Temple Emanuel is a Reform congregation that embraces our history, Jewish tradition and our diverse, inter-generational membership.

During the first two decades of the 20th century, many families moved from the east side to the west side of the city of Worcester. In 1921, a synagogue was organized and a house was purchased to serve as a religious school. In 1923, a larger building was purchased to house the growing congregation. At this time the congregation was named Temple Emanuel.

Temple Emanuel's first full-time rabbi, Maurice Mazure, was hired in 1923. After serving the congregation for three years, Rabbi Julius Gordon was elected the congregation's second rabbi and served until 1929. Rabbi Levi Olan served the congregationuntil 1949. Rabbi Olan guided the congregation through the Great Depression and World War II. His leadership helped shape Temple Emanuel into a major participant in the Reform Movement and in interfaith activities throughout Worcester.

Rabbi Joseph Klein served the congregation from 1949-1977. During his tenure, the congregation was known for its award-winning Brotherhood and Sisterhood programs, its religious school, Hebrew High program, active youth groups, daily prayer minyan and volunteer choir. Eight of Rabbi Klein's students from Temple Emanuel became ordained rabbis, including the current movement president Rabbi Eric Yoffie and vice-president, Daniel Freelander. 

Rabbi Stanley Davids served Temple Emanuel from 1977-1986. He was noted for his support for the State of Israel and his focus on Temple youth. Rabbi Norman Mendel served the congregation from 1986-1991. Rabbi James Simon led the congregation for six years until 1998, leading outreach efforts and monthly healing services.

Rabbi Jordan Millstein served Temple Emanuel from 1999-2008. His wife Rabbi Paula Feldstein also joined the temple staff, initially as a part-time associate rabbi and subsequently as the Director of the Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center. Rabbi Dennis Ross served alongside Rabbi Millstein as a part-time associate rabbi for five years. Rabbi Millstein worked diligently with lay leadership to invigorate the congregation and create a warm and welcoming and dynamic synagogue community.

In July 2009, Rabbi Matthew Berger was elected as Temple Emanuel's ninth senior rabbi. Rabbi Berger comes to Temple Emanuel after serving for six years as an associate rabbi in Long Grove, IL. He returns to his native New England with his wife Ida and son Avi.

Rabbi Berger is known for his love of teaching, Jewish music, pastoral presence, and warmth. He has reintroduced the Adult B'nei Mitzvah program, revitalized the Temple's website, formed a Young Families' Chavurah and created a Family Shabbat worship experience alongside his puppet "colleague", Rabbi Love. He is also a guitarist and co-leads Temple Emanuel's house T'filah Prayer Band, "The Fringes", with congregants Peter and Ellen Allard.

He is happy to be back in New England and enjoys serving this wonderful community.