Installation of
Rabbi David Wilfond
April 4-6, 2025
A celebration for the entire congregation!
As Temple Emanuel formally welcomes our spiritual leader, Rabbi David Wilfond, we celebrate an exciting chapter in the history of our synagogue with a full, festive and meaningful installation weekend.
Celebrate with us.
All installation weekend events are complimentary! Due to space constraints, events are open to Temple Emanuel members and invited guests only.
Advance registration is required as noted. Sign up soon; space at some events is limited!
Thanks to generous donors within our congregation for helping make this special weekend’s events possible.
Friday, April 4
5:30-6:45 pm
Congregational Shabbat Dinner
Begin the festivities and welcome Shabbat with friends and fellow congregants as we share Shabbat blessings and a meal. This event is currently at capacity; sign up for our waitlist using the link below.
7:00-9:00 pm
Shabbat Service, Installation Ceremony and Festive Oneg
Let’s mark this special moment by filling our sanctuary for Shabbat worship with our clergy, special guests and the joyful music of Temple Emanuel. The installation ceremony will be officiated by Rabbi Josh Weinberg (bio), Vice President, Israel and Reform Zionism for the Union for Reform Judaism, with remarks by Rabbi Emeritus Robert Goldstein (bio). A celebratory oneg will follow. The service and ceremony will also be available on Zoom; access the link in the April 3 edition of E-News.
Saturday, April 5
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Shabbat Study Session and Bagel Breakfast
Rabbis David Wilfond and Josh Weinberg will lead an engaging, interactive study session of the week’s Torah portion. A bagel breakfast, sponsored by Brotherhood, will be served. Sign up is required.
7:00-7:30 pm
Congregational Havdalah Service
Conclude Shabbat as a community with the warmth and beauty of Havdalah. We’ll be joined by musical guest Cantor Jeff Klepper (music).
7:45-10:00 pm
Klezmer Concert, Dance Party and Dessert Buffet
Celebrate the occasion with music, fun, food and more as we welcome the internationally acclaimed Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band (music) for a concert and dance party. A dessert buffet will be served. Sign up is required; space is limited.
Sunday, April 6
9:00-9:30 am
Tree Planting Ceremony
Designed for religious school families and open to all (in lieu of the community prayer service), we’ll plant and bless trees – symbols of taking root, growth and life. Meet outside on the Goldstein Pavillion, weather permitting; if the weather is inclement, meet in the main foyer. The matzah making program for religious school students will follow.
Honor Rabbi Wilfond.
Show your support and provide a personal touch to help make the weekend that much more special.
Welcome Wall
Offer a mazel tov message for Rabbi Wilfond, good wishes for the Wilfond family, or a prayer for our synagogue to be posted on our Welcome Wall during the installation weekend and included in a keepsake book for Rabbi Wilfond.
Make a Gift
Please consider donating to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund in honor of Rabbi Wilfond’s installation. Gifts to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund support the needs of the congregation and the community at the discretion of the rabbi.