"It's like our own little Tanglewood Festival... but Jewish and FREE!"

Havdalah on the Porch was initially born out of pandemic-era necessity but has now grown to become one of the most successful, beloved programs at Temple Emanu-El. People of all backgrounds come from across the GTA, set up their lawn chairs in front of Temple Emanu-El, sit back and enjoy the great free music, friends, ice cream, and a musical sing-along Havdalah led by Rabbi Debra Landsberg and Cantor Judy Adelman Gershon.  What is "Havdalah"? Click HERE.

Summer 2024

This summer's Havdalah on the Porch series features some truly outstanding artists, made possible with the generous support of the Judy Dan Fund for Arts and Education and the Government of Canada's New Horizons Program.

Dan Nichols

May 25 • 7:00 pm

We're thrilled to announce that our 2024 season of Havdalah on the Porch will kick off with a SUPERSTAR of Jewish music, Dan Nichols! Guest appearances by the Temple Emanu-El choir, the Danforth Jewish Circle Choir, the Temple Har Zion Choir and more. Bring your lawn chair (if you have one) and get ready for a magical evening of live music,  Havdalah, friends and, of course, ice cream. Learn more and register HERE.

The Toronto Jewish Chorus

June 15 • 7:00 pm

Back by popular demand! The TJC was founded in 2009 by Temple Emanu-El's own Cantor Judy Adelman Gershon and has risen to become one of Canada's premier Jewish choirs. The TJC has been featured with performances at Harbourfront Vocal Festival, Mel Lastman Square, Nathan Philips Square, Jewish Music Week, and many more. Learn more and register HERE.

Rabbi Noam Katz

July 13 • 7:00 pm

We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Noam Katz to Havdalah on the Porch. Noam is a musician, composer, Rabbi, storyteller and Jewish educator who inspires Jewish and interfaith communities with his timeless melodies of peace, hope and unity. Noam's melodies are sung in synagogues and summer camps across North America and beyond. Learn more and register HERE.

Klezmer!

Aug 17 • 7:00 pm

One of our most popular programs every year is our Klezmer night. We're thrilled to bring back Jonno Lightstone's amazing Klezmer music, this time with George Koller on bass and Brian Katz on guitar and piano. Learn more and register HERE.

Temple Emanu-El All-Stars

Sep 14 • 7:00 pm

We gathered all your favourite Temple Emanu-El musicians together for one big performance to close out this year's Havdalah on the Porch season. Hear from the Temple Emanu-El Choir, the Adelmaidles, Cantor Anna Trubashnik, TSO Violinist Jim Wallenberg, Renée Bouthot, André Sena, Hopeful Phoenix, and more!  Learn more and register HERE.

Top wide photo and this photo courtesy of Josh Nezon Photography.