Temple Emanu-El of Utica

08/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GUCraL7yB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A statement from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, on the incident at Central Synagogue:

Last night, a joyful, spiritual gathering at Central Synagogue was disrupted by violence. We are grateful no one was seriously hurt, and we thank the security team, NYPD, and clergy for responding swiftly.

As Jews experience this climate of heightened antisemitism, words matter as much as actions. We call on every leader in New York City, including Mayor Mamdani, to condemn antisemitism consistently and unequivocally. Bad actors regularly conflate hatred of Israel with hatred of Jewish people living their lives. Ambiguity, even unintentional, leaves room for hatred to fester.

2,000 years ago, Rabbi Akiva was studying Torah in a public place. One of the students asked if he was afraid.
Rabbi Akiva replied with a parable:

A fox, walking along a riverbank, saw fish fleeing, and asked them: why?

They said: We are fleeing from the nets that people cast upon us.

He said: Do you wish to come onto dry land?

The fish said: If we are afraid in the water, our natural habitat which gives us life, then in a habitat that causes our death, all the more so.(Berachot 61b)

We will not answer fear by retreating behind locked doors. Our welcoming communities are where we find our strength and our purpose. We will keep our doors open, keep our arms open, and keep insisting that Jewish life be proud and unafraid.

And as we continue to lean into living Jewish lives of commitment, depth and pride, we must also urge Congress to pass the Jewish Americans Safety Act, into law.

Among its provisions, the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act would provide $1 billion in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to improve security at synagogues and other faith-based and nonprofit institutions.

Jewish spiritual practice includes study, prayer and yes, action. Let us double down on all three.

https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/URJ/campaigns/137554/respond

07/27/2026

06/17/2026

We had such a lovely celebration of our community at our Annual Congregational meeting on Sunday.
First we installed new board members as others stepped down with our gratitude for their time and service.
Next we gave out a double “Volunteer of the Year Award” to Deb and Al Cohen,
Andi the “Youth Service Award” to Evyn Cohen(no relation to Deb and Al).
Then the BIG EVENT happened!
The small sanctuary was dedicated as the new
“Freedman Family Chapel”. The beautiful plaque dedicating the new name for the chapel was made by Caren Price. The extended Freedman family attended and a much deserved honor was given.
Then, we ate!

06/05/2026

We have been so lucky to have Rita’s smiling face greeting us whenever we walk into Temple, and last week we celebrated her 20th anniversary of being with us! We were happy to have a chance to let Rita know how much we appreciate her.

05/24/2026

There was laughter at the cemetery last week! Our Religious School kids helped complete a special mitzvah as we buried obsolete and damaged sacred books. These books were given the respect they deserve after imparting their wisdom to us over the years. The kids participated very energetically in shoveling the dirt into the grave.

04/15/2026

Our top chefs, Linda Slavin and Eric Yoss made fresh matzah brei for our Passover Yizkor dinner. It was served with many fixings to satisfy those who like it sweet and those who like it savory. At the end of our meal, we segued into a meaningful Yizkor service as we sat around the table enjoying the good company.

04/14/2026

Jewishness is not simply a state of being; it is an invitation to realize our full potential as intellectually and spiritually engaged human beings. This particular opportunity to engage our minds features one of the foremost teachers of our time, Dr. Steve Windmueller. If you can be available at 9AM on Tuesday, I urge you to participate in this excellent learning opportunity.

As part of our 150th Anniversary celebration and Jewish Heritage Month, this four-part series will explore the unique relationship between Jews and America. Each session will be accompanied by one or more related articles, which may be shared in advance or following the program. Presentations will b...

04/05/2026

Hope you are having a Happy Passover! Our religious school kids made these creative depictions of Moses, either as a baby in the Nile or leading the Israelites through the Red Sea!