affairs Committee, and special programs for teens.

The spiritual experiences and social programming at Temple Emanu-El provide multiple opportunities for our members and visitors to connect to their Jewish heritage, to the State of Israel, and to form life-long bonds with their fellow congregants and community members.

Services

Under the leadership and guidance of Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, Assistant Rabbi Gabe Cohen, Rabbi for Lifelong Learning Jeremy Ruberg, and Cantor Israel Singer warmth and abundant spirituality permeate all of our services. At Temple Emanu-El, you will experience a welcoming and engaging environment set in a traditional egalitarian Conservative framework. Daily minyan takes place Sunday mornings at 9:00am and Monday–Thursday at 7:00pm. Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv is on Friday evenings at 6:15pm and Shabbat morning services are at 9:00am.

LifeCycle Events

The circle of life is both celebrated and revered at Temple Emanu-El. We encourage families to hold their britot and baby naming ceremonies and smachot at the synagogue. B’nai Mitzvoth are currently our single largest lifecycle event and are generally held in the context of Shabbat morning services. Our spectacular Sanctuary and facilities offer an elegant venue for weddings. Finally, our clergy and staff provide the utmost in assistance during times of illness, loss, and need.

Youth Services

Temple Emanu-El’s Youth Groups are where children in 1st grade through 12th grade have fun with their friends in a social environment. We have four Youth Groups that meet monthly either at the synagogue or off site. These groups are Ta’am (Birth- 5 years old), Chaverim (K- 2nd grade), Ruach (3rd–5th grade), Kadima (6th–8th grade), ATID (8th grade) & F2F (9th–12th grade). We also participate in regional and national events through the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Your children will look forward to participating in our events, and you will love the Jewish friendships that they make and the growth and learning that take place in an informal environment.

Religious School

Temple Emanu-El’s Jewish learning environment is fun and relevant. Our curriculum emphasizes Hebrew literacy, Jewish culture, Bible, and Israel; customized materials ensure that all lessons are age- and grade-appropriate. The classroom experience is enhanced through Tefillah, hands-on activities, School Wide Mitzvah Days, Kabbalat Shabbat services, and much more. Children with learning differences are welcome.

Caring

In times of need, Temple Emanu-El is always there for its congregants and their families. Our clergy regularly conduct home and hospital visits, as well as connect members with community services. We are blessed to have both Chesed and Bikkur Cholim Committees which reach out to those who are recuperating and to the infirm by providing emotional support and concrete assistance. These Committees also assist following the loss of a family member.

Giving

The future of any synagogue is based on the spiritual and communal life of the Congregation and is also dependent on the generosity of its members. Temple Emanu-El is fortunate to have dedicated and committed members who contribute to the Temple to honor or memorialize someone special. These funds not only support the operating budget and special programming, such as educational and musical programs, but they also help families in need. Like many synagogues, we also actively engage in a Capital Campaign fundraising effort to support major capital projects and ensure the long-term future of the synagogue.

Men’s Club

Established in 1934, our Men’s Club provides a welcoming community, enriching programs, and wonderful support to the synagogue. Examples of annual programming at the Temple include a Yom Hashoah candle lighting program, dedicated volunteers who annually build the congregational Sukkah, an annual Men’s Club Shabbat, engaging speaker presentations,  and much more. The Men’s Club also provides funds and volunteers for important synagogue family events. The Men’s clubs commitment extends beyond the walls of the Temple as well. Some off site fundraising events include The Ride2Provide- a spinathon to raise money for local food banks, a Golf/Tennis outing, and participation in the JFS Meals for Wheels cycling event.

To get involved, please email Men’s Club President, Neil Chalfin at neilc@margola.com

Sisterhood

Launched in 1928, our Sisterhood ant active and vibrant group. It offers a full array of social and educational programming, including lectures on women’s health issues and parenting, cooking classes, craft nights, Sisterhood Shabbat, and an extensive Purim Shalach Manot program. Our Sisterhood also provides Shiva meals to families in mourning, runs our Judaica shop, sends packages to college students, and supports the synagogue financially and through volunteerism.

To get involved, please email Sisterhood President, Jill Besnoy at mothergus@aol.com

Leadership For The Generations

At Temple Emanu-El, our clergy, professional staff, and lay leaders work together with the goal of creating, developing, and sustaining a spark for Judaism and Jewish life within our congregational family. We provide a most meaningful prayer, learning, and social environment for our congregants. Members are encouraged to participate on committees, volunteer for special events, and suggest programming and ritual ideas in a warm and welcoming environment. Our team-oriented approach places great emphasis on Jewish values. Our ultimate goal is to serve God, the individual, the family, and the community.

Israel

Our synagogue is committed to the safety and security of Israel and to providing financial assistance to our Jewish homeland. Some of our recent initiatives include: raising money for the Jewish National Fund’s Negev Development program; co-hosting a speaker event with AIPAC featuring R. James Woolsey, Former CIA Director; hosting a congregational trip to Israel which last year included more than 80 people; and participating in Israel-related activities through our local UJA Federation.

T.E.C.I.A (Temple Emanu-El Center for Israel Action)

A newer group, established in 2012, TECIA has brought a lot of energy and education to our congregation about and for Israel. We have had programs on Israeli culture, history, current events, and challenges facing Israel today. As a group, TECIA has attracted interest from a large group of congregants of all ages and hopes to continue to raise awareness and increase support for Israel in our community. Some highlights of upcoming programs include Shabbat Scholars in Residence from Israel, a new adult ed class- The Genesis of Israel, a new semester/curriculum of Torah Institute, Israeli Film Festival, and much more. To sign up for our dedicated email and discussion group, please email us at tecia@templeemanu-el.com.

For more information, please email one of our TECIA chair: Arthur Sinensky, art789@aol.com