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.

March 2010 By-Lines

Gould Music Festival & Community Dinner with Emmanuel Baptist Church

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

Earthquake in Haiti

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.

Earthquake in Chile On February 28, 2010 one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history of 8.8 magnitude struck Chile, killing hundreds, displacing hundreds of thousands and causing widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, offices and infrastructure. Two million people are impacted by the disaster. The Union for Reform Judaism is part of the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief, which is facilitated by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The Coalition has opened a fund for relief efforts in Chile, leveraging the JDC’s existing partnerships in the region, including the local Chilean Jewish community. Visit their website to make an online donation. By Phone: 212-687-6200 By Mail: Please make checks payable to: JDC Coalition-Chile Earthquake Relief P.O. Box 530 132 East 43rd St New York, NY, 10017

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