IntroductionThe Synagogue Council of Massachusetts (SCM), representing 120 Conservative, Orthodox, Reform, Reconstructionist and independent member congregations, is a central organization which addresses a broad spectrum of religious Jewish needs and ideologies. A beneficiary of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, the Synagogue Council's primary objective is to advance the religious and cultural welfare of the community and to help create an atmosphere of cooperation and open communication in Massachusetts.The By-Laws of the Synagogue Council call for the representatives of the synagogues of Massachusetts: To join together for the glory of God, for the dignity of humankind, for the teaching of Torah, and for the general well being of the Jewish people. The Synagogue Council supports and encourages synagogue and communal life in many ways. Please use the menu links of our web site to learn about all the ways we help! ONE COMMUNITY, MANY BRANCHES: An Historical overview of the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts In recent years, many of us have created family genealogies or attended family reunions in an effort to learn more about who we are and where we came from. In a similar manner, this extensive and caring effort by Alan Teperow to recount the origins and history of SCM provides us with a gratifying opportunity to discover our roots and better understand how we have grown and developed as a multilayered Jewish community. Ultimately, what we can learn from the history which has shaped us should serve as a guide to how we can wisely fashion our future. We are very proud of this history of the SCM, written by Executive Director Alan Teperow during his recent sabbatical in honor of 25 years of service to the organization. The same creativity, enthusiasm and sensitivity that Alan has always brought to his Synagogue Council work is reflected on every page.We hope you will enjoy reading the book while learning more about this unique organization. Click here to download a PDF file of the book, or contact our office for a printed copy. |