Music and Worship
at Temple Emanu-El
On Friday evenings, Temple Emanu-El comes alive with spirited and participatory worship grounded in Jewish tradition and elevated through music. Services blend liturgical and contemporary melodies, creating a prayer experience that is joyful, meaningful, and accessible to all. You might hear beloved classics, chazzanut, modern composers, or even a creative pairing of a pop song with a traditional text — always chosen with intention and respect for the rhythm of the Jewish calendar.
Our musical leadership includes piano, guitar, violin, bass, percussion, and a rotation of volunteer voices and ensembles. We welcome congregational singing, harmony, and active participation, ensuring that worship is something we create together. Some weeks include study or thematic elements connected to holidays, current events, or lifecycle celebrations, helping make each Shabbat unique.
Festival services and holiday worship maintain a more traditional sound, often featuring a cappella nusach and fuller liturgy, while still reflecting our community’s warmth and sense of purpose. Across every service, our goal remains the same: to empower connection, elevate prayer, and build community through music that moves the soul.
TEWnies (Youth Choir)
The TEWnies is our joyful and informal youth choir for children in grades K–5, open to singers of all levels. We sing in both Hebrew and English, learning music (and handmotions) that become part of Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, and community events. Rehearsals take place on select Sundays from 10:45-11:15 after religious school, but participation is flexible - singers are welcome whether they attend every time or only occasionally. Every time we sing together, we’re not just performing - we’re praying, growing, and celebrating the joy of Jewish music.
TEE Choir
Our adult choir has long been a treasured part of Temple Emanu-El, enhancing worship with rich harmonies and soulful expression. The choir sings for select Friday night services, community gatherings, and the High Holy Days, bringing beauty, depth, and spirit to sacred moments. We get to work with a number of guest artists - the past 2 years have included-- The Afro Semitic Experience, Joe Buchanan, Singers of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Under the direction of the extraordinary Suzanne Moore, the choir welcomes anyone who loves music, worship, and community.
Band TEWgether (official name pending)
Open to singers and instrumentalists, our Temple band meets monthly to jam, explore music, and enjoy the joy of playing together. Our ensemble already includes flute, piano, percussion, tuba, mandolin, violin, and guitar — and we’re always looking to add more! Participants may bring musical ideas ranging from Jewish melodies to pop favorites, with occasional pop-up performance opportunities. Basic music reading skills are helpful, and all are welcome to contribute their creativity and ruach to our musical community.
Play an instrument or sing and want to contribute to the vibrant musical culture here at TEE? Reach out to Cantor Ilana Goldman igoldman@tewnj.org.