Temple Emanu-El - Waterford, Connecticut

Sam

3.7*s:
This is a place I have encouraged others to attend, for the Rabbi, Cantor, President, etc. are all generally very good. There are members that really step up and help out above and beyond through volunteering. Nice sense of community here, and it is a mixture of all kinds of faiths, even if reform Judaism is the dominant faith. I'm talking about a range from Jewish to Christian to agnostic to atheistic. It is also a nice clean environment with a unique playground for the kids. I've met good friends here.

Unfortunately, and these were not many experiences when I joined this temple
the description of this place states "inclusive", but that isn't entirely true. This Temple is handicap accessible as far as being wheelchair accessible, but as of last year they have become less accessible to people disabled by migraines brought on by light sensitivities, because they installed ultra white and bright LEDs. They have so far not remedied that problem after months of my bringing it to their attention. I was told they could at least deal with the indoor issue by not having the brightness of one of six light switches (the ones that shine at the ceiling) on during the service, but tonight they needed them on (understandably, as aging eyes see better in bright light, though I don't know that 100% of the service required them on). Unfortunately, I wasn't warned before coming that they'd remain on, so ended up staying in the adjacent room for the 1.5 hours.... If I were warned, I could have brought and tried darker sunglasses, but I can't read well with such dark glasses on. I could have left, but my kids were to participate. I could not have therefore done it virtually, unless from another room in the building, though staring at a computer screen too long isn't great for headaches, either.... This new lighting will remain a problem unless they finally remedy the issue by replacing the lights with the kind that won't make being there a painful experienced or I and others w/similar accessibility problems withdraw from the temple.
Also note that last I knew they're keeping parking lot lights on throughout the night that are extremely bright and not all angled down, which produces a lot of light pollution in the area. I always find it confusing when a religious organization talks about being stewards of the environment, yet they do not prioritize stewardship in this way from their own actions. They also use fossil fuels for heat (even the water!) and have a gas stove that is always on with something like six pilot lights always lit. No, there are no solar panels, not even ground mounted ones or anything at all.
5/7/23 update: I tried really dark sunglasses, but it was only so helpful. Maybe their flicker rate is the issue (LEDs flicker quickly to appear as if a constant light), or maybe it is the contrast of some parts of the room being highly lit and others not that led to the issue.
8/23 updates: Also about inclusivity, if you have a child with food allergies, or the like, don't expect them to include foods your child can eat. Instead, bring your own food for that child even to events that they supply food for others. If your child then feels embarrassed about being the only one who brought food and refuses to eat, at that point you may need to leave or just tolerate the situation until ready to go. Your child can always eat before or after the event. Lastly, Even if you make a request when they are supplying food to include something for your child, and if they say they won't do that, note that they may still have things available for your child, so I guess that's more of a communication issue than anything else.
Another update is they will allow the lights from that one light switch to be changed, but they're saying it would be $1100 I would have to pay. I'm of course looking into alternatives!

Veronica C.

Friendly Cheerful people. Lovely Sanctuary. Had a great time with this community.

Claire W.

Open and welcoming Reform Jewish community. Music ,involment all are welcome

Talia E.

Amazing place to learn about Jewish culture and language! I went there from 1rst grade to 8th and now a faculty assistant!

Karen G.

A warm and loving community. Excellent for families.

GOLDA D.

Warm, loving place

John M.

Home away from home

Chris R.

Hamish