For Simona L.’s children, Emanu-El Downtown’s Religious School Lab is a highlight of the week. They love their teachers and enjoy exploring Jewish life through movement, crafts, and song.
“They run right in when I drop them off,” Simona said. “It’s hard to get them to leave when I pick them up. Religious School feels special to them.”
When Simona and her family joined Emanu-El Downtown three years ago, they were searching for a community that made Judaism fun, engaging, and welcoming. Though Simona’s husband is not Jewish, “[he] loves Emanu-El Downtown. He feels totally welcome,” she said. “Emanu-El Downtown is such an accepting place.”
Emanu-El Downtown has become part of the rhythm of their family’s life. They are regulars at Downtown events like Shabbat Dinner Together and the Emanu-El Makers series. During the High Holy Days, they attend worship services at Temple Emanu-El’s uptown campus. Simona is excited for her children to become B’nei Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El.
Three years into their Emanu-El Downtown journey, Simona and her family are proud to have contributed to the community’s development. They look forward to many more years of learning and growing alongside Emanu-El Downtown.
“Emanu-El Downtown has become an important part of our life,” she said. “It makes everything feel complete.”
