• Building cornerstone showing opening date 1949

    Founded

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    Welcome to CEI

  • Picture of building

    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 – Click here for how to log in

Please remember:  For those attending Shabbat Services or coming into the building that are unvaccinated, you must wear a mask!

Congregation Emanuel Israel Logo

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.  

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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:

Information about CEI Link

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Information about our Online Friday Night Shabbat Services

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Rabbi Lenny

Rabbi Lenny Sarko

Our rabbi at CEI.

Click the link to see pictures of a Hebrew Braille Sefer Torah Scroll that was created by the rabbi:

Braille Torah Pics

If you would like more information about the braille scrolls please click on the link for Devarim Institute

Click Here for

Weekly News at CEI

and Monthly Newsletters

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Upcoming Events

  • Friday Dec. 10, 7:30 pm, Shabbat Service
  • Sunday Dec. 12, 1:30 pm, Havurah Party
  • Friday Dec. 17, 7:30 pm, Shabbat Service
  • No Shabbat Service Dec. 24
  • No Shabbat Service December 31

Happy Secular New Year

 

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Choosing Hope in Times of Trial

Choosing Hope in Times of Trial jemerman December 6, 2021

Jewish Values
arnow_exodus
From Covid and climate change to the erosion of democratic norms and the decline of a shared sense of truth (and the list could go on), two things are clear. First, are we living in an age that tests our ability to sustain hope. Second, if despair dominates hope, we will be unable to meet the challenges that beset us.

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest jemerman November 30, 2021

Ten Minutes of Torah
Erlanger family
At 10, Jeff Erlanger appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in his wheelchair. I recently asked Jeff’s parents about how they raised such a competent and loving son.

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry jemerman November 29, 2021

Holocaust
Major Philip Rudin shortly before the United States entered WWII
December 7 marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The attack led to America's formal entry into World War II. What ensued would have a profound impact on Jews everywhere, including the American Jewish community.

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard jemerman November 18, 2021

Death and Mourning
star of david starry lights
As we head into the holiday season, I am acutely aware of how much different this year is going to be than previous ones. I will be celebrating without my mom for the first time. My mother died in January 2021, and I'm still dealing with the unexpected waves of grief that wash over me, sometimes out of nowhere. As I head into this first winter holiday season without her, I'm not quite sure I know what to expect, other than everything is going to be very different.