Centennial Celebration

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Temple member Patricia Raskin has thoughtfully produced and hosted a compelling series of interviews with past and present clergy, capturing the rich history and spiritual journey of Temple Emanu-El. Click the links below to explore profound insights from our esteemed clergy and highlights from their individual conversations.

• Centennial History, Memories and Reflections from Clergy and Leaders Past and Present
• Individual Interviews
  • Assistant Rabbi Elan Babchuck (2012-2016)
  • Senior Rabbi Fel (2019-present)
  • Rabbi Alan Flam, Soulful Services Leader (2006-present)
  • Senior Rabbi Emeritus Wayne Franklin (1981-2019)
  • President Pam Kaitin-Miller (2022-2025)
  • Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer (1975-1983, 1991-2008)
  • Assistant Rabbi Daniel Liben (1983-1991)
  • Cantor Emeritus Brian Mayer (1989-2025)
  • Assistant Rabbi Joel Seltzer (2008-2012)
  • Assistant Rabbi Rachel Zerin (2016-2021)

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Bread and Torah Weekend

March 20-23, 2025

We are thrilled to invite Rabbis Linda Motzkin and Jonathan Rubenstein of Bread and Torah. As part of our Centennial Celebration, Bread and Torah Weekend will be a weekend of learning, delicious food, and connection from Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23.

Weekend Highlights​​​​​

• Thursday, March 20
  • 6:00-9:00 PM - Community Challah Bake
• Friday, March 21
  • 2:00-3:30 PM - Babka and Sweet Pastry Workshop
  • 5:45 PM - Shabbat B'Ma'agal
• Saturday, March 22
  • 11:30 AM - D'var Torah from Rabbi Rubenstein
  • 12:30 PM - Teaching during Kiddush from Rabbi Motzkin on "Women and the Making of Torah"
• Sunday, March 23
  • 11 am - 12:30 pm:  Community Torah Project
    • The Community Torah Project is a long-term endeavor designed to open up the sacred process of creating a Torah scroll. Communities around the world have participated in the various steps in the making of a Torah scroll, from processing deerskins into parchment to proofreading completed panels and sewing fully proofread panels together. At Temple Emanu-El, we will be helping to proofread panels that will be put together into a Torah.  This is a wonderful opportunity to see scribal art up close and contribute to the mitzvah of creating a Torah!

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Visioning 100 Art Exhibition

November 16, 2024

• Evening program with desserts. Exhibit will feature works in various media created by Temple Emanu-El members honoring the Centennial theme.
• Artwork on display until February 8, 2025

Centennial Celebration Opening Weekend Events

September 6-8, 2024

• Friday night: Shabbat B’Ma’agal Service in the Round and Dinner provided by Veggie Fun.
• Saturday morning: Services and Kiddush at the shul followed by dessert and treats at the Fel Family Home.
• Sunday morning: Jewish Rhode Island Opening Lecture: Jewish Businesses in Rhode Island. Explore the history and impact of Jewish businesses and innovation in Rhode Island, highlighting prominent businesses and their contributions to the local retail, textile, food, and financial industries.