Faces of Emanu-El

To capture the vibrancy of our temple, we set out to collect stories of community, faith, and action from our members. Together, these stories reflect the diversity, commitment, and spirit that make Temple Emanu-El so special. Discover the many faces of Temple Emanu-El.

"It’s been nice to meet people from a similar stage of life who have a shared love of Judaism." READ MORE

A boy holding a Torah scroll stands between two adults in Temple Emanu-El, all smiling warmly at the camera.

"Temple Emanu-El is full of people who just want to try and help.” READ MORE

“Belonging to Temple Emanu-El is an important thing in my life.” READ MORE

A family of four smiles together in a sunny field with horses, all dressed in light summer clothing and sun hats.

“Emanu-El Downtown has become an important part of our life.” READ MORE

“Being members of Emanu-El Downtown has added a layer of richness and connection to our lives, that I didn’t realize was missing." READ MORE

An older man in glasses and a suit stands smiling in front of a bookshelf, creating a welcoming atmosphere at Temple Emanu-El.

"I met my wife through volunteering as an usher at Temple Emanu-El. Our son was also involved as a High Holy Days volunteer when he was 14 years old." READ MORE

Two women sit outside Temple Emanu-El, one smiling and speaking into a microphone, with music stands before them.

"People, to me, are what make Temple Emanu-El home.” - READ MORE.

For Ben W., Temple Emanu-El is a place of belonging. READ MORE

A smiling woman in a brown sweater and red beaded necklace stands in front of a neutral wall.

“I owe a lot to this temple, and I want to give back a lot.” READ MORE

Family of four dressed formally, smiling together in an elegant, flower-filled room at Temple Emanu-El in New York City.

“I have made some of my closest friends through the temple." READ MORE

“It’s been amazing to build community, to build those friendships and have those evolve over the years.” READ MORE

"The world we live in today, it is so important that Jews have a community to rely on." READ MORE

A woman in a red jacket speaks at Temple Emanu-El podium with a gift box, smiling and gesturing warmly with her hands.

For 79 years, Temple Emanu-El has been a sanctuary of learning, growth, and social action for Miriam R.

A woman in a pink blazer speaks at the podium with a microphone during an event at Temple Emanu-El in New York City.

“I want Temple Emanu-El to go for another 180 years and beyond." READ MORE

A family of four, dressed in formal attire, poses together outside.

For Eve, what makes Temple Emanu-El special is the people.

“Participating in temple life has been a great ride.” READ MORE

"It’s really nice to feel that I have helped to build a community." READ MORE

A woman in black stands on a red carpet inside a large synagogue with ornate stained glass windows.

“I want Temple Emanu-El to grow, and to continue to serve." READ MORE

Older man in a gray suit stands in a synagogue pew at Temple Emanu-El, wearing glasses and a name badge, smiling slightly.

"My favorite part of being a volunteer is interacting with people and providing assistance that they need." READ MORE

Five women smile together at a Temple Emanu-El event, wearing name tags and dressed in dark and red attire indoors.

“I have always felt that one of the missions of the temple is Tikkun Olam.” READ MORE

Smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, in a black top and beaded necklace, standing with arms crossed at Temple Emanu-El.

"Serving as a Shabbat greeter and High Holy Days volunteer helps strengthen the sense of community for me." READ MORE

Woman with dark hair in a black coat smiles at the camera while standing outdoors near blue playground bars at Temple Emanu-El.

"The clergy have always been there for my family." READ MORE

A young woman with curly hair in a light dress smiles while standing before a vibrant mosaic wall at Temple Emanu-El.

"In a city as big as New York, being able to have a community where you feel at home and where you know people is very special." READ MORE

“The chance to contribute is one I really appreciate.” READ MORE

"Bettijane has devoted her life to the Jewish faith and community.” READ MORE

"We love Temple Emanu-El more with each year that passes.” READ MORE

An older man and woman stand together inside Temple Emanu-El, smiling and holding a framed certificate for the camera.

“The fact that I’m now teaching a second generation is very heartwarming to me.” READ MORE

Smiling woman with glasses holds a framed certificate inside the ornate sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El, flowers in the background.

“I want to make sure they really love Judaism.” READ MORE

A man sounds the shofar on a New York City sidewalk as families from Temple Emanu-El, including children with balloons, look on.

"Our sons have found a real home at Emanu-El." READ MORE

Faces of Emanu-El

To capture the vibrancy of our temple, we set out to collect stories of community, faith, and action from our members. Together, these stories reflect the diversity, commitment, and spirit that make Temple Emanu-El so special. Discover the many faces of Temple Emanu-El.

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