...only interdenominational, synagogue-based organization of its kind in all of North America.
With over 120 dues paying member congregations, the Synagogue Council -- a joint venture of the Union for Reform Judaism (Northeast Council), United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (New England Region), Orthodox, and Reconstructionist congregations in Massachusetts -- is a successful 25-year experiment in community-building.
Please take a look around and contact us directly for further information. We also provide an opportunity for you to donate to the Council to support its ongoing valuable activities.
UPCOMING AT SCM
Click on the appropriate photo (below) to learn more about these exciting programs.
Jews on the Move: The Suburbanization of Boston Jewry Join the Synagogue Council and Temple Emanuel of Newton, in celebration of its 75th anniversary, for a bus tour of historic Jewish Boston on Sunday, October 17th from 12:30-6:00 pm. This year we focus on the suburbanization of Boston Jewry. We will tour and trace congregations as they move from city to suburb; as new congregations are generated in Boston's suburbs; and as the structure, behavior, and physical look of Boston Jewry changes with the move. |
Attend the 24th Annual Unity Mission to NYC - October 24-25, 2010. Join leaders and students from Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox and independent congregations from throughout Massachusetts for a transformational experience… |
"Daf Yomi" - Exploring the Daily Page of Talmud Together Our 5th year of weekly Talmud study (following the global "page-a-day" cycle) kicks off Friday, October 8. Join a spirited weekly discussion of a page of Talmud with other adults from across the denominations. All are welcome and the coffee is delicious! |
Synagogue-of-the-MonthOur Featured Member synagogue for September 2010 is Congregation Agudath Achim of Taunton. We are pleased to recognize the synagogue in celebration of its 100th anniversary. Read on for details about Congregation Agudath Achim. |
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Be A Part… Not Apart
Synagogues Sponsor Membership Open Houses
Being a part of a synagogue family provides an opportunity for fulfillment of spiritual, educational, social, and Jewish life-cycle needs. Many of our member synagogues are planning Open Houses or Membership events during August, September and October. Click here to see what opportunities are available at synagogues in your community.
In Shul, Cost Hasn't Been a Barrier
There had to be a catch - and a price tag. A rabbi left a message on my home answering machine inviting me to join an adult bat mitzvah class. But I was not a member of this rabbi's suburban Boston synagogue. Intrigued, I returned the call. At 40, after spending the majority of my life disconnected from Judaism, I wanted to learn more about my faith. But I was tentative about steps like synagogue membership. The rabbi said there was no need to join the congregation. The fee was zero.
"Why does it cost so much to be Jewish?" asked Newsweek's religion editor, Lisa Miller, in a much-discussed recent article. Citing, among other things, the high cost of synagogue dues, she wrote: "Costly barriers to entry need to be taken away, or, at least, reimagined." Continued...
MAKE YOUR SYNAGOGUE GREEN!
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| The Synagogue Council is proud to support the Boston chapter of COEJL, The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, in a statewide initiative to "pledge" to "green" synagogues in Massachusetts. Click here for details. |
Canfei Nesharim, the leader of a Torah-based environmental movement, makes a connection between traditional Jewish sources and modern environmental issues and promotes ongoing dialogue about our Torah responsibility to protect the environment. Click here to view a weekly drash on the environment, entitled Eitz Chayim Hee: A Torah Commentary for Environmental Learning and Action.
Parsha Commentaries
IN THE NEWS!
Shabbaton Offers Rich Mix of Judaism
Richard Wissoker of Lexington recalls a time when "walking into a Reform synagogue with a yarmulka was frowned upon" by congregants.
That clash has abated in the 50 or so years since then. Although differences among the movements of Judaism in America usually remain at a low simmer, conflicts -- such as over the level of participation in women's rituals -- can quickly boil over. The challenge is in promoting intra-religious understanding and cooperation.
Recently, at the Holiday Inn in Tewksbury, 60 people tackled that challenge at the Unity Shabbaton, conducted by the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts and supported by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies. They shared each other's learning, modes of prayer and perspectives of Judaism while celebrating Shabbat.
For the full article, click here
Synagogue "Affiliation and Engagement" Report
Following a year of deliberations, SCM's Task Force on Affiliation & Engagement presented its final report to the Synagogue Council Board in early June 2010, with a follow-up email letter and attachment to member congregations. The report, not meant to be all-encompassing but certainly an attempt to look at many important aspects of the engagement landscape, is a work-in-progress and SCM welcomes your comments and suggestions.
Rabbis, Presidents and Administrators are urged to share this report with your Board and Membership/Outreach Committees, both electronically and in person, and to use it as a tool to enhance your congregation's Affiliation & Engagement work. If you would like members of the Task Force to make a presentation to your leadership, or to facilitate a visioning process some time in the coming year, please let us know. The report can be accessed here.
617.244.6506 (o) - 617.964.7055 (f) - info@synagoguecouncil.org
