Congregation Emanu El, Redlands

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Congregation Emanu El, Redlands

Welcome to Congregation Emanu El, a vibrant Reform synagogue in Redlands, CA, serving the Jewish community since 1850s.

Join us for spiritual growth, lifelong learning, Shabbat services, and community events. All are welcome in the Greater Inland Empire! Welcome to Congregation Emanu El, a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community in the heart of Redlands, California. We are a Reform synagogue dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections among our members. At Congregation Eman

u El, we embrace people of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of their Jewish journey. Our mission is to create a warm, welcoming environment where tradition meets innovation, and faith meets action. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of Judaism, participate in our lively events, or connect with like-minded individuals, you'll find a place here. Join us for Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, and a variety of programs that cater to families, young professionals, and older adults alike. We’re passionate about building a strong, supportive community and actively partnering with local organizations to make a positive impact in Redlands. Discover more about our upcoming events, community initiatives, and how you can get involved. Follow us to stay updated and be part of our journey towards spiritual enrichment and community building.

09/06/2026

Sunday morning rain at Emanu El.

The children’s garden is blooming, “Robert’s Creek” is flowing, and Robert is out checking on it all.

A little Sunday morning from our corner of Redlands, captured by Rabbi Cantor Bern-Vogel. Wishing you a lovely Sunday, rain or shine.

09/05/2026

Know someone who has a knack for bringing people together?

PJ Library is looking for Parent Connectors, including someone serving the Riverside/San Bernardino area.

It’s a flexible, paid role for parents of children ages 0–5 who enjoy meeting people, connecting families, and helping create a stronger sense of Jewish community close to home.

The commitment is approximately five hours per month, and applications are due September 18.

We’re happy to share this opportunity with our community. If it sounds like you, or makes you immediately think of someone you know, take a look at the flyer for details and information on how to apply.

09/01/2026

Why do the Torah covers turn white?

In the coming days, something inside our sanctuary will change.

As the High Holy Days approach, the Torah scrolls at Congregation Emanu El will be dressed in white. The change traditionally happens around S’lichot, when we begin hearing the familiar melodies and prayers that lead us toward Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

S’lichot means “forgiveness,” but the white covers aren’t a symbol of perfection. They represent the possibility of beginning again.

The tradition echoes a line from Isaiah: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

There is something powerful about watching the sanctuary change before the High Holy Days begin. The room looks different, offering a quiet reminder that none of us has to remain exactly as we are.

08/31/2026

A little something for the week ahead

May you recognize what's good when it finds you.
May you have the courage to choose what brings more goodness into your life.
May you give generously when you can, and let yourself receive when you need to.
And may you find something this week that feels like a blessing.

Shavua tov. A good week to you.

08/28/2026

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is remember to ask again.

When someone first becomes sick, people often reach out. But as the weeks pass and everyone returns to their routines, illness can become especially lonely.

How are you feeling today?
Do you need anything this week?
Would you like some company?

In Jewish tradition, caring for someone who is unwell is called bikur cholim, which means “visiting the sick.”

But it doesn’t have to be a formal visit. It can be a phone call, a warm meal, a ride to an appointment, or simply remembering to check in again.

We don’t need to have the perfect words or know how to make everything better.

Sometimes care is simply making sure someone knows they haven’t been forgotten.
Community is not only where we gather. It is who remembers to call again.

If someone came to mind while reading this, perhaps today is a good day to check in.

08/27/2026

📅 What’s happening this September?

Our September Bulletin is now available. With the High Holy Days approaching, this month brings many opportunities to gather, reflect, learn, and celebrate together.

Inside, you’ll find the complete calendar of services, holiday observances, community events, and everything happening at Congregation Emanu El throughout the month.

📖 Read it here:
https://emanuelsb.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/securepdfs/2026/08/September-2026-final.pdf

08/26/2026

What a beautiful afternoon at Congregation Emanu El.

On Saturday, our social hall filled with singing bowls, gongs, colorful mats and so many people ready to slow down for a little while.

Peg McKnight led us through a sound bath meditation that gave everyone a chance to rest, breathe and experience something a little different together.

Thank you, Peg, for sharing your warmth and your wonderful collection of instruments with us. And thank you to everyone who came, brought a mat, found a comfortable spot and made the afternoon feel so special.

Thank you to Rabbi-Cantor Bern-Vogel for sharing these photos with us.

08/23/2026

A school year can begin more than once.

For many of our students, the backpacks have already been packed, the classroom introductions made and the new routines begun.

But today brings another first day: the beginning of a new year at SJL, Congregation Emanu El’s School for Jewish Living.

Jewish learning has never been only about knowing the right answers. It begins with curiosity: asking why, looking more closely and discovering that a good question can stay with you long after class ends.

So today, we welcome back our students, teachers and families. And to everyone in our wider community beginning a new school year, whether it started weeks ago or is still just ahead, we wish you a year filled with people who help you grow, ideas that surprise you and at least one question you cannot wait to follow.

Welcome back, SJL. Let’s see where this year takes us.💙

08/21/2026

A little reminder for tomorrow: our free Sound Bath Meditation Concert begins at 11 am

Please arrive by 10:45 and bring anything that will help you rest comfortably, such as a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, or eye covering. Chairs will also be available.

The sound bath begins promptly at 11, and we will not be able to admit anyone after it begins.

Saturday, August 22
11 am – 12 pm
Free and open to everyone

08/19/2026

Please note: Zoom will not be available for our Shabbat service this Friday, August 21. All other programs that normally use Zoom will continue as usual.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We look forward to welcoming everyone who is able to join us in person.

Address

1495 Ford Street
Redlands, CA
92373

Telephone

+19093070400

Website

http://www.emanuelsb.org/

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