Temple Israel (Boston)

For similarly named synagogues, see Adath Israel and Temple Israel.

Temple Israel קק עדת ישראל
Religion
Affiliation	Reform Judaism
Leadership	Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Cantor Roy Einhorn
Status	Active
Location
Location	477 Longwood Avenue Boston, Massachusetts United States
Geographic coordinates	42.3403°N 71.1093°W / 42.3403; -71.1093
Website
www.tisrael.org

Temple Israel is a Reform synagogue in the American city of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1854 as Adath Israel, the congregation is the largest Reform synagogue in Boston and New England.

History

600 Columbus Ave. (1885–1906)

602 Commonwealth Ave. (1906–1926)

477 Longwood Ave. (1926–present)

"From its beginning in 1854 as a traditional German shul to its current status as the largest Reform Synagogue in New England, Temple Israel has been an important force in Boston and American Jewish life. The congregation's ongoing efforts to adapt to changes in American society while preserving balance - between tradition and innovation, between acculturation and distinctiveness - exemplify the transformations in religious worship practices, education, and social justice that mark modern American Reform Judaism."

• 1854: The congregation Temple Israel, originally known as Adath Israel, was founded when Jews of German ancestry seceded from Ohabei Shalom, then the sole synagogue in Boston, because so many Polish Jews had joined the congregation. The congregation immediately renovated a house on Pleasant Street for use as a synagogue.
• 1859: Purchase of land in Wakefield, Massachusetts, for a cemetery.
• 1885: Dedication of Columbus Avenue synagogue building: Indicative of the growing size and wealth of congregation, influence of its members and leaders.
• 1894: Founding of Auxiliary Society – This society was the first internal temple organization dedicated to social service, cultural activity, education, and social functions.
• 1907: Dedication of Commonwealth Avenue Temple built by Clarence Blackall: Attended by prominent Jewish and political leaders, the dedication of the new temple building demonstrates the growing size of the congregation, as well as the rising influence of its members and leaders in the community.
• 1911 - 1939: Installation of Rabbi Harry Levi led to changes within the religious school by implementing new policies such as paying teachers, establishing branch schools, and refocusing the curriculum on more traditional Jewish subjects.
• 1913: First Congregational Seder: “For the first time we liberal Jews indicated that we wanted to participate in old Pesach traditions with our own version,” Abram Vossen Goodman. This seder was the first to follow the Reform-sponsored Union Haggadah.
• 1924: Radio Broadcasts: Rabbi Levi’s first radio broadcasts of sermons launched a new era of interfaith educational efforts by taking advantage of Levi’s “genius for selling Judaism to Christians,” his speaking ability, and advances in radio technology led to his being known as the “Radio Rabbi”.
• 1923 - 1927: New Meeting House: The building of a new meeting house represented the congregation’s commitment to Jewish education, social and cultural activities, and its growing membership.
• 1950s & 1960s: Social Action Committee: With his installation in 1954, Rabbi Gittelsohn brought a new commitment to social action to Temple Israel during his tenure. Some important projects included the Boston Ruleville Interfaith Committee (BRIC), and Rev. Martin Luther King’s visit to Boston in 1965.
• 1969 - 1971: Israel Week/Expo Israel: These celebrations demonstrate Temple Israel’s new connection with Israel, its heritage, and its current political plight.
• 1972: Installation of Murray Simon as the Temple’s First Cantor.
• 1973: Completion of a new sanctuary as part of the expanded Riverway campus. Sculpture, Sky Covenant commissioned by Jewish sculptor Louise Nevelson placed in front of entrance.
• 1977: Rabbi Mehlman becomes senior rabbi and remains in this position until 1999.
• 1986: First gay family joins the congregation of Temple Israel.
• 1990: Rabbi Elaine Zecher becomes the first female Rabbi at Temple Israel.
• 1993: Opening of the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center under director Helen Cohen.
• 1999: Rabbi Ronne Friedman succeeds Rabbi Mehlman as Senior Rabbi.
• 2004: 150th Anniversary of Temple Israel; after Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize gay marriage, gay marriage ceremonies are held at Temple Israel.
• 2009: Publication of Becoming American Jews: Temple Israel of Boston by Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan, Susan L. Porter, and Lisa Fagin Davis (Waltham: Brandeis University Press, 2009).
• 2016: Rabbi Elaine Zecher became the senior rabbi of the congregation, the first woman to hold that post. She had served the temple for 26 years previously. She succeeded Rabbi Ronne Friedman, who had become the senior rabbi in 1999, who had in turn succeeded Rabbi Bernard Mehlman.

Tikkun Central

TIkkun Central is the umbrella for all justice and compassion activities at Temple Israel, whether directed inward toward the Temple Israel community or outward towards the larger communities within which Temple Israel resides.

Tikkun Central is a space for community members to initiate and develop actions that work to fulfill the Temple Israel mission of living Judaism through righteous impact. Getting involved in Tikkun Central is a way that many members of Temple Israel make meaningful connections within the community and address root causes of injustice, such as through engaging in grassroots organizing, participating in book groups and discussions about racial justice, improving Temple Israel’s environmental sustainability efforts, offering support for community members in times of need, and engaging in a variety of issues which reflect our values and stories.

Tikkun Central provides space for pursuers of justice and compassion to gather, reflect, enhance each other’s efforts, and open up paths to this work to all members of the community who want to explore their own involvement.

• The Racial Justice Initiative: Temple Israel re-dedicates itself to its history of engagement in the fight for racial justice in greater Boston and the United States with a multi-year strategic and community-wide effort to pull congregants together and participate. In the words of the Pirkei Avot, “We are not expected to complete this work; but neither are we free to abandon it” and in the words of Rabbi Hillel, “If not now, when?”
• Criminal Justice Reform: The Criminal Justice Reform branch of the Racial Justice Initiative aims to improve people’s lives and make the world a more equitable place for all. What are the injustices in the system adversely affecting African Americans? What can be done about it? In partnership with other groups to accomplish the work, Temple Israel is taking two approaches: Tzedek and Chesed. The first involves advocacy to change the law to make it more just and effective and particularly to reduce the adverse impact on African Americans. The second involves working directly with those affected.
• The Green Team: The Green Team at Temple Israel was launched in March 2015 by a group of congregants, clergy, and staff committed to improving sustainability efforts and educating community about individual environmental responsibility. Rooted in traditional Jewish ecological values—from the Torah’s command “Don’t waste” to Maimonides’ caution to recognize the inherent value of all of life—the Green Team focuses on climate change, energy use, recycling, education, social and political policy, and the environmental dimensions of social justice.
• TI Cares: At Temple Israel, there is a culture of caring for, and about, each other. Caring is contagious, and being there for each other creates a more connected and compassionate congregation. TI Cares ensures that support and assistance are available to everyone within our synagogue family. TI Cares offers support and help in times of sorrow and to offer congratulations in times of joy.
• Justice League: The Justice League is an inter-disciplinary community designed to incorporate religious education, social justice experiences, and youth group style fun to prepare 5th-7th graders for b’nei mitzvah and beyond. The Justice League is designed for all TI 5th-7th graders who will become b’nei mitzvah at Temple Israel, whether they are students in our religious school or a local day school.

Community Life

Riverway Project

Named after the location, the Riverway Project is a bold, exciting initiative that connects adults in their 20s and 30s to each other, to Judaism, and to Temple Israel. Activities create community, revitalize Jewish ritual, and explore Judaism through innovative learning.

Families with Young Children

Families with Young Children (FYC) a collaborative effort between Temple Israel, the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center (FJECC) and Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) to engage families with kids ages 0–5 in the Boston area in Jewish life through Jewish holiday celebrations, parenting groups, story times, and weekly drop-in meetups. Temple Israel membership is not required to attend these events. LGBTQ, interfaith, adopting, and single parents are welcomed.

The Tent

A Jewish learning community for Greater Boston teens at Temple Israel. In partnership with Jewish neighbors, the Tent connects teens with a diversity of voices to strengthen them as learners, as thinkers, and as young American Jews. The program is open to all interested teens, grades 8 -12.

Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel of Boston

Since Temple Israel’s inception in 1854, Temple Israel has been a center for Jewish living and learning in the Greater Boston area and is known as a place committed to deep Jewish scholarship, a community that is unafraid to ask the difficult questions and think about Judaism in new and exciting ways. Temple Israel is a synagogue where some of the greatest Jewish teachers, preachers, and learners have gathered to find deeper meaning, understand our shared history, and incubate ideas for a new generation. The Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel presents adult learning in four primary “locations”: The Open Door, introductory courses and content such as introduction to Judaism and basic Hebrew classes; The Town Hall, large events for the larger community, including endowed lecture series; The Classroom, varied opportunities to explore Jewish content in small groups with TI clergy, and local rabbis and scholars; and The Beit Midrash, learning experiences cultivated and facilitated by TI members, particularly TILLI, our initiative for life-long learners.

TI 50s & 60s

TI 50s & 60s offers intellectually stimulating and socially engaging activities for people who are likely to be at a similar stage in life and interested in exploring new ideas and fun places in and around Boston. You can attend as few or as many activities as you wish and you only pay the cost required by the activity — there are no additional membership fees!

TILLI - Temple Israel Life Long Learning Initiative

Aptly named, TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Initiative) is a member directed program bringing the challenge and excitement of learning to active, intellectually curious adults. An integral part of the Temple Israel community, TILLI is the only peer-led lifelong learning program in a synagogue in the country. This initiative continues to develop and grow through the exchange of ideas within the TILLI community.

Religious School (Pre-K through 7)

Temple Israel offers a supplemental education program with classes for Pre-K through 7th graders.

The Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center (FJECC) Preschool

The FJECC serves children from 21 months to 5 years old and is committed to providing the highest quality education in both secular and Judaic studies in a safe, nurturing and non-pressured environment under the guidance of the highest caliber teachers. The program is continually accredited through NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). This accreditation takes a multi-layered and thorough look through all aspects of the program: teachers, children, parents, curriculum, community and administration. Judaically, the FJECC gained our Magen HaGan accreditation through the Bureau of Jewish Education. Completed in the spring of 2015, the Rita and Adam J. Weiner and Family Outdoor Classroom, one of the first Certified Nature Explore Classrooms in Boston, has been a magnificent extension of the playground-adjacent space at the school. This expansive outdoor area is a dynamic, nature-rich learning environment where children are encouraged to thoughtfully explore their natural surroundings both during class and at play.

Interfaith Initiatives

Interfaith couples and families have always been an important part of the Temple Israel community. All who are looking for connections with Judaism and synagogue life are welcome to share personal insights during special events and discussions, learn in stimulating classes, experience Jewish rituals and holidays and enjoy each other’s company while we socialize and celebrate. All events are open to interfaith families and couples. Once a year, Temple Israel hosts an Interfaith Journeys Shabbat Dinner to create a space for Interfaith families and couples to get together and share their experiences and enjoy one another.

On-Site Resources

Temple Israel Archives

Temple Israel is the second oldest congregation in the Boston area, and the largest Reform congregation in New England. Founded in 1854 in Boston, its long history follows the rise of the local Jewish community. The Temple Israel Archives serves as the repository for records, documents, publications, and images relating to the history and administration of Temple Adath Israel of Boston. These records document the congregational history and provide primary source material to assist the clergy, staff, and members of the synagogue. The Archives also serve as a resource for researchers who are interested in the history of Boston’s Jewish community, or in family research.

Wyner Museum

The Wyner Museum was reopened in 1984 to house the Temple Israel Judaica collection, and tell important stories of the congregation and their families. Other the years we have mounted shows such as Women whose lives Span the Centuries, The Art of Amy Reichert, Palestine Now and Then, and a myriad of other art exhibits.

Dr. Arnold L. Segel Library Center

The library, named in memory of Temple member Dr. Arnold L. Segel, has over 20,000 books, audio- and visual-recordings, books on CD, journals and newspapers on Jewish subjects ranging from Bible to Zohar (mystical text). Temple Israel members, students, and staff may borrow materials from the library. The library is open to the public for reading and research on site. The librarian, who has over 25 years of experience, and her staff are available to help with individual research projects, and can help you find resources on any topic from just about any location, physical or virtual. The library is a member of the Massachusetts Library System’s Inter-Library Loan program.

Clergy

Current Clergy

• Rabbi Elaine S. Zecher, Senior Rabbi
• Cantor Roy B. Einhorn, Cantor
• Rabbi Matthew V. Soffer
• Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
• Rabbi Jen Gubitz

Past Senior Rabbis

• Rabbi Joseph Sachs, 1854 - 1856
• Joseph Shoninger, 1856 - 1874
• Rabbi Solomon Schindler, 1874 - 1894
• Rabbi Charles Fleischer, 1894 - 1911
• Rabbi Harry Levi, 1911 - 1939
• Rabbi Joshua Loth Liebman, 1936 - 1948
• Rabbi Abraham J. Klausner, 1949 - 1953
• Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn, 1953 - 1977
• Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman, 1977 - 1999
• Rabbi Ronne Friedman, 1999 - 2016

Past Clergy

• Samuel Wolk, 1923-1929
• Lawrence W. Schwartz, 1929-1930
• Beryl D. Cohon, 1930-1939
• Leo. A. Bergman, 1940-1942
• David B. Alpert, 1943-1946
• Albert A. Goldman, 1946-1948
• Irving A. Mandel, 1948-1950
• Earl A. Grollman, 1950-1951
• Maurice L. Zigmund, 1951-1954
• Leon A. Jick, 1954-1957
• Robert W. Shapiro, 1957-1960
• Charles A. Kroloff, 1960-1963
• Harvey J. Fields, 1963-1968
• Larry J. Halpern, 1967-1970
• Frank M. Waldorf, 1968-1971
• Paul J. Menitoff, 1970-1973
• James B. Rosenberg, 1971-1974
• Murray Simon (Cantor), 1972-1983
• Paul J. Citrin, 1974-1983
• Ronne Friedman, 1978-1994
• Jeffrey A. Perry-Marx, 1983-1985
• William L. Berkowitz, 1985-1990
• Ruth Alpers, 1994-1999
• Jonah D. Pesner, 1999-2006
• Stephanie Kolin, 2006-2010
• Jeremy Morrison, 2001-2016

Architecture

1885 building

In 1884-85, the congregation erected the oldest purpose-built synagogue that remains standing in Massachusetts. The Rundbogenstil building, with twin towers and a rose window in the form of a Magen David stands at 600 Columbus Avenue, at the corner of Northampton. Today, it is the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

1906 building

In 1906, the congregation moved to a new building that is now the Morse Auditorium of Boston University.

1926 building

In 1926, the congregation began work on a new temple, on the Riverway at Longwood Avenue in Roxbury, just across the Muddy River from Brookline. The "monumental", Classical building was planned to have an enormous, domed sanctuary, with flanking wings. Only the west wing, about one-fifth of the planned space, was completed before the stock market crash of 1929.

1973 building

The auditorium and religious school on Longwood Avenue were supplemented by a new, modernist sanctuary. Outside on the Riverway was an original abstract sculpture by Louise Nevelson, Sky Covenant.

See also

• List of the oldest synagogues in the United States
• Sites of interest in Boston

External links

• tisrael.org, the official website of the Temple Israel congregation