Israel lives in its congregations. I.M. Wise, American Israelite, July 29, 1887. About the Temple Our Professional Staff A Brief History Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester was founded in 1953 as a liberal, Reform Congregation. The first services were held at the White Plains YMCA, the Westchester Conservatory of Music, or Ridgeview Congregational Church. Thus the congregation wandered until it moved into its present site in 1962. From its inception until today, the congregation has maintained a liberal and forward thinking approach to its religious philosophy. Its present spiritual leader is Rabbi Daniel S. Wolk, who has served since 1967. The congregation is a member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC). A Beautiful Environment Our building is ideally located at the corner of Westchester Avenue East and Kenilworth Road, and easily accessible from all the communities in central and southern Westchester County. Located on over seven acres of secluded, wooded property, the present sanctuary was dedicated in 1972. The distinctive architecture of the sanctuary blends in harmoniously with the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. A Warm Atmosphere Our congregation prides itself on its warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. New members, guests and friends are graciously welcomed into our temple family. The Rabbi, board of trustees, staff and members take personal pride in guiding everyone into the various activities and programs offered by the Temple. Our approach is an echo of the phrase: "This house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." It is our personal touch that makes us unique as a truly welcoming, congregational family. A Stimulating Membership Our membership rolls list over 400 families, representing a broad, cross-section of the Westchester Jewish community. We have a heterogeneous congregation in both age and religious background. We draw our congregational family from a broad spectrum of interesting, energetic people from a diverse professional world. We consider ourselves to be an inclusive congregational family, welcoming everyone who desires a positive, uplifting and dynamic Reform Jewish experience in which there is ample opportunity for individual participation and involvement. Contact the office for more information about joining! A Place of Innovative Worship Whether it is the weekly Shabbat Services or the seasonal holidays, the worship experience at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester is both inspiring and uplifting. In the spirit of Reform Judaism we take new and innovative approaches to the worship experience whether through the liturgy or the musical accompaniments. In addition to the traditional prayers, the rabbi incorporates readings from a variety of religious and secular sources. Our Cantor enhances the spoken word with both modern and traditional music. Through the beauty of her own voice, she encourages the congregation to join with her in the traditional responses and also teaches new and exciting melodies for communal participation. A Source of Creative Education Led and directed by our dynamic educator, Marcie Aiuvalasit, the religious school is a place of creative teaching using a curriculum that inspires our children to develop an awareness of Judaism in an enjoyable and fun filled setting. Using the latest in technology, as well as the tried and true methods of pedagogy, our teaching staff motivates our children in the challenges of a dynamic religious heritage. Whether the subject is Hebrew, history, the Bible, holidays or customs and ceremonies, our teaching staff seeks creative and innovative ways to present the subject matter. Techniques ranging from computers to field trips and retreats, supplement the normal classroom experience. A Place of Interesting Activities In addition to being a house of worship and education, Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester is also a place of assembly for a variety of stimulating activities. Our Adult Education program encompasses a variety of educational experiences ranging from Bagel Brunches on Sundays to evening courses in Judaism, customs and ceremonies, contemporary issues and literature. Our film series features cinematography of both Jewish and non-Jewish subject matter. Through the Guild, Youth Group and Social Action Committee one can become involved in programs that support our commitment to community service. A Place of Outreach In 1986, Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester saw the need to reach out to couples where one partner had not been born as a Jew. The goal was to help individuals understand that many of their concerns were shared by others and through a supportive atmosphere, could be aired, understood and dealt with. Originally planned as a two-week program, it is very much alive and running today. Linda Caigan, ACSW, who inaugurated the program at its inception, is still its facilitator. Linda is an outstanding facilitator who demonstrates great empathy towards the members of the group, establishes an immediate comfort level and embodies the professional skills to deal with particular situations that arise. Our Organization Congregation Emanu-El is administered by an elected set of officers and a board of trustees. The board meets monthly from September through June and holds an annual meeting the first Sunday in June. The officers and board members serve for a set number of years, with the possibility of a second term. No officer or board member may serve more than two terms. This allows for continuity as well as variety and an opportunity for service. There are varieties of standing committees: religious school, finance, membership, worship, and long-range planning, just to name a few. Non-standing committees are created as the need arises. Participation by the entire congregation is greatly encouraged and anyone who desires to become involved is welcomed. A Place of Commitment Our congregation is blessed by the generosity of its members. Over the years numerous funds have been established to both remember and honor dear ones, and also support the work of the Temple. The funds range in nature from personal family funds to social action, library, biblical garden, music, endowment, prayer book and discretionary funds, just to name a few. Our Professional Staff The Rabbi Our Rabbi, Daniel S. Wolk, has been with our congregation since 1967. A graduate of Brown University and The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), he emulates his father, Rabbi Samuel Wolk, who served in Albany, New York, in a tradition of dynamic and committed leadership. Warm, friendly and approachable, Rabbi Wolk is an ardent traveler, amateur archaeologist and author. His commitment to both the congregation and community is testified to by his tenure in our pulpit and as a teacher of Old Testament Bible at The School of The Holy Child since 1973, where he has been honored on numerous occasions. Rabbi Wolk is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). Rabbi Pein Wendy Drucker Pein is a 1997 graduate of HUC-New York. She spent two years as an Assistant Rabbi of Temple Israel of New Rochelle where her responsibilities included weekly pulpit sermons, youth advising, and Adult Education. After the birth of her daughter, Wendy led services on a monthly basis for her home congregation, Temple Beth Israel in Scottsdale, Arizona. She also spent time as an Assistant Chaplain for a senior care facility. Wendy is an experienced instructor of the Introduction to Judaism course for the UAHC. Wendy and her husband, Howard, currently reside in Riverdale, New York, with their 3-year old daughter, Romy. The Cantor Cantor Meredith Stone brings her magnificent voice to all of our worship experiences. She has been with the congregation since 1985. A graduate of Brown University, she has a Master's Degree in voice from the University of Southern California and a Master of Sacred Music Degree, and investiture as a cantor, from the Hebrew Union College School of Sacred Music. Cantor Stone has sung on the opera and concert stage; and has appeared as soloist at the Tanglewood and Aspen Music Festivals. She is deeply involved in the training of our Bar and Bat Mitzvot students. The Religious Educator Marcie Aiuvalasit was educated in a "Classical Reform" congregation on Long Island. From the time she can remember, she has always wanted to be a teacher. As a student at Adelphi University, she began teaching religious school and has never stopped. She earned a Master's Degree in Urban Education from Boston College and taught in two Reform congregations in the Boston area. Wherever she found herself, she found a temple in which to apply her talents at teaching. Marcie came to Congregation Emanu-El in 1987, as our Director of Religious Education. Her dynamic spirit, love of Judaism and commitment to community has enabled her to establish an outstanding educational experience for our children. Marcie is an active member of the National Association of Temple Educators (NATE). Board Members: President: Tim Lindon Vice President: Sheryl Kaye Vice President: Bruce Nathanson Vice President: Donna Ostrau Secretary: Joan Kass Treasurer: David Fried Board of Trustees Daniel Chestler John Delehanty Michael Dubin Gil Elmaleh Barry Finkelstein Bruce Freyer John Furth Sandy Grundman Peggy LoCastro Harriet Madoff Oswald Nancy Riesenfeld Wendy Rowden Susan Amkraut-Shapiro Michael Temple Ex officio - Michael Granoff The Administrator Susan Cohen is our indispensable administrator. Susan came to us in 1989, and from her very first day became a vital link in the chain of command. Her voice, or that of Margie McCabe, the rabbi's secretary, is the one you will hear when calling the Temple. Susan is an adept organizer, superb facilitator and a warm and personable member of the team. If she does not have the answer to your questions, she will find out for you and personally give you a call. She is a member of the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA). People contact is her hallmark. About Us | Worship | Religious Education | Social Action | Youth Group | Guild | Temple Activities Calendar | Sermon Archive | Photo Gallery | Contact Info | Directions | Membership Copyright © 2003 Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester. All Rights Reserved.