Tikkun Olam: Volunteering at Emanu-El
Discover the many ways you can put your Jewish values into action and make a difference.
We are a community committed to tikkun olam and making a positive impact in the lives of others in our congregation, New York City and beyond.
Provide support to fellow congregants during times of crisis or loss; feed and clothe people struggling with homelessness; engage in political activism; join the fight against antisemitism or help refugees from Ukraine or asylum seekers here in New York.
To inquire about volunteering or to sign up to volunteer for any program, email Tikkun Olam at tikkunolam@emanuelnyc.org or use the calendar on this page to find a link to sign up for events. Specific programs can be reached through the information below.
Upcoming Tikkun Olam Events
Tikkun Olam: Necessity Kit Packing
Friday Evening Worship Service: Volunteer Shabbat Virtual Event
Stitch’n Time MeetingRepeating Event
Get Involved
Sunday Lunch Program
Congregation Emanu-El has been preparing meals for those in need, whether they are experiencing homelessness, underemployed or food insecure, since 1982.
The time commitment for the Sunday Lunch Program is minimal—just two hours from 10:00 AM to noon every Sunday. We particularly need volunteers on holiday weekends and during the summer.
To inquire about volunteering, email the Sunday Lunch Program at slp@emanuelnyc.org.
Mitzvah Day
Tikkun Olam has held an annual Fall Mitzvah Day since 2005. Volunteers come together to offer help and support to our neighbors while creating community among our members. We look forward to being together again, as we assemble packages that contain essential items for the most vulnerable populations in New York City.
Read about our first Spring Mitzvah Day in 2022.
Project Prom
Temple Emanu-El helps hundreds of local New York City high school seniors shine at their spring proms. We offer a “boutique” shopping experience aimed at providing these young women with free prom ensembles. Read about Project Prom in Jewish Week.
Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors
Every year Temple Emanu-El hosts an Annual Thanksgiving dinner for 225 older adults from senior centers, as well as women and families from local homeless and domestic violence shelters. The dinner is made possible by a generous sponsorship from Dr. Barbara Ritchin.
NY1: Temple Emanu-El Holds Thanksgiving Dinner for the Community
Second Seder
Each year on the second night of Passover, Temple Emanu-El holds its annual community seder for 200 elderly Jews in need of assistance. Our guests come from senior centers and are provided transportation from all areas of the city to come to this event. By organizing this community seder, the temple seeks to enable those who no longer have families or whose families are far away to share the prayers and fellowship of this significant Jewish holiday.
Stitch’n Time
Stitch’n Time is a knitting group for temple members who would like to knit or crochet items for various organizations.
Stitch’n Time participants knit warm scarves and caps for children and other adults in need. Both experienced and novice knitters are invited to join us. However, participation is limited to members of the congregation. Instruction is available for those who need assistance. Yarn and patterns are provided, but you must bring your own needles (#8).
Shabbat Greeter
The role of Emanu-El’s greeters is to greet congregants and guests, answer their questions, and provide a friendly face! Greeters accomplish this by welcoming worshipers, helping them find their place in the prayer book, and directing those unfamiliar with the temple building.
If you are a temple member interested in volunteering as a greeter at Friday Evening Shabbat Services, please email membership@emanuelnyc.org.
Daily Sunset Service Readers Panel
The Sunset Service began in 1945 when members of the Men’s Club committed themselves to lead daily worship on all days except Shabbat, holidays and festivals. Since then, volunteers have sustained our Sunset Service with remarkable fidelity and devotion.
The Daily Sunset Service is entirely online Sunday to Thursday at 5:30 PM.
While the panel remains under the auspices of the Men’s Club, participation is open to all members, including teenagers who have completed their b’nei mitzvah studies.
Volunteer congregants are needed to continue this magnificent tradition. Each reader leads the service about once a month. Readers acknowledge readily that leading the service — and thereby enabling others to worship — is a deeply fulfilling experience.
If you are a temple member and are interested in becoming a reader, send an email to readerspanel@emanuelnyc.org, or call 212-744-1400, ext. 250.
