March 25 - April 1 • Tzav

Connect this Week

with Temple Sinai

Erev Shabbat Services - Friday, March 27, 6:00pm

Please join us this week for our Erev Shabbat services, led by Rabbi Andy Vogel, Rabbi Talia Stein and vocalist Micah Sandman, in the main Sanctuary or on Zoom. To join Erev Shabbat services by Zoom, click here.

Torah Study - Saturday, March 28, 9:00am

Twice a month on Shabbat mornings, Temple Sinai members gather to discuss the ideas presented by the week’s Torah portion. We begin with a light breakfast and singing and then then explore the Jewish ideas that emerge from the weekly Torah reading. In person or click here to join on Zoom.

Shabbat Morning Services featuring the Bar Mitzvah of Simon Burke - Saturday, March 28, 10:30am

The entire congregation is encouraged to join us for Shabbat Morning Services, including the Bar Mitzvah of Simon Burke, son of Jaime and Jason Burke. We offer mazel tov to Simon and his entire family! To join by Zoom, click here.

Tzedek@Sinai is a catalyst for organizing people at Temple Sinai for social justice, and to work towards sustainable social change. We connect members of the temple community with people and resources, both within and outside the congregation, to build and use the community power of Temple Sinai for social justice. We follow the principles of community organizing, and we seek opportunities for collaborative action to increase our impact and deepen community relationships.

Want to stay connected?

We share a weekly newsletter with updates, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved in social justice efforts.

Upcoming Events

Temple Sinai’s Israel Committee Welcomes Orly Erez-Likhovski

Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center, Jerusalem

Thursday, March 26, 10:15am-11:45am

During the Thursday Morning Study Group, on Zoom & in the Weintraub Community Room

Join us for an update about critical issues facing Israeli society and the Israeli Reform movement, including the work to preserve Israeli democracy and the freedom of religion, and to protect the rights of all of Israel’s citizens. All are welcome.

Women's Retreat

Saturday, May 16, 10am-3pm

Hebrew College, 1860 Washington St, Newton, MA

Explore the themes of Judaism and women's identity and voice through creative, inspiring, hands on experiences that foster connection with Jewish tradition and one another. All female-identifying, trans, and non-binary Temple Sinai Community members welcome! Transportation can be arranged.

Questions? Contact Abi Oshins: abi@sinaibrookline.org

Rainbow Committee Movie Night: Eyes Wide Open

Saturday, March 28, 5:00pm

A married, Orthodox butcher in Jerusalem, father of four, falls in love with his handsome, 22-year-old male apprentice, triggering the suspicions of his wife and the disapproval of his Orthodox community.

Community Dialogue About Our Diverse Opinions on Israel, Iran, Palestine, War & Security

Sunday, March 29, Ehrenfried hall

Potluck Dinner at 5:30pm

Dialogue 6:00pm-8:30pm

Now, in March 2026, Israel is engaged with the United States in war with Iran, and we expect that a multiplicity of opinions will arise within our congregation. We invite members of the community to share with one another our own thoughts, feelings and opinions. The dialogue will be structured and facilitated to promote respect, understanding and connection. We will begin with an informal potluck at 5:30 and will start the dialogue shortly after 6pm.

For Temple Sinai members only. Whether you have attended previous sessions or not, we welcome you! RSVP here.

Temple Sinai's 2nd Night Seder

Thursday, April 2, at 6:00pm in Ehrenfried Hall at Temple Sinai

We have reached capacity for this event and registration is closed

Join us for a festive and joyful Passover seder, led and organized by Temple Sinai members! Our Seder service will be led by Jeremy Wolfe and Robin Orwant. The Pesach meal will feature a delicious holiday meal, catered by Baker’s Best.

Shabbat Morning Community Minyan

Saturday, April 4 at 9:30am

The entire congregation is encouraged to join us for Shabbat Morning Community Minyan, which this month falls over Passover.

In person in the sanctuary, or join by zoom.

K'tonton

Sunday, April 5, 10:00am-12:00pm

at Temple Sinai in the Larkin Library

This fun, interactive Jewish drop-off program for 3 & 4 year olds introduces young children to Jewish holidays and practices through arts & crafts, songs, stories and games. It’s a great way to introduce your child to the joy of Jewish learning!

Jewish Ways in the End-of-Life & Mourning: The Hevra Kadisha & Rituals of Tahara

Sunday, April 5, 1:00pm-2:30pm

With guests from the Greater Boston Community Hevra Kadisha, a non denominational, non-profit organization that supports families and individuals with a range of Jewish rituals for death and burial.

• What is the ritual and the work of the Hevra Kadisha?
• Why would someone opt for tahara?
• What do volunteers do, and how can people volunteer?

7th Day Passover Yizkor Service:

An Hour of Memory

Wednesday, April 8, 9:30am

Please join us in the Sanctuary for our 7th Day Passover Yizkor service, led by Rabbi Vogel and vocalist Micah Sandman. For centuries Jews have observed the tradition of a Yizkor prayer service, a time to remember loved ones dear to our hearts, on the holidays of Yom Kippur, and during the three festival holidays, Sukkot, Passover and Shavu’ot. If a loved one has passed away recently, or long ago, this is a meaningful time for prayer, song and meditation, as “an hour of memory.” The words and melodies of the Jewish tradition make the Yizkor service a time to offer gratitude for life’s blessings, and to spend time reflecting on the memory of those whom you love. Join us in person in the Sanctuary, or by Zoom.

Our Families and the Holocaust:

Two Temple Sinai Members Tell Their Personal Stories

Yom HaShoah Evening, Tuesday, April 14, 7:00pm

At Temple Sinai in the Sanctuary, or click here to join by Zoom.

Join us for a community observance of Yom HaShoah, with prayers and songs, and a special program featuring Temple Sinai members Peter Lowy and Steven Seltzer.

They will share their stories:

• Steven’s memoir: The Long Road from Persecution to an Unlikely Reconciliation: From the Holocaust to German Citizenship
• Steven’s father’s story was published in The Life and Thought of Louis Lowy: Social Work Through the Holocaust by Lorrie Gardella and his mother co-authored The Dressmaker’s Daughter

The evening will be moderated by Geffen Rosenthal, Religious School teacher, and Senior Program Associate at Facing History and Ourselves.

Jewish Heritage Night 2026 at Fenway Park!

Wednesday, May 27 at 6:45pm

Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves

Celebrate Jewish culture and sports with us at Fenway Park! Temple Sinai invites you to join us for an unforgettable evening at the Red Sox Jewish Heritage Night. Enjoy exciting baseball action, Jewish traditions, and a lively community atmosphere as we cheer on the Sox together. Temple Sinai has a block of tickets in Grandstand Section 24, great seats! Don’t miss out on this special event—bring your family and friends for a night to remember! Purchase your game ticket through Temple Sinai, then download the "MLB Ballpark" app on your smart phone. We will forward your special Jewish Heritage Night ticket to you a few days before the game. (Call the Temple office for assistance with the app.)

Weekly Sunday Afternoon Mahjong

Weekly on Sundays, 3:00-5:00pm in the Weintraub Community Room

Join us to play at our weekly Sunday Sinai Mah Jong games! All who play are welcome to this friendly game. Come enjoy an afternoon of strategy, community and enjoyment. Whether you are a seasoned expert or still learning the game, you are welcome to join! If you are a complete novice, please contact Robin Orwant ahead of time. Mah Jong sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own set, and please bring your own card, if you have one. Please note: this is not a class for learning how to play the game.

In Our Lives

We offer our condolences to Mike Benac on the death of his father, William Benac, who passed away on March 11, at age 90. Mike will be  observing an evening of Sheloshim tonight, Weds., March 25, including a minyan service, at his home at 2 Lee Hill Road, #6, Roslindale, MA. Temple Sinai members are encouraged to attend to offer Mike our support during this time of mourning. May Mike and his entire family find comfort during this time.

Announcements

Temple Sinai Caring Network: New Transportation Program

We are proud to announce the new Caring Network Transportation Assistance Program for congregants. If you are in need of affordable transportation to and/or from Temple services or events, we will reimburse you for your expenses. We are grateful to Caryn Mushlin for serving as Transportation Coordinator. Please email us for questions and requests at CaringNetwork@SinaiBrookline.org.

Click here for the reimbursement form, or hard copies can be found in the temple office.

Jane Silberberg and Joel Match

Passover is Coming: Wonderful Library Resources!

Need some inspiration for your Seder this year? We have many Haggadot in our collection. How about some new kosher dishes for the table? Check out our cookbook collection. Children's books? We have many for the season. Go to our online database, type in a search and let your imagination soar.

In the Community

From Mitzrayim to Massachusetts: A Passover Gathering for Immigrant Justice

Monday, April 6th at 7pm

This Passover season, join RAC-MA for a virtual gathering connecting the story of the Exodus with the urgent call to support immigrant justice today. Through song, learning, and conversation, we’ll reflect on the Passover themes of migration and freedom to explore what they ask of us in this moment. Together we’ll share insights from Jewish tradition, connect in small-group discussions, and take meaningful action to support our immigrant neighbors. Come be inspired in community and ready to help build a more just and welcoming MA. 

Joining Temple Sinai as a New Member

Click here to fill out a new member application.

Rather than charging fixed amounts for member "dues," the SinaiPromise membership model provides information about the amount needed to sustain Temple Sinai each year and enables every household to voluntarily pledge and contribute an amount of their choice to financially support our synagogue. Your membership contributions are vital in helping us continue to offer enriching programs, maintain our facilities, and foster our vibrant community!

Want to learn more about Sinai Promise? Click here.