Temple Emanuel McAllen Outreach

Mazel Tov to our High School Graduates. Wonderful scholarship ceremony tonight at Temple Emanuel.

Thank you to Stephanie G., Pat, Debra and Rabbi Farb for organizing a very special event.

Please subscribe to our Temple Emanuel Youtube Page. Join us weekly for Friday Erev Shabbat Services, Torah Study and Saturday Shabbat Morning Services with Rabbi Farb live on Facebook and Youtube.

Temple Emanuel Join us here for live streaming services, classes, and online-exclusive content. The official channel of Temple Emanuel in McAllen, TX.

Message from our Temple President:

We have been working together and with Rabbi Farb to make a full assessment of how best to proceed with events and rituals at Temple Emanuel. While we are faced with phrases like “social distancing” and “quarantined,” many of us are searching for spiritual strength and trying to process the why of this pandemic. In light of this, we wanted to be sure to continue to offer the spiritual experience and a space for worship and community.

Effective immediately and until further notice, all in-person events at Temple Emanuel are being suspended. This includes our Hebrew and Sunday Schools and our Passover Community Seder. We feel the need to take the guidance from the CDC as well as Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez to heart, and ensure the safety of our congregation and greater community.

We are so pleased to share that Rabbi Farb’s current congregation, Congregation Schaarai Zedek has offered us the opportunity to join in on their Friday evening services and Rabbi Farb’s Saturday morning Torah Study. We will also offer two options for Saturday morning services—a camp style Shabbat with Rabbi Farb and a Temple Emanuel Shabbat morning service, led by Paulette Gindler-Bishop. The schedule is listed below, along with the links to access the various services.

Like everyone else, we are disappointed that the world is facing these issues. We are heartbroken over the things so many will miss out on. But we also understand the need to flatten the curve and do whatever is necessary to protect our community.

We offer Mi Shebeirach for those in need of healing—both physically and emotionally. And remind you, in the words of Rabbi Aron Moss to “Wash your hands well. And every time you do, remember whose hands you are in.”
During this very difficult time, we want to make sure that you have a place to worship and while we can’t meet in person, we can meet spiritually and virtually.

Here are a few options:

Friday Shabbat Services, 6 pm CST, Congregation Schaarai Zedek (CSZ)

Can be accessed via their website at https://www.zedek.org/ondemand/streaming/ or by connecting on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/CSZtampa

Saturday Torah Study with Rabbi Farb
This week, Torah Study will be held at 8:15 am CST (though usually, it is at 8:00 am CST).

Link to be shared, but will be via Zoom. Please be sure to download this app to your phone and/or computer!
CSZ

Camp Style Saturday Shabbat Service with D'Var, 9:30 am CST.
Can be accessed via their website at https://www.zedek.org/ondemand/streaming/ or by connecting on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/CSZtampa

Temple Emanuel Saturday Shabbat Service with Paulette Gindler-Bishop, 10:30 am CST
Can be accessed via Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/320728022

In addition, CSZ will have Zoom presentations available for their classes and special programming--and we will share that information as we receive it.

Shabbat Shalom!

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Enjoy these creative videos from URJ Greene Family Camp. Airing Live for the next few weeks. Shabbat Shalom.

Our Temple Emanuel Confirmation Class ready for their trip to Washington DC for RAC L’Taken 2020.

Enjoy a musical weekend at Temple Emanuel with Joe Buchanan on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 10:30 am for Shabbat Morning Services and then for a Selichot service and concert on Saturday at 8 p.m. All welcome.

Shaaaabos!
What a fantastic start to Shabbat and our weekend with Joe Buchanan!

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Lisa Levine. Lisa grew up in McAllen and will be greatly missed by her husband, Martin Kastenbaum, her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Allison Levine and their children, Sarah, Rachel and Ari and by many cousins and loved ones. May her Memory always be for a Blessing.

Beautiful services today at Temple Emanuel. May our Jewish community continue to thrive at Temple Emanuel.

Join us on Sunday, 9/23 at 9:00 a.m. for our Temple Sukkah Build and our annual Barbecue Lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Our Temple Emanuel Youth Group volunteered today at the Catholic Respite Center. Tikkun Olam 💙

Happy New Year - 5779! May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Mazel Tov to our Temple Emanuel member - Yael S. for her academic success today at UIL Competition!

Our dearest Rita has passed away. May all who knew her feel blessed to have experienced her beauty.

RITA WILLNER ATLAS
1929 – 2018

Rita Atlas passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in McAllen, Texas on August 4, 2018. She will be remembered for her elegance and beauty, fierce commitment to and love of family, generous mentorship, loyal friendship, wisdom, grace, unparalleled warm-heartedness, and indomitable spirit.

Rita Willner was born in St. Charles, Missouri, on February 22, 1929. She was the youngest of four daughters. Rita graduated from St. Charles High School at the age of 16. She attended nearby Lindenwood College for one year, at her father’s request, and then transferred in 1946 to the University of Texas at Austin.

Rita met Morris Atlas during her first semester at UT when each was with someone else during a double date. It was love at first sight. Morris and Rita’s first official date was to attend a costume party with “suppressed desire” as the theme. Morris dressed as Julius Caesar. Rita, much to his surprise, dressed as a bride. They married in 1947 and remained a loving couple and a great team for 68 years. Rita and Morris unconditionally adored, supported, and stood by each other.

After Morris graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1950, at Rita’s urging and with the encouragement of their close friends Myles and Sylvia Aaronson, Rita and Morris moved to McAllen. They raised four children – Scott, Debra, Lauren, and Lisa. Rita was a devoted and fully engaged mother and homemaker “par excellence.” She enthusiastically organized activities for her children and encouraged and supported them in their various academic and extracurricular projects. She was a significant role model, teaching by example the value of hard work, responsibility, and respect for others. She entertained exquisitely and warmly, for family and friends’ celebrations, and in connection with her children’s activities and Morris’s civic and professional endeavors. “Rita Atlas’s Special Nachos” were a favorite at many McAllen events and drew raves far and wide.

Rita also became deeply involved in the McAllen community, the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and the State of Texas. Rita served in and, in many instances, led numerous community and religious organizations. Rita’s community involvement and honors included: Mayoral appointments as Chair of McAllen’s Bicentennial Committee, Police Relations Committee, and Civil Service Commission; Board member of the McAllen International Museum and Chair of its annual fundraising gala, “Collage”; President of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood; President of the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women; Member of the Advisory Board for the University of Texas School of Nursing; Member of Leadership Texas; and Member of the State Democratic Executive Committee. She was named Woman of the Year by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and selected as the honoree at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Third Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon. In addition, she assisted public school teachers as a math tutor and helped others in many kinds of organizational work. With Morris, she devoted countless hours to University of Texas activities and enthusiastically supported the Longhorns at scores of football games.

Rita’s devotion to her family increased further with the arrival of grandchildren. She adored Ryan, David, Adam, Becca, and Nathaniel beyond words. She and Morris agreed that if they “had known how much fun having grandchildren would be, we would have skipped children altogether!” Rita also loved her extended family. She regularly included them in her nuclear family get-togethers, holiday gatherings, and other celebrations.

Rita was predeceased by Morris, her parents Max and F***y Willner, and her siblings Pearl Cohen, Rose Lerman, and Ann Reisfeld. She is survived by her four children: her son Scott Atlas and his wife Nancy, her daughter Debra Atlas, her daughter Lauren Atlas Silverblatt and her husband Alan, and her daughter Lisa Atlas Genecov and her husband Jeff. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ryan Atlas and his wife Alison, David Atlas, Nathaniel Silverblatt, Adam Genecov, and Rebecca Genecov; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Drs. Michael Jelinek, Tommy Yee, Alex Georgiadis, and Phillip Blum. The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to Rita and Morris’s caregivers, Fidel Lara, Jimmy Martinez, and George Garcia, who have become dear friends of the Atlas family and were instrumental in both Morris and Rita’s comfort and happiness during the last eight years.

After a private burial, there will be a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on August 10, in the sanctuary of Temple Emanuel, 4300 North Chai (C) Street, in McAllen. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Atlas, Alison Atlas, David Atlas, Adam Genecov, Becca Genecov, Nathaniel Silverblatt, Hal DeBerry, Jenny DeBarry, Bailey Gurwitz, Gary Gurwitz, Cecilia Shapiro, and Bill Stocker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Temple Emanuel, for “Atlas donation,” 4300 North Chai (C) St., McAllen, TX 78504; or Stroke Research & Education Foundation, for “Atlas Fund,” 4409 Water Edge, Harlingen, TX 78552.

For all of our Temple Emanuel Mah Jongg Ladies...a new generation of players is here!

Is Mah Jongg the Newest Summer Camp Craze? For years, my mom has been on a mission to teach mah jongg at the Reform Jewish summer camp my brother and I attended. This year it finally happened.

Please join us and support Tessa G. who will lead Erev Shabbat Services tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Shabbat Morning Services at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanuel.

Torah Study will be led by Debra G. on Saturday, August 4 at 9:30 a.m. All welcome to attend.

How My Texas Congregation Led the Way to Support Immigrant Families Our congregation in McAllen, TX, is the go-to congregation for donations in support of immigrant families; the response from the Reform Jewish community has been amazing.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many Jewish congregations across the country and the many donations--both monetary and of various supplies--that have been sent to McAllen for the Respite Center.

We are currently in need of some help in transporting items from the Temple to the Respite Center's warehouse and other locations.

Do you know someone who has a trailer or large truck (like a moving truck) that could help us? Please contact Lisa Franklin or send an email to us at [email protected] if you do!

Campers at URJ Greene Family Camp learning to play Mahjong. ❤️

Volunteers are needed to help relief agencies that are cleaning out flood-damaged homes! 8 am - 5 pm at 724 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr or call 956-242-4773.

*Please make sure you are current on Tetanus vaccine to protect your health prior to volunteering in flooded area. Thank you for making a difference.

Message from one of our Temple Emanuel members: Local folks, Resurrection Catholic Church in Alamo (219 N 9th St) is an overflow respite center. The director said they receive 300 people daily. When I was there on Saturday, there were three ladies taking care of everyone, and they had been there since 4:00 a.m. They need volunteers to help with meals and distributing clothing. I also found that people just want to talk. They want to know what the city they're going to will be like. They want to know where they can take classes to learn English. You don't need to call ahead. All faiths welcome.

For my long-distance buddies, here is a link to a donation page: https://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/Donations.aspx

Prayers for strength and patience for the workers were requested. It is overwhelming, and I don't know how they do it day after day.

As Jews, it is our responsibility to help repair the world - Tikkun Olam. Thank you for making a difference.

:: Catholic Charities ::

With the recent media coverage of the ongoing refugee situation in the Rio Grande Valley, we have received many inquiries from congregations and Jews across the country asking how they can help. We have been in touch with Sister Norma Pimentel who runs the Respite Center, and she has reminded us that the needs there are constantly changing, depending on donations, the ages and situations of the people arriving, and many other factors. She has requested cash donations as opposed to items.

Cash donations may be made to the Social Action committee either via Paypal on our website at www.temple-emanuel.com or by check delivered to the Temple. Please be sure to note "Refugees" on the memo line of your check.

Here is an article, written by our own Pat Jackson Blum, for the Women of Reform Judaism, on the current situation in McAllen: https://wrj.org/blog/2018/06/21/hineni-we-are-here-stand-immigrants.

Hineni: We are Here to Stand up for Immigrants As a resident of McAllen, Texas, for more than 40 years of my life, I know what value immigrants bring to our community.

Our Temple members (and friends) at the Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Families last night. The rain didn’t keep us away. Great attendance with prayer led by Bishop Flores along with many others faith leaders from the synagogue, mosque and the United Methodist Church. Beautiful service and silent walk.

May G-d watch over the innocent children and give strength and hope to their families.

Temple Emanuel members are invited to an Interfaith Prayer walk for Immigrant Families led by Bishop Daniel Flores tonight, June 20 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Archer Park, 101 N. Main St., McAllen. Participants will walk from Archer Park to the Federal Court House at 1701 W. Business 83 and then return to Archer Park. All welcome to attend.

Also, volunteers of all faiths are needed at the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center, located at 1721 Beaumont Ave., McAllen, TX 78501.

Thank you.

We had a fantastic morning celebrating another successful year of Temple Emanuel Religious School!

The McAllen City Commission declared Monday, May 14th
Holocaust Remembrance Day for the City of McAllen TX.
Our congregation was presented with the proclamation.

We are so proud that our city recognizes the importance of never forgetting.
(Photo above is from the presentation of the proclamation.)

We have a very busy weekend ahead! Looking forward to celebrating so many things together.

Our Temple Youth Group Fiesta Celebration Honoring our Seniors! Such a great group of young Jewish adults.

Reminder about today—this is for ALL TEMPLE MEMBERS! Pizza will be FREE for the kids, but we will be selling SNACKS! Adults can buy pizza, too! Please bring cash and happiness!

Join us this Sunday for a little post-Sunday school fun!

FREE BINGO in the Social Hall from 12-1. Pizza lunch will be provided for the kids. Snacks will be available for purchase.

What a wonderful night for the Temple Sisterhood! Margaritas, tostadas and games! So many laughs. Thanks to all who came!

The URJ Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas is looking for talented staff this summer. For more info, visit www.greene.org/apply-to-staff

Israel’s 70th Birthday Celebration at Temple Emanuel. ❤️🇮🇱

We can't help but brag that THREE of the members of the Mchi Girls Soccer Team are members of our Temple Youth! We are cheering for you, Lady Bulldogs--and SO PROUD! Best of luck, Emily, Chloe and Katy!