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  • Welcome


    The Synagogue Council of Massachusetts (SCM) is a unique organization focused on bringing the diverse elements of our Jewish community together in unity.
  • Synagogue Council of Massachusetts


    We strive for this unity through meaningful and respectful dialogue and initiatives.
  • Synagogue Council of Massachusetts


    We offer programs and classes for individuals who thrive in settings that embrace diversity and personal growth.
  • Synagogue Council of Massachusetts


    We enhance the vitality of over 120 member congregations and minyanim.
  • Synagogue Council of Massachusetts


    By offering seminars and support for lay and professional leaders, we are proud to strengthen area synagogues and minyanim.
  • One Community, Many Branches

    Shabbaton Experiment Surpasses All Expectations
     
    This year’s Community Shabbaton -- jointly sponsored by SCM, Hebrew College and CJP’s Commission on Jewish Life & Learning -- took on a new, collaborative look with fabulous learning and the same sense of community and great davening/worship we’ve learned to expect from past Shabbat gatherings.
     
    Based on the Meah learning model, our theme, “What About God,” was taught by four of Meah's amazing faculty members: Dr. Marc Brettler, Dr. Rabbi Shaye Cohen, Dr. Deeana Klepper and Dr. Jacob Meskin, who explicated  biblical, rabbinic, medieval and modern perspectives, respectively, on this important and provocative theme.
       
    Pictured here are Alan Teperow (holding the kiddush cup for Havdallah) along with Steve Lipman (holding the Havdallah candle), Suzanne Hanser Teperow and Vice President Fred Cohen (in the background).

    Dor L'dor -
     from Generation to Generation

    This year's Bus Tour of Jewish Boston proved to be as uplifting and informative as in the past, with an important twist... Several college students from Tufts University joined us to explore how generations of Jews interact with one another.  In this picture Alan Teperow, SCM's Executive Director and an instructor at Tufts ExCollege exploring the American Jewish Experience, enjoys a moment with some of his students.

     
     

    Close to 40 eager travelers came together on a beautiful Sunday in October for this annual excursion, marveling at the knowledge and erudition of our tour guide and historian, Ellen Smith, from Brandeis University.  This was a magnificent day of learning, engagement and visits to synagogues young and old that the attendees are not likely to forget. In fact, one of those historic synagogues is currently a Haitian Church in Roxbury.  As you can see in this photo, the group was fortunate to be at the church while the youth choir was rehearsing.  A real musical treat!

     
     
    Our Blog 

     

    Service, Education and the Soul: The Synagogue Council Honors Community Leaders

     

    By Jan Moidel Schwartz 

    The Synagogue Council of Massachusetts (SCM) is a pluralistic organization that brings Jews together across the spectrum of Judaism for learning, dialogue and collaborative action. The only organization of its kind in all of North America, the SCM provides services to 200 congregations and minyanim in Massachusetts, working beyond the typical silos of synagogue, denominational and organizational lines to strengthen our Jewish community.

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  • Featured Events

    Funny, you don't look Pewish...

    Presidents and Vice-Presidents are invited to this year's President's Council Meeting on Sunday morning, January 26th from 9:00 am-noon at Temple Reyim in Newton.

     
     
    After a light breakfast and business meeting, we will explore the critical topic "What Can Congregations Learn from the Pew's "Portrait of American Jewry?" with Leonard Saxe, Director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University.
     
    Top level congregational leaders are certain to be interested in this topic and we invite you to sign up now.
     

    Calling All Women:  Join the KOLOT Community!


    KOLOTOur long-time study series for Jewish women has recently begun and we have a great year in store.  Those interested in the joy of Jewish learning as part of a diverse group of warm Jewish women are encouraged to sign up for a great experience.  We are proud to present a top-notch faculty this year:  Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox; Professor Shari Lowin; Judy Bolton-Fasman; Professor Judith Kates; Rabbi Claudia Kreiman; Dr. Lynne Heller and Rabbi Toba Spitzer.

    More Details and Registration

     

    Hold These Important Dates 

     

    Plan NOW to Attend the 11th Annual Connie Spear Birnbaum Memorial Lecture 

    Featuring Nancy K. Kaufman 

    Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Jewish Women 

    Former Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston 

    Sunday, March 30 @ 7:30 pm 

    at Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley

    Free and Open to the Public.

    For security purposes, everyone must be registered for this event.  Avoid the lines by signing up now. 

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    Save the Date for SCM's   

    Annual Tribute Celebration 

    Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 pm 

    Honoring three wonderful community leaders...

    * Len Davidson 

    * Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow 

    * Ben Sigel  

    Watch your mail and email for particulars.

     

    Five-Year Calendar of Jewish Holidays 

    Do you ever need to plan ahead, perhaps a year or more, keeping in mind the Jewish holidays? Or, maybe you want to be absolutely sure your community or school district is aware of Jewish holidays to avoid scheduling conflicts.  If so, click here for a five-year calendar of Jewish holidays produced by USCJ.  

  • Featured Synagogues & Minyanim

     

    Beth AvodahOur Featured Congregation for Tishrei/Cheshvan is Temple Beth Avodah, a Reform congregation in Newton. We are pleased to recognize the synagogue in celebration of its 50th anniversary this year. Visit TBA's website for more information. 
    View past featured sites
     

    Shop Amazon... Help SCM

    As a non-profit associate of Amazon, the Synagogue Council receives a percentage of every sale initiated from our web site.  Please click here for all your Amazon.com purchases.
    Thank you very much for your support of SCM!

Featured Sponsor

Menurkey
 

Hanukkah is early this year...November 28th!
Please consider a donation to SCM in honor of a cherished friend or loved one. Your support helps all year long.
Toddah Rabbah - Thank you!

(Gifts of $18 or more will be acknowledged with a special Hanukkah Card.)


To take advantage of this opportunity, please click HERE.