Special Interest Groups
Jewish Meditation Group
Every Sunday, 9-10 am. In this group people from all over the community join together to engage body, mind and spirit in 45 minutes of Jewish learning and mindful meditation. Each week we will explore Jewish Meditation as envisioned by the Kabbalistic sages. There is no charge to attend; however, we suggest a $5 donation to the Emanuel at meeting time. Pre-registration is not required – walk-ins very welcome.
CONTACT Ori Clare at (860) 833-9671 .
Bereavement Support Groups – Afternoon and Evening, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month
The afternoon group meets 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. and the evening group meets at 7:30 pm. This is a free support group for Jewish individuals mourning the death of a loved one. This group is co-sponsored by The Emanuel Synagogue and VNA Health Care. Registration is required.
CONTACT Donna Gordon of the VNA at (860) 493-7349.
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group
Throughout time Rosh Chodesh has been a meaningful holiday for Jewish women. To honor this sacred part of our history, we gather at the beginning of each month for study and prayer, socializing, learning and spiritual renewal. Each year we explore topics and develop themes relevant to our lives as Jewish women. We invite you to join us!
CONTACT Estelle Kafer or Ona Mastronarde, (860) 236-1275.
Ozreinu (Special Needs)
We are a support group, affiliated with National Ozreinu, for Jewish families with children with special needs. Meetings include Torah study and mutual support. In addition, our facility is equipped for handicapped accessibility.
Next meeting: Sunday, January 22, 2012, 4:00 to 5:30 PM. A parallel group for children with special needs meets with Tammy Krulewitz and teen volunteers. There will be a charge of $10 per child for members of The Emanuel Synagogue and $15 per child for non-members. For more information or to register your child, please call Judith Fox at 860-233-2774 or email judyefox@emanuelsynagogue.org
CONTACT Beth Katten, (860) 236-1275, bethkatten@yahoo.com
Friendship Circle: A Support Group for Parents of Gay & Lesbian Children
Come join our group to share the “ins and outs” of your experience, give and get support, and navigate the complexities of sharing this journey with family, friends, and the community at large. The group facilitators are Emanuel parents of gay adult children who have been through the process. Strict confidentiality is assured.
CONTACT: Renee Friedman at Sheldon.friedman@comcast.net or Cookie Melito at tonescookie@aol.com.
Biblical Garden Group
This group maintains the Biblical Garden to re-create flower, tree, and shrub combinations that are mentioned in the Torah and other Biblical texts. In addition to planting, the group plans and implements our projects by studying the texts and writing explanatory garden-signs. Donations of plants, shrubs, and trees in honor or memory of a loved one are welcome.
CONTACT Ellen Kaplan Weingold, (860) 236-1275,