Host Your Event at Emanu-El
A Historic and Inspiring Setting for Every Occasion
Temple Emanu-El is one of New York’s most beautiful and historic venues. We offer spaces for intimate gatherings of 30 to large galas of up to 600 guests. Whether you are marking a sacred milestone with family or hosting a mission-driven community event, our dedicated team will help you create an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.
Member Lifecycle Events
Temple Emanu-El is proud to serve as a spiritual home to more than 2,400 families. Members often choose to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments within our sacred spaces, surrounded by loved ones and tradition.
Baby Naming and Bris
Having a Bris or Baby Naming at Temple Emanu-El is a benefit of membership. Members may choose to hold the ceremony in the Fifth Avenue Sanctuary, Beth-El Chapel, or Greenwald Hall at no charge. A private space is provided for mother and child, and a list of certified mohels is available upon request.
B’nei Mitzvah Receptions
Celebrate your child’s coming of age with a reception at your spiritual home. Our nearly 10,000-square-foot social hall offers seating for up to 300 guests, a dance floor, built-in stage, and space for dining and dancing. Many families also host Shabbat dinners or kiddush receptions after services.
Weddings
Hold your wedding ceremony on Temple Emanu-El’s iconic bimah, beneath the soaring vaulted ceiling. Members are guided by our clergy and event team to create a personal, meaningful ceremony. The sanctuary, bridal suite, private ketubah signing area, and access to our Juilliard-trained organist help make your day unforgettable.
Oneg and Kiddush Receptions
Families often gather after worship services to share an Oneg or Kiddush. These receptions may be open to the congregation or private. We provide welcoming spaces to share food, conversation, and joy.
Memorial Services and Shiva Receptions
Honor loved ones with a memorial service or shiva reception in a setting of dignity and comfort, surrounded by your community.
Private and Community Events
Temple Emanu-El welcomes mission-aligned nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private clients for galas, lectures, concerts, milestone celebrations, and more.
Recent groups who have hosted events with us include CBST, AJC, American Technion Society, Emunah, JASA, Jewish National Fund, Hebrew Union College, Museum of Jewish Heritage, and numerous local schools and universities.
Event Spaces and Amenities
We offer a range of elegant spaces to suit every type of gathering—intimate gatherings of up to 30 people, receptions of up to 100, and we can accommodate groups of up to 600 people.
- Large Social Hall
Capacity: 350 seated at tables, 500 audience style, 650 standing. Ideal for galas, dinners, cocktail parties, speaker events, birthday parties, and anniversary celebrations. - Mid-sized Social Hall
Capacity: 200 seated, 350 standing. Perfect for galas, dinners, cocktail parties, and speaker events. - Large Meeting Room
Capacity: 100 seated at tables, 120 audience style, 125 standing. Suitable for dinners, cocktail parties, speaker events, birthday parties, and anniversary celebrations. - Small Meeting Room
Capacity: 30 seated. Perfect for intimate dinners. - Library
Capacity: 50 audience style, 50 standing. Ideal for presentations and cocktail parties.
Included with all rentals:
- Tables and chairs
- Linens (tablecloths and cloth napkins)
- Flatware, glasses, plates, cups, and saucers
- Coffee and tea service
- Room setup and cleanup
- Access to our restaurant-style kitchen
- Podiums, microphones, and A/V equipment (as needed)
Lighting, white chairs, dance floor, and additional audio/visual support are available for an additional cost.
We provide a list of recommended caterers upon request, or you may choose your own. Please note: We are not a kosher facility.
Services & Support
Our experienced team provides exceptional support throughout your planning process and on the day of your event. We offer:
Personalized event planning and on-site coordination
Access to trusted caterers and preferred vendors
Facilities and security staff
Audio-visual and technical support
Optional clergy support for lifecycle and ritual events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of events can I host at Temple Emanu-El? You can host lifecycle events (weddings, baby namings, b’nei mitzvah receptions, memorial services) and private or community events like galas, lectures, and nonprofit gatherings.
How many guests can Temple Emanu-El accommodate? We can host events for 30 to 600 guests, depending on the space.
What is included with my event rental? Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, glassware, coffee/tea service, room setup and cleanup, and access to our kitchen are included. A/V support and special lighting are available at an additional cost.
Do I have to use a specific caterer? No. We provide a list of recommended caterers, or you may choose your own. Temple Emanu-El is not a kosher facility. We are “kosher-style,” which means that while some foods are not permitted—such as shellfish and pork—dairy and meat may be served together.
Can non-members host events? Yes. We welcome mission-aligned nonprofits, schools, and private clients to hold events at our venue.
How do I book a space? Please contact John O’Hara, Assistant Director of Events and Operations, at john.ohara@emanuelnyc.org to reserve your date or get more information.
Contact Us
To reserve a date or learn more about hosting an event at Temple Emanu-El, please contact John O’Hara, Assistant Director of Events and Operations, at john.ohara@emanuelnyc.org.
Many families also choose to commemorate special occasions by sponsoring bimah flowers. For details, contact Gila Drazen at gdrazen@emanuelnyc.org.
