Women of Emanu-El
Find community and connection through programs that uplift, inspire, and unite the women of our congregation.
Founded in 1922 as the Women’s Auxiliary, Women of Emanu-El is both a social and civic organization open to all women of the congregation. The Women of Emanu-El Program Committee plans numerous lectures and outings throughout the year, in addition to sponsoring a variety of activities that benefit the greater New York City community.
Contact Us
Email: we@emanuelnyc.org
President
Dr. Florence Milch
212-744-1400 ext. 236
Temple Contact
Dionne Gorbea
212-744-1400 ext. 355
Events
Women of Emanu-El organizes several flagship events throughout the year, from tours of historic New York City landmarks to community Sabbath dinners with our clergy. We also regularly host Canasta classes, supervised and open play, as well as Bridge classes. We hope you’ll join us!
Bridge Classes
You’re invited to join our upcoming Bridge classes and open play sessions featuring Peter Steinberg, one of America’s most beloved bridge personalities and the only bridge teacher endorsed by multiple World Champions.
Bridge is open to all temple members and their friends. If you are not a member, you must be sponsored by a member. All materials will be provided for every bridge session, including pre-typed notes. The cost is $300 per person for each 8-week course, and advance registration is required.
Fall Schedule:
- Advanced Bridge: Mondays 4:30–6:30 pm
- Bridge for Beginners: Thursday evenings 7:00–9:00 pm
- Supervised Play: Wednesday mornings 10:30 am–12:15 pm
Tribute Fund
The Women of Emanu-El Tribute Fund helps sustain meaningful programs and services that make a difference in our community, including the annual Veterans’ Event, monthly meals at the Ronald McDonald House, our Book Club, and the Art Center for Seniors.
Gifts to the Tribute Fund are a heartfelt way to mark a special occasion—such as a birth, bar or bat mitzvah, wedding, milestone anniversary or birthday—or to honor the memory of someone who has touched your life. Your contribution will be acknowledged, and a notification will be sent to the honoree or their family.
Book Club
Join our monthly email list for invitations to upcoming Book Club meetings.
Volunteering Opportunities
Women of Emanu-El organizes many community service programs throughout the year, including:
JBI Library (Jewish Braille Institute
Women of Emanu-El is excited to offer volunteer opportunities through JBI Library (Jewish Braille Institute).
These volunteer opportunities can be done individually, with a partner or in a group, at JBI, at the Temple, at home, or virtually. They range in commitments from a few hours to ongoing opportunities.
• PHONE CALLS– Call JBI users (called patrons) to discuss their experience with JBI and what they need from JBI. This is a way to reach out to individuals who are often socially isolated and appreciate a friendly voice. This can be done individually or as part of a group at a location of your choice.
• TYPING SHORT TEXTS– for children’s books to create braille or large print versions of these children’s books.
• BE A MODERATOR OF A VIRTUAL BOOK GROUP– JBI sets up the Zoom. This lasts one hour.
• RECORD BOOKS IN THE STUDIO– Record or direct recording of print books, magazines, articles. Volunteers can sign up individually or with a partner. The same two-person team commits to recording the entire work, usually on a weekly basis in two-hour segments.
• QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE STUDIO– Volunteers receive an hour of training and listen to recordings for problems or errors.
• GIVE A TALK– virtual or in person on a topic of interest or expertise you have.
If you are interested in volunteering with Women of Emanu-El, please contact the Initiative Leader, Andrea Brown, at arbas108@gmail.com
Art Center for Seniors
Art Center for Seniors
Through the Art Center for Seniors at Emanu-El, 50 or more senior citizens meet at Temple Emanu-El each Monday from October through May to participate in art projects and exercise classes, as well as to socialize. Professional art instructors oversee the activities and are assisted by Women of Emanu-El volunteers. Each year’s program ends with an annual art show.
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House
Women of Emanu-El provide breakfast and dinner for families that are staying at Ronald McDonald House of New York, a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children undergoing treatment. Breakfasts and dinners generally are organized on a monthly basis.
Click here to read about our outreach to Ronald McDonald House in 2021.
Officers & Directors of Women of Emanu-El
Officers (For a 2 Year Term)
President – Dr. Florence Milch
Vice President – Benay Ostrager-DiGia
Vice President – Leslie Hecht*
Vice President – Lisa Senter
Recording Secretary – Andrea Brown
Treasurer – Melanie Rosen Brooks
* Past President
Board of Directors
Susan Alexander
Rhoda Altman
Alexandra Bloch Jeydel
Jocelyn F. Chait*
Eva Cooper
Dr. Eileen Cutler
Phyllis Hahn
Cecelia A. Hauptman*
Nikola Hennes
Rhona Lipton
*Past President
Julie Perlin
Danna Polikoff
Dee Rosenthal
Viviane Sallay
Lisa Senter
Ann Shapiro
Iris Warren
Marcia Waxman*
Deborah Weiss-Weinman
Nora Weinreich*
Honorary Board Members
Amy Diamond
Marjorie Dreyfus
Dr. Susan Kincaid
Barbara Kummel
Barbara Streicker
Rona Weinstein
Associates to the Board
Cantor Mia Fram Davidson
Sylvia Posner
Joanne Sobel
Administrative Assistant
Dionne Gorbea
