Whether you are visiting for a short time or live in the area, we welcome you! As a growing and evolving community, we value your presence and participation!
Are you planning a first-time visit? A prospective member? Someone looking to connect with your Jewish roots? Have you been asked to visit a synagogue as part of your Religion 101 class? Are you looking for a new spiritual home or just curious about Judaism?
Temple Emanuel of Tempe is a vibrant and inclusive Reform Jewish community that honors tradition and provides a warm environment that is both meaningful and accessible to people of all ages. Everything we do is driven by a desire to help people take their next step spiritually. Temple Emanuel focuses on building life-long relationships, excellent educational opportunities, and spirited fellowship.
Preparing for your visit...
All the things you need to know and more!
Our Temple is conveniently located in Tempe between Baseline and Guadalupe on Rural Road.
Our address is 5801 S Rural Road Tempe, AZ 85282.
Our office is open
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Monday: Closed
Our office is closed on Federal Holidays and on Jewish holidays.
Our friendly staff and volunteers would be happy to answer any questions for you.
We can be reached by phone at 480-838-1414 or by emailing us here.
We strongly encourage an RSVP for our in-person events and worship services.
Please check out our Events page and our Calendar for the most updated information and to register for an event or worship service.
When you arrive...
Help Us Get to Know You with a Name Tag
Joining us for a Shabbat Service? One of our friendly Board members will greet you as you enter our main entrance. Please introduce yourself and let them know that you are new. They will check you in and offer you a name tag, so we know to say a special hello to you. Our Board member will also answer any questions that you may have so please don't hesitate to ask for any information you need!
Finding Your Way Around
As you enter our Sanctuary, you will notice a wooden holder with some of our kippot. For those new or just visiting our Temple, a kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a head-covering traditionally worn by Jewish men and boys as a sign of reverence and respect. Both Jewish men and Jewish women are invited to wear a head covering in the synagogue, but it is not required. Additionally, hanging on the wall as you enter the Sanctuary, you will find tallitot (ritual fringed shawls). If you so choose, you are welcome to borrow a tallit to wear, however, please note that they are traditionally only worn during morning/daytime worship services. As you enter the sanctuary, feel free to select a seat wherever you are comfortable.
What About Hebrew
Our siddurim (prayer books) are found in the seat pocket in front of you. Every word in our prayer book, Mishkan T'filah, is translated and transliterated to assist those who are not familiar with Hebrew.
Healing Prayers
During our Friday evening worship, the congregation is invited to include the names of their loved ones who are in need of a prayer for healing of the body, mind, or the spirit within our Mi Sheberach for healing. Please feel free to share your loved one's name with our community during this time. If there is a friend or loved one that you would like to be added to the list, feel free to have them added by submitting the request here.
Remembering a Loved One
If you are observing the recent passing of a loved one, or observing the anniversary of a loved one's passing, please feel free to include their name when the congregation is asked for names before the recitation of the Mourner's Kaddish.
After the Service
Please introduce yourself to some of our congregants. We have an amazing group of people in our community! And don't miss out on the opportunity to introduce yourself to our Interim Rabbi, Jonathan Biatch.
Attending Events and Other Programs
In addition, to worship services, we offer a variety of events and programs ranging from social justice groups, an array of educational opportunities for both children and adults alike as well as many fun community events. Additionally, we are always looking to develop new programs and events in response to our evolving community. We are here to support you on your Jewish journey and believe that coming together to learn and celebrate enriches everyone. We hope to see you more often!
Keeping in Touch
In addition to sending out announcements about special classes, events, and programs in the community, we send out our electronic newsletter weekly.
Temple Emanuel of Tempe is the only Full-Service Reform Congregation in the Southeast Phoenix Valley.