Touching your heart and engaging your mind
Jewish Life in Northern Nevada
Hanukkah 2025
I don't even know where to begin. I am in awe of my committee. Each of you has been so wonderful to work with. I am truly blessed to have the team we have, which makes every event such a success.
Living in Reno, it is always a little scary planning an event in December. You never know what the weather will be or whether or not people will show up. But with good faith (and had to be Hashem on our side since we know the weather definitely was not), and a great team of workers, with only 37 adults and 3 kids signed up for the party, we ended up with over 50 people (both adults and kids) attending the event on Sunday.
Sue E decorated the social hall so beautifully, and Ferne was there helping with whatever we needed her to help with.
Starting the evening/day at 3 pm with the crafts that Rabbi Benny organized was truly amazing. His team of Judy, Pam, Brigetta, and Maayan helped to make the event so successful. Children of all ages could be found coloring rocks, making Chanukkah cards, getting their faces painted, or participating in other wonderful activities. We had to drag them out at 4:30 (or maybe a little after) to light the Chanukkah candles for the last night. We were blessed to have Yakov lead us. Then we ate. Florence and I made sure everyone got at least one latke (made by Pam) and one salmon croquette (made by Florence). We also had Israeli salad (made by Jen and her daughter Jessie), chocolate candy Chanukkah gelt and dreidels, brownies, and sufganiyot. We had 4 raffles, which helped to offset the cost of the party, and ended up with a profit. Not bad!! And thanks to all who participated.
Let's not forget we were kept safe by our fabulous Security team. We have John Duerson, Ed West, and Steve Carver on duty keeping us safe. We thank you all.
A wonderful event, and everyone enjoyed themselves. So one more time, I thank you all for all your hard work yesterday and all year long.
Looking forward to 2026 and another wonderful year of events.
Regards,
Jan Carver
Program Chair
The Jewish Film Festival - 2026
Thanks to all of those who sponsored, volunteered and attended the 4th annual Northern Nevada Jewish Film Festival (cohosted by Temple Emanu-El and Jewish Nevada), it was a success!
Throughout all day Sunday and Monday evening, the audience laughed, cried and applauded, and asked great questions of our wonderful speakers — creator and Director of "Heritage Day" Lara Everly and "Among Neighbors" Producer Yoav Potash.
We couldn't have done it without all of you. And we really couldn't have done it without the great management and projection team at the Galaxy Theatre. We are so lucky to have the Galaxy as our venue.
Most comments we heard were very positive. Of course, constructive criticism is always appreciated from those of you who attended.
We're already looking forward to next year!
Sue Edmondson
We’re excited you’re interested in joining Temple Emanu-El. When you become a Temple Emanu-El member and get involved, whether by attending services or any of the activities we offer, we hope you will feel that you have found a second home.
Our family becomes your family AND your family become ours.
Membership application, contact the synagogue office by message, or mail at:
1031 Manzanita Lane
Reno, Nevada 89509
or by telephone at 775 -825 -5600.
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי
Am Yisrael Chai
Cars lined Manzanita Lane for the mile between Lakeside Drive and Plumas; the parking lot at Temple Emanu-El overflowed when hundreds came to support Israel and the Jewish community on Tuesday, October 10th. Representatives from every branch of government, from federal to State, to local and law enforcement, vowed to support Israel’s right to defend itself and to keep the Jewish community safe. Reno Police Chief Katherine Nance urged us to continue to gather for services and events, and promised extra patrols of Reno’s synagogues. RPD presence at the vigil was unmistakable, with cruisers along the street and in the parking lot.
Prayers and song were offered by Rabbi Benjamin Katz, Rabbi Richard Leibovitz, Zel Copeland and Mara Langer. Speakers included Stefanie Tuzman, President and CEO of Jewish Nevada (by video), and Marc Picker, Northern Nevada Council Chair. A video update by Israel Bachar, General Consul of Israel, detailed the current situation in Israel. At the end of the vigil, candles were lit in remembrance of the Jewish victims of the Hamas attacks and the devastation in Israel.
Mara Langer, both a congregant of Temple Emanu-El and Jewish Nevada’s Director Community Engagement for Northern Nevada organized the entire event. Thanks go to her and Jewish Nevada for making the event possible, and to Temple Emanu-El for hosting it. Thanks are also owed to the speakers — Nevada’s Chief of Staff Ben Kieckhefer representing Governor Lombardo, Molly Rose Lewis representing Senator Jackie Rosen, State Assemblywoman Angie Taylor, Reno Police Chief Katherine Nance, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, Temple Emanu-El President Alan Liebman — the attendance of Commissioner Clara Andriola, and the support of Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto.