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.
Jewish Life in Central Europe: Prague & Vienna
Wednesday, June 18 at 7:00pm
Part 1: Jewish Prague
Two-part ZOOM series will continue with Jewish Vienna on September 3rd. INTRODUCTION: Jewish life in Central Europe began with migration from the south as European leaders saw the value in the intellectual, cultural, and financial assets of Jewish traders and 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 and 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?
|
Shabbat Service
|
CRT Art Tour at Hebrew CollegeSunday, June 29, 2:00pm
Art Tour at Hebrew College, 1860 Washington St, Auburndale -T stop: Woodland on Green Line, Riverside Branch (D). Free Parking. Tea and Refreshments served following the Tour.
King David - Shepherd, Soldier, Lover, Sweet Singer, and King of Israel! Reuben Rubin (1893-1974), the Romanian-born, Israeli artist and founder of Israel's school of art, took it upon himself to do a series of lithographs depicting the life of King David in the 1920s. They have recently been donated to Hebrew College's permanent art collection and are on temporary display. Our CRT art tour will be hosted by Dr. Helena Miller, Jewish Educator and Art Specialist, alongside Rabbi Shire. All members, friends, and guests are welcome. We will have the opportunity to view other art pieces (paintings, sculpture) in Hebrew College's important growing Judaica art collection. |
July 2025 B-SAFE Food Project
|
Shabbat Service
|
Shabbat Service
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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!
|
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
|
CRT members study ancient Jewish manuscripts at
The Bodleian Library in Oxford, UK
|
|
|
|
|
Many photos courtesy of Jesse Kiefer.
