From the Rabbi's Desk
(This Rabbi’s Message appears in the Annual Report/June Bulletin Newsletter.)
Friends,
This annual report is partly a way to say thank you. Whether you are one of our dedicated leaders on the Board of
Trustees, a benefactor of our programs, lent a hand to make something happen, brought a friend to Temple Emanu-El for
the first time, or attended services or programs – live or via livestream – you have helped build our community – the only
Reform Jewish congregation in our region. You have ensured that Temple Emanu-El continues to be a place where all
are welcome to engage in Jewish traditions and spirituality through uplifting cultural, educational, and social programs,
and where our children and families can build and strengthen their Jewish identity and connections to the Jewish people.
This annual report is also a way to show the breadth of Temple Emanu-El community life. We offer programs for
everyone, from the youngest to the most senior among us — from Shabbat and festival services to studying Torah and
Jewish texts; from Shabbat and Chanukah dinners to baking for onegs; from beautifying our building and grounds to going out into the community in the spirit of tikkun olam, repairing the world, and gimilut chasadim, acts of loving-kindness. With engaged lay leadership, dedicated committees, Sisterhood, and Brotherhood, we do our best to respond to the needs of our community and be good neighbors and partners.
This past year has been extremely stressful for so many of us — and not only because of the normal ups and downs of life. Antisemitism has continued to escalate worldwide; war in the Middle East now involves American forces, with some of our own family and community members directly affected; and our country’s democratic process and protections are being severely tested in this, its 250th anniversary year. Amid all of this, Temple Emanu-El is the place where we can step away from the chaos, recharge our souls, grow our relationships, and reinforce our commitment to Jewish values and learning. Temple Emanu-El is a life-affirming counterpoint to the senseless hatred and destruction we see in the world.
In the pages that follow, you will see how our community has been building a vibrant community through Reform Judaism. We could not have done it without your support.
With deep gratitude, L’shalom,
Rabbi Marc
Hazzan Sherry's Note
After the cold, snowy winter, and very cool and wet spring, I’m happy that summer will officially be here in a few weeks.
There is plenty to look forward to this month at Temple Emanu-El. We start off the month with two very exciting Shabbat
Morning services. On Saturday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m., Ian and Suzanne Crawford will become B’nei Mitzvah. On Saturday, June 13, also at 10:00 a.m., Emma Zelken will become a Bat Mitzvah. I have had such a wonderful time working with Ian, Suzanne, and Emma. They have all worked hard learning prayers, Torah, and Haftarah. It is a big commitment and I am very proud of all of them. They are all involved in Temple life, and are all very special people. I hope you join us in celebrating Ian, Suzanne, and Emma as they mark this milestone in their lives.
I have a sign in my office that says: “Teaching is a Work of Heart”. I love teaching our Religious School students and our
adult students. Though there is an age difference between the two, the take away is the same. I love the moment when
their eyes light up because they’ve made a connection. It might be in their reading skills, or when they have confidently
chanted from Torah or Haftarah. Maybe they have reached a point where they can read, translate, and understand text
in a new light. Bottom line, I love watching my students fly. I’m very proud of their accomplishments, because I know
what it takes to get there. Chanting Torah and Haftarah is a learned skill, one that not all adults sign up to learn. A goal
of mine has been to make sure that there will always be Hebrew readers and people to chant Torah and Haftarah in our
congregation. So far we are blessed to have quite a few.
This year, I continued to teach these Adult Classes: Learning Torah Trope, Beginning and Intermediate Hebrew, and
Translating Torah. I’m taking a class with Rabbi Marc on the Zohar. It’s a wonderful class. I would have loved to have
taken his Talmud Class, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. If you are interested in Adult Education Classes, keep
an eye on the September Bulletin. Not only will you be learning something new, but you will make some new friends.
Every year Armi and I say that it takes a village to put on an evening like Cabaret! There are the tech guys, the decorating
committee, the set up and clean up committee, and the people entertaining you! It is a lot of work, but Armi and I love
doing it and are grateful for all who help us make the evening a success! That includes our audience! It’s never too late to
start thinking about being in our 12th Annual Cabaret in February 2027!
There is so much that goes on here and so many people behind the scenes. Most recent was my 25th Anniversary
Celebration. Thank you again to everyone on committees and behind the scenes who made that evening happen, those
who attended and/or made a donation. I appreciate all of you. Also a thank you to everyone who made it possible to have
Sue Horowitz and Julie Silver come lead our Kabbalat Shabbat Service, and fill our cup with beautiful music.
A reminder to sign up for our Shabbat Summer lay-led services. They have always been a highlight for me. I enjoy
working with everyone who would like to lead one. Each one is different and spiritually uplifting. Shabbat Summer
services will begin on Friday, June 19, and end on August 14. If you are interested in leading a Shabbat Summer Service, please email me at shirie3860@aol.com or call Temple Emanu-El, 860-443-3005, to speak with me about available dates and any questions you may have.
Many thanks to you, our wonderful congregation, for all your support. Whether it’s financial, volunteering to lend a helping hand when asked or just jumping in, it is always very much appreciated. Maybe you lead or joined a committee for a program, are a part of our leadership, or just being a part of our Temple family. We wouldn’t be who we are without you! Todah rabah.
See you at Shabbat Summer Services. Have a lovely Summer!
B’shir,
Hazzan Sherry
President's Message
A Year of Connection and Community
As we come to the close of the 2025–2026 Temple year, I reflect with deep gratitude on all that we
have shared together. This has been a year filled with connection — to one another, to our traditions,
and to the spirit that makes our Temple such a special place.
From the High Holy Days through Passover and into the spring, our congregation has come together for meaningful worship, celebration, and learning. Whether at Shabbat services, holiday gatherings, or community events, each moment has helped strengthen the bonds that define us.
A highlight of the year was the celebration of Hazzan Sherry Barnes and her 25th Anniversary — a welldeserved tribute to her dedication and the many ways she enriches our Temple life. We also enjoyed the energy of events like the Purim Spiel, Cabaret Night, and Brotherhood gatherings, all of which brought joy and connection to our community.
The continued growth of the Terri Goldsmith Memorial Golf Tournament was another meaningful milestone — a powerful reflection of generosity, remembrance, and community spirit.
Equally important is the dedication of our volunteers, clergy, staff, and Board, whose time and commitment help sustain and strengthen ourbTemple each and every day.
As we look ahead, I invite you to join us at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 14th at 10 am, where we will reflect more deeply on this past year and share our vision for the future. Thank you for being part of our Temple family. It is truly an honor to serve as your President.
With appreciation,
John Murphy
President, Temple Emanu-El
president@tewaterford.org | 860-608-0774
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