Temple Emanuel, Grand Rapids, MI

Adult Education

We offer many educational programs, teaming up with community organizations to create meaningful experiences for all.

Hebrew at Temple

Services, study, or simply schmoozing, you’ll likely run into some Hebrew. Here’s a handy reference of common terms and phrases!

Join and Support

Curious about joining or supporting Temple Emanuel? We have lots of ways to get involved. Learn more here!

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

My Black Son is a Baby, But He Won’t Always Be

My Black Son is a Baby, But He Won’t Always Be urjadmin May 3, 2021

Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Being Black in America is its own journey within the journey of just being human, and living, and discovering who you really are on a soul level. Then there’s being Black and Jewish. And then there’s being Black, Jewish, married to a white Jew, and having bi-ethnic Jewish kids. It’s another journey, not an easy one at times, and instead of getting easier as I get older, we seem to be facing more challenges.

Being a Mom in an All-Woman Family

Being a Mom in an All-Woman Family jstern May 3, 2021

LGBTQ+ Jewish Life

June and her partner, Betsy, adopted two girls from Guatemala and raised them together until Betsy died of cancer 4 years ago. June talked with me about the great joy she felt in fulfilling her dream of becoming a mom and the challenge she and her teenage daughters faced after suffering such a tremendous loss.