The following is excerpted from the May 27, 2005 article in the Jewish Transcript, "Orthodox tradition in an unorthodox setting:"
Emanuel is a small Modern Orthodox synagogue with a progressive attitude. The lay-led Emanuel invites both those who walk and those who drive to shul into their community. This open attitude was confirmed in a conversation I had with congregation president Jay Wang. Jay told me that the synagogue is looking to grow and would love to have new, young members who are looking to take leadership positions. He is open to the shul going in new, different directions, though remains attached to the style of prayer, which defines Emanuel as a progressive yet Orthodox synagogue.
I first attended Emanuel at an early Friday night service in late April. They begin Kabbalat Shabbat at 6 p.m., despite the time change and later sundown times of spring and summer. I walked into the modest yet beautiful facade and into their foyer. Announcement flyers hung everywhere. I could tell this is a shul that cares about what is happening in the greater Jewish community in Seattle and sees itself as part of a larger entity.
Walking into the Orthodox sanctuary, I observed something unorthodox: an all-male section, an all-female section, and a mixed seating section. The 12 or so people already at the shul were mostly scattered in the mixed seating section, and that is where I found my seat. I was greeted by many warm waves and calls of "Good Shabbos."
Despite the traditional liturgy, the praying felt casual and flowing as we started with the Orthodox movement's Artscroll siddur (with English and Hebrew). I looked up and was amazed by a large skylight looming above the center of the small-but-open sanctuary. The skylight allowed for a connection to nature and the heavens - something I see as very important when attempting to converse with God.
Jay Wang read announcements from various Jewish organizations including other synagogues (some in different movements, even). I was truly impressed by this clear openness to all things Jewish in Seattle. Too many synagogues act as though their programming is the only Jewish programming in town, and Emanuel raises the bar in accepting and supporting other Jewish agencies. It was great to see a shul that acts as a part of the whole community. Yasher Koach!
I came back for a Shabbat morning service a week later and was impressed with a higher turnout and a more participatory crowd. I conversed with many members who were warm and welcoming to this new congregant. The service was easy to follow and it was clear that the idea of following along is valued and encouraged. Different members led the service at different parts showing off the community's number of learned congregants. Another member led the d'var Torah, which I found remarkably in touch, intellectual, and insightful.
The congregation is member-led and proud of it. This shul is a potential hidden gem for anyone looking to find a modest, open, traditional place of worship in a great neighborhood. Open to lifecycle events with outside rabbis, new leadership - both male and female - and committed to a traditional style of prayer, I believe Emanuel Congregation offers something unique inside Seattle's Jewish world. I invite you all to check out just what that is.