Gather
You are a sacred piece of something big.
What is Gather?
Gather is Emanu-El’s small groups initiative, bringing together congregants from across our community to learn, connect, and grow. These lay-led groups are based upon a range of topics, igniting marvelous conversations and dialogue. In these small groups, meaningful friendships are formed and congregants truly get to know one another. Gather is one of the ways we make our larger congregation feel small.
Curious about Gather? Please reach out to us with any questions at gather@emanuelnyc.org.
Gather members can expect to:
- Develop real and honest relationships.
- Help foster an inclusive space where all can share comfortably.
- Create a place where members are present for each other.
- Support group members in times of need and celebrate in times of joy.
Gather Groups
Waitlist: Gather Wine Tasting – Sip, Savor, Discover
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Join a Gather Group of wine lovers, from curious beginners to seasoned connoisseurs. We will explore the world of wine, one glass at a time.
This group is all about enjoying great wines, sharing knowledge, and building friendships. We will meet monthly on Wednesdays at the temple, and each time we meet, one or two people will host the gathering. This means that everyone will have a turn to select and purchase wine for the group and then share details about the wine, its origin, and why you chose it. The wine can be your longtime favorite or simply a basic from the corner store (great wine doesn’t have to be expensive). The key is to discover and learn together. Whether you join to refine your palate, learn about wine regions, or just hang out with good company, there’s a spot for you.
This group is limited to those 21 years and older.
Meeting Time and Day: Meets in person once a month on Wednesdays at Temple Emanu-El, with the meeting time to be determined by the guide and participants.
Guide: Patti Lenkov
Patti moved to New York City from her native Montreal about 28 years ago. A mother of three adults and several pets, she is a long-time Temple member. By day, she works as an Executive Recruiter focused on corporate boards. While not a wine expert, she has a keen sense of smell, a quick grasp of new skills, and a willingness to learn!
Spirituality and Wellness
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Are you or is someone you love living with a chronic condition? Our tradition teaches that “health” concerns body, mind, and spirit. This lay-led, confidential and non-professional group will discuss the spirituality of the challenges we face. What do we learn from – how do we respond to and live with – the unexpected experiences that we and the people we care about may have?
“Healing” might not mean recovery or reversal, but rather acceptance and change with uncertainty. In this group we will explore how attitude and faith accompany us on unpredictable journeys, offering strength and support to promote “wellness”: greater wholeness (shleimut) and peace (shalom).
Meeting Time and Day: Modality, meeting day and time to be determined by the guide and participants.
Guide: Dr. Frederick Roden
Dr. Frederick Roden is a longtime temple member who volunteers for the Sunset Service among other activities. He is a college professor who teaches courses on memory, life-writing, and spirituality.
Jewish Living
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Reform Judaism affirms that there are many ways to be Jewish and encourages individuals to make their own choices around Jewish practice. In this Gather group, we will anchor our discussions in Rabbi Mark Washovsky’s book entitled Jewish Living: a Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice in order to further empower ourselves to reflect on our own Jewish observance through greater knowledge and group discussion.
This Gather group is for all who seek a broader knowledge of the foundations of Jewish observance and a non-judgmental space to reflect aloud on how they might build a more intentional and fulfilling spiritual life. Topics will include Shabbat and Jewish holiday observance in a modern context, Jewish prayer, life-cycle events, dietary practices, interfaith relations, and more. All discussions will be held in a manner that affirms diversity of practice, honors the wisdom of each group member, and encourages individual growth.
Meeting Time and Day: Meets the fourth Monday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM, online. Please purchase the book through your preferred vendor prior to the first meeting.
Guide: Steven Clark, PsyD
Steven is a psychologist, musician, and music teacher specializing in teaching students living with autism and ADHD. Steven has attended courses offered through the Streicker Center on Jewish practice and biblical studies. Steven has also attended two intensive week-long workshops in Talmud at Yeshivat Hadar in Manhattan.
Facing Climate Change in Volatile Times - What Is Happening and What's Next?
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After global warming, ‘Net Zero’, and ESG enjoyed a brief stint as the centerpieces of many business and political announcements, they have once again ceded that position (at least in the U.S.) to ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’. Or at least that seems to be a broadly felt belief across the country. But what is actually happening to decarbonize the economy and fight climate change? Is it actually all bad? We hope to discuss the impact of federal and state level policies on daily lives and the future, exciting existing and nascent technologies, what the impact of AI and data centers could be on the energy landscape, and any other topic and question the group is interested in related to climate change, renewable energy, and the issues surrounding them.
Meeting Time and Day: Group will meet in-person on weekday evenings; specific meeting day and time to be determined by guide and participants
Guide: Thomas Obermeier
Thomas Obermeier has focused his career on renewable energy and climate since 2018. He currently works as a private equity investor, supporting companies that develop sustainable infrastructure and energy transition projects across the United States. Prior to this role, he was involved in financing and building large-scale solar projects. While earning his MBA, Thomas co-hosted the Wharton Energy podcast and helped organize the Climate Leaders @ Penn fellowship program.
Singing Time
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Do you ever just want to sing for an hour with other singers and performers? Singing Time is the perfect place for that! Each meeting offers a chance to share a song of any genre—whether you want to perform solo, sing a duet with another member, or bring a piece for the whole group to join in. There’s also the exciting possibility of performing your songs at services at Temple Emanu-El or another venue. Singing Time is all about sharing your voice and enjoying music together in a fun, welcoming space.
Meeting Time and Day: Group will meet in-person; meeting day and time to be determined by guide and participants
Guide: Liza Suzanna
Liza Suzanna is an actor, singer, dancer, and writer who made her Off-Broadway debut in Anne Frank, a Musical, as part of the ensemble. She was also the understudy for all the female characters and performed as Margot Frank for several nights. Liza was a part of the NYU Tisch class of 2024, where she received a BFA in drama. At NYU Tisch, Liza studied at the Atlantic Acting School and Stonestreet Studios. Liza loves to write comedy and make people laugh. She is currently writing a comedic movie about her Broadway Bat Mitzvah that will include her Broadway Bat Mitzvah Medley. She has gone viral on social media for her Broadway Bat Mitzvah Medley clips. You can check them out on her Instagram @liza_suzanna_journey.
Gather For Parents and Caregivers of Children with Special Needs and Learning Challenges
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Temple Emanu-el has always been a safe space to share. Led by Beth Pilchik, this gather is a safe space for families (parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers,etc.) to come to gather to talk about their amazing neurodiverse kids. Whether your child has an IEP, 504, a diagnosis, or has no diagnosis at all, this small group meets once a month to talk and share.
Meeting Time and Day: Meeting time to be determined by guide and participants
Guide: Beth Pilchik
Beth Pilchik is a trusted voice in the neurodivergent community, known for her deep expertise and heartfelt support for families navigating the challenges of special needs and neurodiversity. With a reputation for offering insightful advice and practical solutions, Known on and off social media as @bethwouldknow Beth connects families with resources, tools, and opportunities to foster inclusion. Entrepreneurs and organizations also turn to her for her business acumen, seeking guidance on how to create more inclusive environments. Whether she’s introducing social stories, offering advice on diagnoses, or helping businesses develop neurodiversity-friendly practices, Beth leads with compassion and dedication, creating meaningful change for the people and communities she supports.
Supreme Court Roundup
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In this Gather, we will talk about the Court, how federal judges function, cases that the Court has granted petitions to hear, and, ultimately, opinions that the Court issues. Think of it as Torah study, but the Supreme Court version.
Gather Guide: Kyle Satterfield
Kyle Satterfield is an associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Kyle previously served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. L. Felipe Restrepo on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as well as the Hon. Brian A. Jackson, then-Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Kyle received his J.D. from Tulane University Law School, where he served as Editor in Chief of the Tulane Law Review. Kyle also received his B.A. from Tulane University, double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy and minoring in Sociology. Kyle has published scholarship on a variety of legal issues, and his work has been cited in several prestigious journals, including the Vanderbilt Law Review, the Washington University Law Review, and the Oregon Law Review, as well as a recent opinion of the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.
Shakespeare's Iconic Scenes
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Brush up your Shakespeare! Each month meet with fellow Bard-lovers and discuss what makes Shakespeare’s most famous scenes so legendary. Whether it’s Romeo and Juliet’s balcony scene, Hamlet’s graveyard scene, Midsummer’s mechanical play, or Macbeth’s ghostly banquet – these scenes are classic for a reason. We’ll watch different versions of these scenes and compare how actors and directors chose to interpret them, and we may even read the scenes aloud for ourselves! All experience levels are welcome.
Meeting time and modality: Meetings will be held once a month on a weekday, with exact time and location to be determined by participants.
Gather Guide: Sophia Swettenham
Sophia Swettenham works at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and serves on Temple Emanu-el’s Young Members Committee. She studied English & Theatre at Fordham and has previously acted in professional Shakespeare productions. Her love of the Bard runs deep!
Embrace Equality Gather Group
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Temple Emanu-El is passionate about creating a space for our LGBTQ+ Jews and families to be authentic, find and provide support, share resources, and build community. Open to all LGBTQ+ folks & allies, the Temple Emanu-El Embrace Equality Gather Group works to provide a space in which LGBTQ+ Jews can feel seen and valued. We will come together to discuss LGBTQ+ current events and plan fun outings in the city.
Meeting time and modality: We will meet on Zoom once a month for an hour, but in some months, we will meet in person for outing events. The day and time are TBD.
Gather Guide: Lee Phillips
Dr. Lee Phillips is in private practice in New York City, specializing in sex and couples therapy. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New York. Dr. Phillips is a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. He is a Certified Sex and Couples Therapist (CSCT) by the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute and a Certified Psychosexual Therapist (C-PST) by the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists. He has been in private practice for over a decade, working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. He lives on the Upper East Side with his husband, Jason, and their two dogs, George and Charlotte. Contact information: drleephillips@gmail.com
Jew(ish) Book Club
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Do you keep meaning to get back into your reading habit? Join us once a month to read and discuss a new book with the group. Topics and themes can include Judaism, New York, or neither, depending on what participants would like that month. Members of all reading interests and perspectives are welcome.
Meeting time and modality: Meetings will be held once a month on Sundays, with exact time and location to be determined by participants.
Gather Guide: Alicia Schleifman
Meditation
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Open to people at all levels, this Gather group meets monthly for meditation sessions that help us relax, rejuvenate and restore.
Meeting time and modality: Meditation sessions will be held virtually, once a month.
Gather Guide: Allison Richard
Allison Richard B.A., RYT, IHC is a Stress Management, Self-Care and Wellness Coach as well as a Yoga & Meditation Instructor. She works with clients to help them understand their stress and how to incorporate holistic tools such as yoga and meditation to their routines, empowering them to create purposeful, healthy and passionate lives.
Bronze Shadows: Poetry and Life
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Gather to read great poems from authors famous and unknown, engage with meaningful works and find inspiration to take into our daily lives. Don’t know your sonnets from your whatevers? Not to worry. This isn’t school. Every level is welcome. All you need is an open mind and a love of words.
Gather Guide: Brian Quinn
Brian Quinn serves on Temple Emanu-El’s membership committee, works in healthcare investing, and lives on the Upper East Side with his wife, his goldendoodle Paddington, and, last but not least, his daughter Poppy (who comprehensively and joyfully overturned her parents’ applecart upon her birth last January).
Old New Parents
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Do you ever feel like the oldest person in the room at Mommy and Me or similar events? Has your day ever been ruined by someone innocently asking if you were the grandparent?!?!?! If so, this Gather group is for you. Meet other parents who are similarly situated to commiserate, share funny anecdotes, discuss issues you’ve encountered, and most of all, have fun with other parents who are a little older than most of the other parents in your child’s social circle.
Gather Guide: Michele Meises
Michele Meises is an attorney at White & Case in the Financial Restructuring & Insolvency group. She graduated from Columbia College and Columbia Law School. She and her husband, Larry, got married on the late side and started a family on an even later side. They have a son named Alexander who is four and attends Temple Emanu-el Nursery School.
Bam Crak Dot: Mahjongg Gather
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We are currently taking a break for the summer and plan to reconvene after Labor Day. Stay tuned for further schedule updates.
Join us for a weekly game night of Mahjongg. There will be tables for advanced, intermediate, beginners and everyone in-between.
We have a fabulous instructor that will be with us each week.
To play with us is FREE.
However, if you do need instruction there will be a $40.00 per person charge (paid directly to the instructor) for beginners or $30.00 for those looking for less instruction but more advanced level strategy help.
If you don’t need any help, there is no charge at all.
Looking forward to playing with you!
Gather Guide: Rebecca Weisberg
Rebecca Weisberg in a nutshell. Lifelong lover of New York. Lifelong lover of travel. Lifelong lover of food. Newfound lover of mahjongg.
Beginner's Poker
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Practice your poker skills with a friendly, no-stakes poker game. No experience necessary! Even if you are among the world’s worst poker players, you are welcome. The cost is FREE.
Meeting time and modality: We will meet in-person at the temple, once a month, time slot TBD.
Gather Guides: Jon Krivine and Ben Weintraub
Jon Krivine has been a member of the congregation for almost 20 years. A retired real estate executive, he regularly attends the programming offered by the Men’s Club and Streicker Center.
Ben Weintraub is an Emanu-El congregant for several years, a Men’s Club Board Member, and a beginning poker player interested in fine-tuning personal risk-management skills.
Spiritual Seekers
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We will discuss our individual and collective spiritual practices of prayer, ritual, and study. Together we will chart where we’ve grown and discern where we hope to deepen in community. We seek greater self-awareness in our connection to Judaism and to ourselves.
Gather Guide: Dr. Frederick Roden
Dr. Frederick Roden is a longtime temple member who volunteers for the Sunset Service among other activities. He is a college professor who teaches courses on memory, life-writing, and spirituality.
Exploring Life's "Big Questions"
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So many of us are yearning for spaces to talk about life’s “big questions”– questions about meaning, love, responsibility, purpose, community, and God. We want deep conversations, we want meaningful exchanges, and we want to strengthen our connections to Judaism and to the Divine. In this Gather group, we will use resources from Ask Big Questions to scaffold our discussions, spark conversation, and ground our learning in Jewish texts and teachings.
Gather Guide: Barry Friedfertig
Barry is a retired elementary school teacher. He is now an artist painting abstracts as well as works with English and/or Hebrew text. He is presently on the Union for Reform Judaism North American Board.
Sunday Schmooze
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Schmoozers discuss whatever is of interest to the group at the time.
Meeting time and modality: Meets via Zoom every Sunday at 11:00 AM, Eastern.
Gather Guide: Suzanne Gronemeyer
Suzanne Gronemeyer is in the Academic Programs Office at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She is a born schmoozer who works with undergraduate and health professions students.
Our Team
Gather is a partnership between lay leaders, staff and clergy.
Rabbi Sara Sapadin
Clergy Liaison, Gather Vision Committee
Nicole Frankel
Gather Vision Chair
Allison Salzman
Membership Director, Gather Vision Committee
