• 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.

Home

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.  

Small Western PA Congregations

Seminar Series

Rabbi Lenny will be conducting a seminar on the Development of the Hebrew Braille Sefer Torah.

Wednesday, October 5 at 7PM

It is free and open to the public.

This will be online via zoom.  Click this link to register: 

Seminar Registration

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 Sept. 24, 7:30 pm, Shabbat Service – Celebrate Sukkot, in person and online
  • Simchat Torah – Friday October 1 7:30 pm
  • Friday Oct. 8, 7:30 pm, Shabbat Service
  • Friday Oct. 15, 7:30 pm, Shabbat Service
  • Friday Oct. 22, 7:30 pm, Shabbat Service

 

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

The More Torah, The More Life

The More Torah, The More Life jstern September 23, 2021

Ten Minutes of Torah
sally preisand
When I became rabbi of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls, NJ, I quickly discovered that some people in our community thought we were a church. Mail was addressed to “Monmouth Reformed Temple,” and letters were addressed “Dear Pastor.”

Creation, Chaos, and Children

Creation, Chaos, and Children jstern September 17, 2021

Parenting
hands open to receiving
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was unformed and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. God said: “Let there be light.” And there was light.

Sukkot Breads in Fall Colors

Sukkot Breads in Fall Colors jstern September 13, 2021

Challah
RJ_feature-pumpkinchallah
Decorate your Sukkot table with Ethiopian, North African, and Sephardi breads full of fall colors and tantalizing spice mixes and broaden our palates to the customs of worldwide Jewish communities. Laden with seasonal honey, pumpkin, or orange, they don’t need braiding, and they make perfect gifts.

7 Jewish Endeavors to Make 5782 a Sweet New Year

7 Jewish Endeavors to Make 5782 a Sweet New Year jstern September 13, 2021

Yom Kippur
It’s a long-standing custom for Jews to wish one another a “sweet new year” on Rosh Hashanah; to hope that this coming year will be one filled with joy, fulfillment, and an abundance of blessings. However, Judaism isn’t a path focused simply on wishing for good things; if our goal is to make each year “sweeter” than the last, we must work to make it happen.