For years, Amanda and her husband thought there would be an obvious place for them to find a Jewish community in their downtown neighborhood. They searched. And searched. For years, they could not find the right fit.
When the family first attended Emanu-El Downtown, they quickly knew they had found the Jewish community for them. At Emanu-El Downtown Amanda and her family found a small and intimate community that places children at the center of Jewish life.
“Being members of Emanu-El Downtown has added a layer of richness and connection to our lives, that I didn’t realize was missing,” Amanda said. “I am so glad it is there now.”
The rhythms of Emanu-El Downtown have become a part of the Weiner’s family routine. Her three children attend Emanu-El Downtown’s Religious School Lab. They enjoy attending the monthly Shabbat Dinner Together with other families. On Rosh Hashanah, Amanda’s family enjoys ringing in the new year with tashlich at the carousel at Pier 62 in Hudson River Park.
Being part of Emanu-El Downtown has been an educational experience for everyone, even Amanda and her husband.
“I have lived in New York City for 20 something years and I am learning more about places and activities downtown through the lens of Emanu-El,” she said. “It’s really fun to learn about my own city, in this way and to experience it with my kids and experience it through a Jewish lens.”
As Emanu-El Downtown enters its fourth program year in Fall 2025, Amanda is proud that the Weiners are helping build its foundation and legacy as part of Temple Emanu-El’s larger 180 year history. Her eldest son Jake will be the first student from Emanu-El Downtown to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah with the Temple Emanu-El community.
“It is really cool to be part of growing something new in the city we love so much,” Amanda said. “It’s pretty cool to shape Emanu-El downtown and make history.”
