Rabbi Shire leads the procession carrying the Torah scrolls to the new Ark on Rosh Hashanah followed by Michael Scanlon and Jill Silverstein.
Photos by Jesse Kiefer
The word rabbi means "teacher" and our rabbi embodies that title in a very special way. Reading his sermons is a wonderful way to reach a deeper understanding of the ethics that support our faith tradition.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey,
the focus of Central Reform Temple of Boston is to provide everyone
with a home for growth and new horizons.
We are a house of prayer for all people.
July 2025 B-SAFE Food Project
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Shabbat Service
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Shabbat Service
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Shabbat Service
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Next CRT Book GroupSunday, August 24, 7:00pm
Our next CRT book group will be reading The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish (2017). Historical fiction, past and present. It’s long, but highly recommended by our readers.
SUMMARY: Set in London of the 1660s and of the early twenty-first century, The Weight of Ink is the interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect: Ester Velasquez, an emigrant from Amsterdam who is permitted to scribe for a blind rabbi, and Helen Watt, an ailing historian with a love of Jewish history. When Helen is summoned to view a cache of newly found seventeenth-century Jewish documents, she enlists an American graduate student, and embarks on a project to determine the identity of the documents' scribe, the elusive "Aleph." |
Jewish Life in Eastern Europe - Jews of ViennaWednesday, September 3, 7:00pm
This second session will introduce a background to Vienna, one of the cities on the CRT trip this fall. It is also open for general interest for anyone.
Introduction: Jewish Life in Central Europe began with migration from the south as Europeans saw the value of intellectual, cultural, and financial assets of Jewish traders & merchants in the early Middle Ages. By the 19th century, this became a flourishing, prosperous and culturally refined Jewish community living comfortably in the capital cities with some restrictions and some antipathy, but foreseeing a more liberal future ahead. Prague & Vienna were united by being capitals of the Hapsburg Empire. By the time of the 20th century, these hopes had been dashed and cataclysmic disaster befell these communities culminating in mass murder during the Shoah and repression under the Communists. What gave rise to the Jews in Central Europe as an intellectual, financial, and cultural icon, and what brought about their utter destruction in less than a hundred years? |
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Central Reform Temple of Boston is a uniquely welcoming community that embraces the richness of the Jewish tradition. Our worship, conducted primarily in English, is inclusive and accessible. We offer a warm, unconditional welcome to all who seek to join us in worship, study, and service, without regard to religious background or beliefs. One need not be born Jewish, be able to read Hebrew, or convert to Judaism to be a full, participating member of Central Reform Temple. Interfaith families and people of all faiths, including the unaffiliated, are fully embraced. Members of the LGBTQ community are a vibrant part of our Temple family.
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With a focus on adult programming and social justice, we strive to be engaged with each other both within and outside our Shabbat, Festival, and High Holy Day Services. Our one-of-a-kind covenant relationship with Emmanuel Episcopal Church with whom we share our spiritual home, integrates us both physically and ideologically within the Back Bay interfaith community.
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From the Rabbi's Study
Perhaps the single most practical thing Judaism has offered to the world, is the distinction between the working week and a day of rest. This concept of Shabbat first conceptualized in the Hebrew Bible and then spun into a myriad forms has been applied by every Civilization through the ages to provide a cessation in the unceasing drive to have, to own and to obtain more!
For as Abraham Joshua Heschel stated in his Classic work, ‘The Sabbath’, Shabbat is rather a time to be, to become, to be open to wonder...
For as Abraham Joshua Heschel stated in his Classic work, ‘The Sabbath’, Shabbat is rather a time to be, to become, to be open to wonder...
Rabbi Dr. Michael Shire leads the service with our prayer for peace read by Joy Howard. The Rev. Pamela Wertnz, Rector of Emmanuel Church shared reflections with us. Rabbi Shire gave moving thoughts for us on the recent murders of Yaron Lichinsky and Sarah Pilgrim. Music is provided by music director Andrew Mattfeld with cantorial soloist Angelynne Hinson. Music for this service covered by Jlicense. Support these services by visiting crtboston.org/donations.
Rabbi Dr. Michael Shire leads the service from Mishkan Tifila. Very special service celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of John Lissner, son of founding members Dan and Adrienne Penta-Lissner. Music provided by music director Andrew Mattfeld with cantorial soloist Amy Lieberman. Documents to support this service can be found at crtboston.org/service-pdf-links. Choose Mishkan Tifila Service 1 05092025. Music for this service covered by Jlicense. Support these services by visiting crtboston.org/donations.
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Subscribe to Central Reform Temple YouTube Channel
Enjoy CRT Shabbat Services “on demand” on the temple YouTube channel. When you subscribe you will be notified by email each time a new video is uploaded. Experience CRT services for the first time, review a service you missed, or relax into prayer and meditation in the middle of the week. Enjoy!
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Central Reform Temple of Boston meets at our home in Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church,
15 Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts. We welcome you to join us!
Guests who would like to receive our weekly email with information on service dates, activities, and more please email us at [email protected].
CRT members lighting shabbat candles on Simchat Torah at The Ark - Pinner and Northwood Liberal Synagogue in UK
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CRT members study ancient Jewish manuscripts at
The Bodleian Library in Oxford, UK
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Many photos courtesy of Jesse Kiefer.
