Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Temple Israel has been working with other Greater Boston Interfaith Organization communities of faith to advocate for comprehensive criminal justice reform in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Senate and House passed bills, which must be reconciled in a Conference Committee. Subscribe to our social justice e-newsletter, JustNews, for updated information and next actions as we continue to press for the strongest possible criminal justice reforms.

Partakers College Beyond Bars  Join other TI members in mentoring men and women in prison who are enrolled in Boston University's Prison Education Program. A team of four is assigned to one person and meets in pairs with that person once every other month. People who participated in this program show a 2% recidivism rate compared to a national rate of over 50%. No special skills required - just support, encouragement, and caring.

Purchasing for Justice One project of the Economic Justice Working Group is an effort to promote purchasing from Black-owned businesses.  When we make a meaningful effort to spend dollars in line with our hopes for the world around us, we are participating in the drive for economic justice. Temple Israel has already begun to rely on several new vendors, and we will add to the list below regularly.  See the full list here .

Temple Israel-Beacon Academy Community Read: The Hate U Give Thursday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. Temple Israel of Boston Our communities will come together to discuss Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give. According to The New York Times, the book "offers an incisive and engrossing perspective of the life of a black teenage girl" as the protagonist's worlds "converge over questions of police brutality, justice, and activism." Written as a young adult novel, the book provides a window into that experience for adults as well. Sign up here.

with Helene Bailen, Susan Ebert, Phyllis Tobin

Three sessions: Sundays 10:00 - 11:45 a.m. 1/28, 2/11, 3/25

$10/session, $25/all three

Gather to learn and prepare special recipes from TI members. Share memories, enjoy conversation, and learn a few cooking tips from our star chefs.  Read more. Contact Mike Fishbein for more information.

with Rachael Cerrotti

Four sessions:  Mondays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 1/29, 2/5, 12, 26

$120 (member), $160 (non-member)

This course will give students the tools to begin exploring their family history and provide a chance to share stories, research methods, and discuss ethical questions regarding documenting personal history.  Read more and register .

with Rabbi Jen Gubitz

Eight sessions:  Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 1/29, 2/12, 26, 3/12, 26, 4/9, 30, 5/14

$240 (member), $320 (non-member)

Through group learning sessions and personal practice, we will delve into Mussar using methods drawn from the Mussar Institute and Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis.   Read more and register .

Learn more about the Center for Adult Jewish Learning and see the full brochure. For more information, contact Mike Fishbein.

The Drawing Lab: Explore Your Drawing Mind

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Coffee at 10:30 a.m., program at 11:00 a.m., brown bag lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Deborah Putnoi, 

Visual Artist, Educator, Researcher

Daily Life in Ancient Greece

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Coffee at 10:30 a.m., program at 11:00 a.m., brown bag lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Phoebe Segal,

Mary Burgess Comstock Curator, Greek and Roman Art, Museum of Fine Arts

RSVP to Sue Misselbeck.

Saturday, February 3, 2018 - 4-6 pm
(Snow date: 2/10)

Come and Celebrate with the FJECC Community and The Village for Families with Young Children at TempIe Israel! The event will include singing, parent learning and sharing, a Havdalah ceremony, and a family-friendly pizza dinner (a suggested donation of $18/family is appreciated). We will collect new or gently used boys' and girls' tops & onesies in sizes 18-24 months for the local non-profit, Cradles to Crayons.  RSVP with the number of adults and children to Lisa Scott by Friday, January 26

If you would like to send extend wishes of congratulations or condolences, please send them to  Rachel Daniels, Executive Coordinator to Rabbi Zecher, who will pass along your message. Are you or is someone you know celebrating a wedding? An engagement? A new baby? Do you know someone who is ill or in need of a friendly, supportive call? Please tell Rachel to let our clergy know.

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.