Temple Emanuel

ducation, and community for Jews throughout the East Valley. As the only Reform temple in the Southeast Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Temple Emanuel attracts members from all backgrounds who seek a welcoming and inclusive community in which to deepen their spiritual journey, raise a family, educate their children, and live meaningful Jewish lives in Arizona. Our first High Holiday services in 1976 were conducted by Rabbi Marvin Reznikoff, with Rabbi David Pinkwasser serving as Hazzan. In 1979, Rabbi Pinkwasser became Senior Rabbi, followed by Rabbi Andrew Straus in 1998. Rabbi Dean Shapiro became our spiritual leader in August 2011, and Rabbi Jason Bonder served as our first Assistant Rabbi from July 2015 to June 2018. Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein served as spiritual leader from July 2021 through June 2024. In July 2024, Rabbi Jonathan A. Bi**ch began serving as Interim Rabbi alongside Cantorial Soloist Gregg Luchs. In July 2025, Rabbi Steven Folberg became the settled Rabbi of Temple Emanuel, continuing to serve alongside Cantorial Soloist Gregg Luchs. With more than 450 member families, a warm and welcoming environment, and a beautiful facility, Temple Emanuel has a strong foundation as we continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our community. Temple Emanuel Leadership