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    Founded

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    Welcome to CEI

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    Congregation Emanu-El Israel

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    Our Sanctuary

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    Welcome to Our Temple

    Congregation Emanu-El Israel (CEI) is the center of Jewish activities in central Westmoreland County. CEI is affiliated with the Reform movement under the umbrella of the Union for Reform Judaism whose goals are to strengthen communities that transform the way people connect to Jewish life and to build a more whole, just, and compassionate world. CEI adopts the following goals of the URJ. To practice ‘Audacious Hospitality’, ‘Repairing the World’ and to ‘Invest in the Jewish Future’. However, members familiar with either a Reform or Conservative tradition will find a friendly, comfortable feeling in our Congregation. CEI is the ideal place to renew or strengthen ties with your Jewish identification. CEI supports the traditional family, the non-traditional family and Jewish singles.

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Join Us for Our Friday Night Online Shabbat Service

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A Temple for All

Congregation Emanu-El Israel (CEI) strives to meet the Jewish needs of our community.  We have religious services, educational programs and social activities. Whether you live in a big city, a remote urban area or have some physical issue, CEI can fulfill your religious wishes.  

CEILink

Connect with a synagogue wherever you are

We can service the needs of the blind and visually impaired

We have programs for Assisted Living Facilities Residential Facilities and Nursing Homes

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Congregation Emanu-El Israel (CEI), a Reform affiliated Jewish synagogue and community, welcomes you to join us in celebrating our religious, spiritual and cultural values, practices and traditions.  

In addition to the spiritual, educational and cultural activities that we provide at CEI’s physical location, we have an active online presence.  CEI conducts online Friday night Shabbat services and online educational opportunities that encourage connection with our Jewish community no matter where you are located. 

CEI has also developed initiatives to reach out to Jewish individuals who wish to maintain a connection and participate in a Jewish community, but may have been unable to do so for various reasons.   The initiatives focus on Jewish Blind and Visually Impaired individuals; persons living in Assisted Living, Residential Living and Nursing Home facilities; and those who cannot travel or are distant from a synagogue.  Please click on this link to find out about these exciting programs:

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Information about CEI Link

Information about our Online Friday Night Shabbat Services

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Rabbi Lenny

 

Rabbi Lenny Sarko

Rabbi Lenny Sarko is our rabbi at CEI.  He brings a new energy to our Temple.  

 

 

Click Here for

Weekly News at CEI

and Monthly Newsletters

 

Upcoming Events

  • Shabbat Service Friday February 26 at 7:30 pm – Purim Celebration – Online
  • CEI Movie Discussion, Monday March 1 at 7:30 pm – online, same login as Friday night
  • Shabbat Service Friday March 5 at 7:30 pm – Online
  • Shabbat Service Friday March 19 at 7:30 pm – Online
  • Shabbat Service Friday March 26 at 7:30 pm – Online
  • Passover begins – Saturday March 27

 

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Spiritual Audacity: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Story

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Choosing Your Purim Costume: How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation, Stereotypes, and Racism

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My Gap Year in Israel is the Best Decision I’ve Ever Made

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Israel Programs
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Reflections on Observing Black History Month in the Wake of the Capitol Insurrection

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Jews of Color
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This is not yet the America most of us dream of, but it is an unavoidable part of our DNA. American equality and exceptionalism are checks that are still in the mail. If we truly love what this country is capable of, we must continue to speak the hard truth to power.