Emanuel (God is with us) Congregation is a small, traditional and cooperative Modern Orthodox congregation in Northeast Seattle. Services are conducted following Ashkenazic Orthodox liturgy. The complete annual cycle of weekly Torah and Haftarah readings are chanted by a reader with cantillations in standard Orthodox tradition. Members and guests, men and women, deliver Shabbat divrei Torah.
“Modern” Orthodox refers to the seating policy and the minimal use of English in the prayers. The congregation’s seating policy offers a large section for mixed seating for men and women, as well as separate sections for men and women on opposite sides of the bimah. Both the men’s section and women’s section are enclosed by a mechitzah around each section. Both men and women are included in being counted for a minyan.
Once each month, on the last Shabbat of the month, they hold an egalitarian or “Partnership Shabbat” during which women may lead Kabbalat Shabbat, Pzukei D’zimrah, certain parts of Shacharit and the Torah service. Women may take part in the Torah service by leining and receiving aliyot, and by serving as maftir and chanting the Haftarah. 
Celebrating its 42nd anniversary, Emanuel Congregation offers its members and guests a beautiful setting for worship in an atmosphere of inspiration, friendship and cooperation.
As a traditionally lay congregation, members take pride in the “do-it-yourself” aspect of the synagogue. However, Emanuel is fortunate to have Cantor Boaz Pnini as Emanuel’s chazan and ba’al kriah, and is available to train members in participatory roles in services. Cantor Pnini is also available privately to instruct Bar and Bat Mitzvah students.
Hadassah holds monthly book reviews and study groups at the synagogue, meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month from 10 a.m.–noon.
At High Holiday services there has never been a charge for seating, although it is frequently “standing room only.” Emanuel welcomes all worshippers and encourages membership commitment. Guests are always welcome on Shabbat and holidays.
Weekly Services:
Friday: 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.