The work of the Temple Emanuel Membership Committee is twofold. The first goal is to welcome new and prospective Jewish members, to assist them to understand the depth and breadth of the local Jewish culture and to share with them the mission and goals of Temple Emanuel. The second is to introduce prospective members to the wide variety of programming and services available to members of Temple Emanuel ranging from youth groups and "Tot Shabbat" to Senior programming and adult education. The Committee also further assists newer members to become more deeply involved with activities that match their interests.

The committee welcomes new members to the Temple Emanuel family, and to the local community through a wide variety of activities that include delivering first Shabbat candles and challah to Jewish newcomers to the Grand Rapids area, and a mentoring program that matches new and existing members who share common interests and lifestyles. There are numerous special programs and targeted events that take place throughout the year specifically focused on new members to our congregation, with the specific purpose of helping to make them feel more at home.

Individuals who would like information about Temple Emanuel Membership or members of the congregation who would like to volunteer for the New Member Mentoring Program may contact the committee via e-mail at membership@templeemanuelgr.org, by filling out a Contact Request Form on line or by calling Mary in the Temple office at 616.459.5976.

Individuals moving to a new community may wish to contact Synagogue Match, a service of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.