Frequently Asked Questions

How many members do you presently have?

We are a growing, thriving congregation with over 500 member units. We welcome singles, couples, families…

What is the usual time for Shabbat services?

Friday night services begin at 8:15 p.m. However, once per month there are special Family services that begin at 7:45 p.m.

On Saturday morning, regular services begin at 10:30 a.m. Two Saturdays per month am additional service is offered beginning at 10:00a.m.—Torah Circle (Adult Torah study) or Shabbat L’Mishpachah (services geared for parents and children).

Are children welcome at all Shabbat services?

Absolutely. Full family participation in all services and synagogue events is encouraged.

Do we need tickets to attend the High Holy Day services?

Yes. Members are entitled to one ticket per adult member for every High Holy Day service. Current members receive their tickets in the mail several weeks prior to the holiday.  Additional tickets may be purchased for relatives who are not members of a synagogue. The synagogue is open to the public for select High Holy Day services.

I am Jewish, but my spouse is not. How will we fit in at SSTT-E?

You are not alone. Many of our congregants are interfaith families and are welcome to participate fully in all synagogue activities.  The siddur (prayer book) offers transliteration for all prayers and we recite many of our prayers in English. We also have a CD of prayers and songs used at Friday night services for you to listen to and practice with.  Non-Jewish family members can have aliyahs at all services and share in the service in a meaningful way.

Do you have a nursery school program?

Mazel Tots is our nursery school program for 2, 3,or 4 year olds. We are beginning our third year of operation under the wonderful guidance of our director, Jody Glassman.  She will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the nursery school program.

Do I have to be a member to enroll my child in the nursery school?

You do not have to be a member in order for your child to attend the nursery school; however, there is a discounted nursery school fee for synagogue members.

How early can my child begin religious school education?

Religious school education begins at age 4 in our Pre-K program.  Hebrew consonants are introduced in Grade 2. In Grade 3, Hebrew vowels are added and children read comfortably by the end of Grade 3:

Religious school schedule:

Grades Pre-K and K:     Sundays 9-11 a.m.

Grades 2 & 3:              Sundays 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Grades 4-6:                 Mon/Wed 4:15-6:15 p.m.

Grades 7-12:               Wed 6:45-8:30 p.m.

Our Temple Educator, Rebecca Shubert, will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the religious school.

Do I have to be a member to enroll my child in religious school?

If your child is in grades K-3, you may enroll your child in our religious school for one year as a non-member.  The tuition is higher for non-members for that first year.  After the first year, synagogue membership is required.

When does study for Bar/Bat Mitzvah begin?

The foundation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation takes place throughout a child’s religious education, so that he/she is familiar with the basics of Jewish history, tradition, and values, and can read Hebrew.  When the students are in sixth grade, they receive a notebook to be filled out which covers both Judaica and issues of growth and maturity.  Individualized instruction with the Cantor begins approximately six months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.  One-on-one meetings with the Rabbi begin approximately three months before the date.  We involve family as much as possible, in order to make the process a true journey of self-discovery, rather than simply a religious service and rite of passage.

Does the synagogue offer adult education opportunities?

The synagogue offers a vast array of adult education opportunities, including adult bar/bat mitzvah study and adult confirmation, as well as, workshops and classes designed to meet the needs of all congregants.

How do we arrange for a tour of the building and get more information about the synagogue?  How do I rent space at the temple for a party or a meeting?

Please call our Temple Administrator, Alan Hochberg, at (914) 725-5175.  He would be delighted to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have.

How do I obtain schedules and additional information about services, holiday celebrations and other events and programs?

The synagogue publishes a monthly magazine called The Shalom, which includes a calendar of upcoming events, including a full life-long learning program and information regarding Shabbat services.  You can also check out our website at www.SSTT-E.org or call the office at (914) 725-5175.

Does the synagogue sell cemetery plots to members or non-members?

The synagogue sells cemetery plots to members and non-members at Sharon Gardens, however, you need permission from the Temple to put up a monument.

Please contact the Temple Administrator, Alan Hochberg, at the temple office at (914) 725-5175 or e-mail him at AHoch68730@aol.com.

What are the synagogue’s expectations of its members?

Every synagogue has the responsibility of providing a well-rounded, diverse program of activities for its members which touches every area of Jewish life.  We often take this fact for granted, but we sometimes forget that synagogue membership is a two-way street.  Joining a congregation is like entering into a covenant: both parties have responsibilities.  The congregation hopes that its members will become partners in creating an institution that will truly be a storehouse of the Jewish spirit.  By meeting new people and participating in activities at the synagogue, hopefully the congregation will become your extended family- a family in which people are willing to be there for one another, to celebrate happy occasions and share in difficult times: to study together, worship together and to create memories for our children so powerful that they will seek to pass them on from generation to generation.  We want to foster a sense of connectedness that all our members will truly experience.

                  We are a Beit T’Filah, a house of worship.

                  We are a Beit Midrash, a house of study.

                  We are a Beit Tikkun, a center for social commitment.

                  We are a Beit K’nesset, a house of assembly.

                  We are part of C’lal Yisrael, the larger community of Israel.

Message from Rabbi Klein

WELCOME to Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El!  I am delighted that you have expressed interest in our congregation, and I sincerely hope that we, as a community, will be able to meet your needs.  We are truly a congregation “Where the spirit moves you”…. and we hope that we will be able to make a difference in your lives.

We are a very inclusive Reform congregation of approximately 530 family units. We draw upon families and individuals of every background….Orthodox, Conservative, secular Jewish, non-Jewish and, of course, Reform.  Our interfaith families find our synagogue to be warm and inviting, with a tremendous amount of participation on the part of the non-Jewish family member; so, too, people who come from a more traditional Jewish upbringing have been able to find a comfortable welcome with an echo of their earlier memories.  We are indeed a large tent, where so many feel welcome and engaged.

We look at the relationship between congregant and congregation as that of being a covenant…with mutual responsibilities and expectations as partners in a congregational family.  You will find fellow members you can laugh with and cry with, learn with and pray with, and share together as we reach out to others.

We have programming for everyone….from pre-school through adult and those who are retired; individuals who are just beginning to learn about Judaism and those who are already well-versed; individuals who are still seeking their own entry way into worship, and those who are comfortable at Shabbat and festival services; children of all ages for whom we have a variety of  formal and informal experiences, classes and programming.

We look forward to being able to share this Jewish journey together, as a welcoming community of fellow-seekers.

 L’shalom,

Rabbi Stephen Klein

Message from our President

Dear Congregants,

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El is a busy and involved congregation with a wonderful involved group of congregants. 

These are exciting times at Scarsdale Synagogue Tremont Temple.  We provide life-long learning and worship experiences.  Through our Nursery School, our excellent Religious School, the youth groups and ever-increasing adult education programming, we offer Jewish involvement to congregants of all ages.  Religious services are varied to include Torah discussions, musical performances, services led by our Religious School students, learner’s services and special speakers.  Rabbi Klein and Cantor Becker make us feel comfortable and welcome in our sanctuary for our communal worship.

This year we will continue to expand and enhance our programs and involve more of our members.  Through our Helping Hands Committee we will look to help those less fortunate.  Our Youth Initiative will continue to seek ways to keep our young people involved and excited about Judaism. And we have expanded “Synagogue 2000”, a national program, into STK (Synagogue Team Kehillah), which includes many additional congregants which will enable us to get to know each other and care about each other on a more personal level.

We look forward to your participation, ideas and passion.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

B’shalom,

Gerry

Gerald Cohen

914-472-9753

gerrycohen7@aol.com