OUR MISSION

Temple Emanu-El of Westfield embraces innovation and creativity, inspiring our approach to Jewish life and practice and leading to a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community for all.

When you step through our doors, you join a congregation rooted in lifelong learning, where social justice and philanthropy are expressions of our Jewish values, and joyous Judaism infuses service, ritual, and program.

We bring a fresh, energetic spirituality to Reform Judaism, honoring our traditions and adding a modern twist to the wisdom that has guided our community for generations.

OUR VISION

Imagine a Jewish community grounded in tradition and history, yet inspired by the vast potential of our future.

At Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, we are innovators and creators, lifelong learners and seekers of God. Guided by the richness of Torah and the wisdom of the teachers and leaders who came before us, our Judaism is a source of joy, comfort, community, and wisdom. We see the potential in every moment, and we lead by example.

We believe in festive Shabbat gatherings and inspirational Jewish learning, in joining together in song and worship to the tune of children laughing in our sanctuary, in young people asking questions and adults growing through the wisdom of tradition. We believe in challenging expectations, investing generously and philanthropically in our community, and rising to meet each new moment through Torah, loving-kindness, justice, and joy.

We’ve built a community where every moment is an opportunity for growth, change, and creative learning. We believe in an optimistic, creative, collaborative Jewish future, and we believe it starts with us.

OUR VALUES

  • We believe that Judaism is a source of individual and collective joy. We create a space for each person to find the expression of Judaism that brings them the most meaning — a place to feel connected, included, and seen within our community. Each person’s relationship with Judaism is unique, and we’re here to inspire a relationship that will last a lifetime.

  • By engaging with Torah, living by its precepts, bringing its teachings into our daily lives, and making it accessible to all who seek its guidance and wisdom, we connect our Jewish past, present, and future.

  • We answer the call to repair the world through philanthropy, tikkun olam, and civic engagement. We model the change we wish to see in the world, inspire our youth to a lifetime of social responsibility, and show up for our communities: Jewish, local, national, and global alike.

  • Building on the foundation of thousands of years of Jewish teachings and traditions, we boldly live our values through creativity, experimentation, and a belief in the power of change. We embrace every new challenge as an opportunity to grow as individuals, as a congregation, and in our community.

  • We believe that an active, vibrant learning community strengthens our connections to one another and links our congregation across the larger Jewish world. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn, study, ask questions, and challenge what we think we know.

  • We bring our connection to Israel into our worship, our social action, our education and learning programs, our youth engagement, and our philanthropy. We lead and encourage travel to Israel, engagement with its culture, history, and communities, and the building of a personal relationship with the land. We simultaneously welcome questions, respectful disagreement, and an understanding that Israel is and always will be a part of the Jewish world.