Temple Emanuel Lakeland

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

It was a wonderful evening at Temple Emanuel!
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09/06/2026

The Gift of Jewish Learning

Every teacher has a reason for teaching. Mine comes from a lifelong love of Jewish learning and a deep gratitude for the people who opened that world to me. Jewish history, Torah, traditions, stories, music, language, and the warmth of the Jewish community have enriched my life beyond measure. It is a privilege to share that joy with the next generation.

I feel deeply honored to teach at our synagogue's school. My hope is not simply to teach holidays, Hebrew words, or historical facts. I hope to help children discover the beauty, wisdom, joy, and curiosity that Jewish learning has brought into my own life. I want them to ask questions, to enjoy stories, to sing songs, to explore our traditions, and to feel proud of belonging to a people whose heritage has inspired generations for thousands of years.

Every child's Jewish journey will be unique. If I can help your children discover even a small part of the joy that Jewish learning has given me, I will consider it a true privilege. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning, discovery, and growth together.
Warmly,
Gala Rokhinson
(This letter was shortened here due to social media limitations- it can be read in full in an email being sent to the temple email list.)

09/04/2026

Recently the religious school made Shana Tovah cards and created baskets filled with honey cake, apples and sweets. They then delivered the bags to people who were ill or unable to leave their homes — to wish them a sweet and good year and a joyous Rosh Hashanah!

09/04/2026

Recently the religious school made Shana Tovah cards and created baskets filled with honey cake, apples and sweets. They then delivered the bags to people who were ill or unable to leave their homes — to wish them a sweet and good year and a joyous Rosh Hashanah!

09/04/2026

SCHOOL NEWS
Robin Sussingham, school administrator

The Temple Emanuel Religious School is off to a great start! The teachers are working hard and participating in monthly training seminars led by the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, the organization that created our curriculum. The older students this year will be focusing on Jewish values, lifecycle, and the land of Israel; while the younger kids study mitz’vot, Hebrew and Prayer, Israel, and Jewish Lifecycle Events; and everybody works on a deeper understanding of the Jewish holidays. For Rosh Hashanah, the children will be assembling honey cake gift baskets, along with Shana Tovah cards, to bring to those who are ill or unable to come to services.

Rabbi Goldstein is teaching Hebrew on Monday afternoons, with the assistance of Shane Plapinger. All the parents will be receiving an updated B’nai Mitzvah Handbook, which should illuminate the path and make clear the expectations for celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah here at the synagogue.

In addition to being blessed with a Rabbi who is willing and able to impart his knowledge to the next generation, we are fortunate to have two outstanding teachers leading the classrooms, Melissa Sahl and Gala Rokhinson.

As always, please contact me at [email protected] if you have an idea for a program or would like to help out in any way.

Here are some pictures of the religious school kids making Shana Tovah cards and putting together baskets with honey cake and sweets. They are delivering them to temple members who are ill or confined to their home. Julie Wills took the photos and she and Lizandra baked the honey cakes and supervised the event.

09/04/2026

SEE YOU TOMORROW!
Please plan on joining us for Selichot and to celebrate Ira and Tammy's anniversary tomorrow, Saturday, September 5th.

The reception is being sponsored by Tammy and Ira Serebrin in honor of their 55th wedding anniversary.

09/04/2026

Weekly Parashat and Candle Lighting
23 Elul 5786
Torah Readings:
Parashat: Nitzavim-Vayeilech
Deuteronomy: 29:9-11 - 30:11-14
Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10-63:9
Candle Lighting
Friday, September 4 - Light candles 7:27pm
Saturday September 5 - Shabbat Ends 8:19pm