Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
Jewish Culture
Jewish Culture and Israel Connection
For Israel’s 60th anniversary, we spear-headed the community-wide celebration that was held at the Jewish Community Center of Bayonne, and co-sponsored by Temple Beth am and Congregation Ohav Zedek. Children and adults from throughout the county participated in a day of learning games, the arts, Israeli dancing, food and film.
Birthright Israel
Four of our young adults who have participated in Birthright Israel spoke about their experiences for the congregation in February of 2009. Hal Grossman, Michelle Moallem, Sam Platizky and Rachel Resnick, spoke about what they had seen, heard and learned, and how their Jewish education at Temple Emanu-El prepared them for their trip
Pictured below: Sam Platizky, Michelle Moallem, Rabbi Clifford B. Miller, Rachel Resnick, Hal Grossman.
Film Series
Since the fall of 2008, Temple Emanu-El has sponsored four separate film series, screened on Sunday mornings, following morning minyan. Andy and Charlene Platizky have chosen a fascinating variety of new films about Israel, Jews around the world and the Holocaust, attracting a loyal following. And there is always free popcorn!
American Jewish Women
Lisa Kogen, Education Director of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, spoke to a packed room about her book, With Strength and Splendor: Jewish Women as Agents of Change.
As part of our celebration of Israel’s 61st anniversary, we brought the Galim Dance Troupe to Bayonne. The proceeds were used to help Keren Kayemet build an indoor playground for the children of Sderot, Israel, who were under rocket bombardment from Gaza.
Jewish and Israeli Book Fair
In honor of Jewish Book Month, Temple Emanu-El sponsored a book fair before Hanukah of 2010. Harriet and David Grodberg chaired the event. Members brought used books, as well. Those that were not sold were donated to the Bayonne Public Library.
Holidays are Big Celebrations at Temple Emanu-El!
Purim in 2010 was a Fiesta of Esteh, with Mexican food, a piñata, and Mexican costumes. We celebrate Purim each year with Temple Beth Am, whose rabbi, Gordon Gladstone, prepares new, witty and creative commentaries for the Megillah reading each year, as Rabbi Miller reads the Megillah.
