High Holy Days

The High Holy Days are a major highlight of the experience of most Jews. We believe that the celebration of this sacred time of return and renewal is best experienced as part of an ongoing Jewish commitment and personal support for the broader work of a congregation, and its service to its membership and the community. We invite you to enhance your celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by taking your rightful place, as part of a temple, and to share in our worship and programs of learning and spiritual growth throughout the year. Please visit the Membership page for details on joining Central Reform Temple.

Please contact us by phone (617-262-1202) or by e-mail treasurer@centralreformtemple.org.
For more information, contact info@centralreformtemple.org.

Sukkot

The Biblical Harvest Festival of Sukkot, which is celebrated the week following Yom Kippur, is a special time at Central Reform Temple. In 2009, we built our first public Sukkah, the ancient “tabernacle” recalling both the harvest and the wanderings of our ancestors in the desert. Erected at 15 Newbury Street in front of our Temple, this beautiful symbol has become a popular expression of Jewish tradition in the greater Boston community. Thousands of passersby stop and read the explanatory signs about the holiday, and enter the fruit and branch-covered structure. It is a vivid spiritual presence affirming the beauty of nature in the middle of the city! Check the CRT Events Calendar for up to date information.

Purim

Like our Chanukah celebration, our observance of Purim seeks to offer an adult experience of this holiday. The Feast of Esther is an important affirmation of both the role of women in Jewish history, and the triumph of justice over oppression. We read the Megillah, the Scroll of Esther, on the Shabbat closest to the festival, and study its many levels of contemporary challenge….and of course we all enjoy the traditional treat of “hamantaschen” pastries as well!

Passover

Our Temple family gathers on the Second Night of Passover to share in the joy and inspiration of the Seder.  We retell, relive and reaffirm the timeless messages of freedom and liberation in our people’s ancient story of deliverance from slavery. Of course, we also share a wonderful dinner together, with all of the beloved dishes.

American Holidays

A major principle of the American Reform tradition is our affirmation of the special place that our country’s history and ideals hold in our lives as American Jews. The major celebrations of our national life are all marked at Central Reform Temple, with special readings, prayers and music during our Sabbath worship closest to their observance: the themes of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day and Veteran’s Day are all linked to our Jewish faith and values.