Temple Emanuel is a Reform congregation serving the Jewish community of Central Massachusetts. Located in Worcester, MA, we are a dynamic regional and spiritual center, dedicated to serving an integrated, multi-generational community of members and friends. We are affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).
We feature the finest Jewish religious school and Early Childhood Center in Worcester, joyful worship services, festive holiday programs, engaging adult education, meaningful opportunities to engage in social justice and social programs that are fun for all!
Temple Emanuel is a open and welcoming congregation, committed to helping all those interested in Judaism, including interfaith families, to find a comfortable synagogue home. We believe that our unique blend of traditional and liberal Jewish practice provides a nurturing environment for all those who seek to explore the richness of our tradition and find spiritual meaning in our modern world.
Words cannot express the gratitude and honor I feel as I write these words. I am deeply thankful for your invitation to serve as Temple Emanuel’s rabbi. I am humbled to follow in the sacred footsteps of the rabbis and spiritual leaders before me, yet ready to assume the sacred task that you have bestowed upon me.
At this moment we now become one family – entering into a b’rit or sacred covenant made in the presence of God and this congregation. I will hold myself to this covenant. I am aware of its depth and magnitude, and sincerely pledge to work on behalf of you, my future congregants and friends.
May God bless each of us as we enter into this sacred partnership. May Temple Emanuel continue to grow and blossom with life and enthusiasm, guided by the wisdom of Jewish tradition, touched by God’s presence. And may we, together, continue to weave the rich and colored tapestry that links us to our past and provides the inspiration to an even brighter future.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Matthew Berger
URJ Response to the Devastating Earthquake in Haiti
A severe earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010. This is the most severe earthquake to hit that impoverished country in 200 years. The death toll is expected to reach thousands and it will likely be many days until the impact is fully known. The epicenter was near the capital of Port-au-Prince. Already there are reports that the presidential palace, a major hotel and the UN Headquarters collapsed, leaving hundreds buried in the rubble. According to the International Red Cross, up to 3 million people have been affected by the quake.
As in the past, the Reform Jewish community has a long history of generosity when natural disasters devastate communities around the world. Your generosity at this critical time enables us to play a role in recovery efforts and bring healing and hope to those whose lives have been affected. Donations to the Union for Reform Judaism Haiti Relief Fund can be made online or by check (note: Haiti Relief in the memo section) to:
Union for Reform Judaism Attention: Development 633 Third Avenue 7th Floor New York, NY 10017
The Union for Reform Judaism retains no overhead expenses for disaster relief donations, other than direct costs of credit card fees. On-going updates regarding the disaster relief efforts and the allocations from this fund will be posted at www.urj.org/relief. Please consider making a donation of tzedakah to help support this worthy cause.
Words cannot express the gratitude and honor I feel as I write these words. I am deeply thankful for your invitation to serve as Temple Emanuel’s rabbi. I am humbled to follow in the sacred footsteps of the rabbis and spiritual leaders before me, yet ready to assume the sacred task that you have bestowed upon me. 
