-1- TEMPLE REYIM NEWTON, MA Part I DATE OF APPLICATION 12/10/12 NAME OF SYNAGOGUE Temple Reyim Name of President Fred Mermelstein Information About Synagogue: Address 1860 Washington Street City Newton State MA Postal Code 02466 Country USA Telephone 617-527-2410 Fax 617-928-0212 E-mail [email protected]Name of Search Committee Chairperson: Mitzi Perlmutter Address-home 55 Nichols Rd Address-business City Needham City State MA State Postal Code 02492 Postal Code Phone 781-449-0989 Phone (cell) 617-733-9858 Fax (781) 444-3255 Fax E-mail [email protected]E-mail Prefer to Receive mail at Home Prefer to be called at: Home (evening) or Cell
Transcript
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TEMPLE REYIM NEWTON, MA
Part I DATE OF APPLICATION 12/10/12 NAME OF SYNAGOGUE Temple Reyim
Number of Membership Units of Congregation to closest 25 200
Indicate Senior Staff – Please write out Hazzan, Educator, Executive Director, Assistant Rabbi, Early
Childhood Director, Ritual Director – Indicate full-time=FT or part-time=PT
1. Rabbi (FT) 2. Education Director (PT) 3. Nursery School Director (FT)
Day School in the Community – YES
Many families have children at Solomon Schechter Day School and Gann Academy (pluralistic high school); we also have families at The Rashi School (Reform day school) and Boston Jewish Community Day School (pluralistic). The Boston area also offers the Maimonides School (Orthodox, K-12). Instrumental Music on Shabbat –
We currently use acoustic guitar during services one Friday evening per month (and have a concurrent service without musical instruments). We do not use instruments on Shabbat morning.
Congregation is Egalitarian – YES
We are egalitarian in all aspects (see p. 9).
Congregational Information
A. Number of member units today: Total 204
Families: 148 Single Members: 62 Seniors: see below
Children 0-4: 13 Children 5-13 64
Age Distribution
Adult: ages 35 and under 30 36-60 216 Over 60 131 Children: Under 5 13 5-13 86 14-20 92
B. Number of member units five years ago: Total 230
Families: 175 Single Members: 55 Seniors: Not available
Children 0-4 Children 5-13: Not available
Age Distribution Not available
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Future demographic projections of the congregation are:
The congregation has a wide range of ages and continues to attract young, old, and middle-aged members: there is growth potential in all age groups.
Talk about the future demographics of the entire Jewish community as a whole:
Based on a 2005 study for Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston (CJP), the Jewish population of the Greater Boston area had increased over the previous ten years. In 2005 there were 210,000 Jewish adults and children in the Greater Boston area, approximately 9.2% of the population. About one-third of the Jewish adults self-identify as Conservative, with close to 20% belonging to Conservative congregations. CJP considers the community to be “growing and vibrant.” However, the Jewish population is moving toward the farther suburbs. What website can the candidate check for more information:
For the synagogue www.reyim.org
For the larger Jewish community
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston (CJP): the local federation
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC): community organization providing advocacy, service, and partnerships for social justice and Israel. The immediate past president of JCRC is Stuart Rossman, a Temple Reyim member.
The Jewish Advocate: local Jewish newspaper
Shalom Boston.com: online resource for the Jewish community of Massachusetts For the general geographic area
Newton Citizens Web Page: links to community information
WickedLocalNewton: website of The Newton Tab, our local newspaper
Boston.com: online site of The Boston Globe, the area’s largest newspaper
What is the best book to learn about:
Your Jewish community
The Jews of Boston, edited by Jonathan D. Sarna and Ellen Smith, published by Yale University Press, 2005.
Other resources you may want to tell us about
Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh: a mikveh and education center, next door to Temple Reyim
Synagogue Council of Massachusetts: the only organization of its kind in the country, an umbrella organization for all of the synagogues in the state that runs programs that find common ground across the Jewish spectrum, to strengthen congregations and attract people to be part of organized communities
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center: health, social and cultural center for families in the Newton area.
Hebrew College: a local center of Jewish learning, including adult learning, graduate
degree programs, a vibrant community-wide supplemental high school program, and a non-denominational rabbinical school and cantorial program.
Limmud Boston: an annual day-long festival of Jewish learning, culture and identity
Year synagogue founded : 1951
Please answer one of these questions -
a) For North America Congregations - Are you affiliated with the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism? Yes
What region of the USCJ Northeast District (New England)
b) For overseas congregations: What is your connection to Masorti Olami?
C. Synagogue Facility
Describe about your physical space:
Temple Reyim's 20,000 square foot synagogue is a striking example of the mid-century work of The Architect's Collaborative and was featured in the August 1959 issue of Architectural Record. The building makes careful use of local red waterstruck brick and contracting buff-colored brick to provide an integrated sanctuary and social hall space that accommodates the full congregation for the high holidays. Exposed wood beams and wood ceiling finishes of the sanctuary and chapel are complimented by colorful clerestory windows. The school wing (1963) completed the original design and acts to enclose a courtyard that is actively used for synagogue activities. In 2003 the building was extended and renovated to provide a new Rabbi's study and a small multi-purpose hall; these renovations renewed finishes throughout the building and brought life safety and access fully up to modern codes.
The school wing contains eleven classrooms for the Religious School and Nursery School, Silver-Shore Hall (a 1600 sq. ft. social hall with a small kitchen) and our USY Lounge. Silver-Shore Hall provides community space for the Religious School and the Nursery School as well as space for activities ranging from holiday children’s services to our Yom Kippur Break-Fast to board meetings to Cub Scout meetings to bridge games. The Youth Lounge is a center for our award-winning USY programs. Outdoor space includes a courtyard, a play area for the nursery school, and the structure for our sukkah. Our parking lot accommodates more than 125 cars.
Describe the Rabbi’s study
The Rabbi’s study is a generously sized, bookcase-lined room with a large window and a spacious desk. It is a comfortable environment for meetings with members, complete with chairs for visitors and a conference table.
Where are religious services held? Describe the space
Shabbat morning and Festival services are held in our sanctuary, renovated in 2003. Prayers are led and the Torah is read from an amud facing the ark. The sanctuary seats 250 people in pews arranged surrounding the amud. Tiles depicting the holiday cycle and mosaics of Shabbat and Havdallah are on either side of the ark.
On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a full-height movable wall is opened so the entire congregation is seated together in one large room. On those days the service is led from our wheelchair-accessible bimah. Our daily minyan, regular Kabbalat Shabbat service, and Shabbat mincha are conducted in the Goldweitz Chapel, which has movable seating for up to 75 people. The Chapel, with a wood-beamed ceiling and clerestory windows, is separated from the Wasserman Library by a movable wall that is usually open for daily minyan. The library collection includes more than 2,500 titles. List and describe other professional synagogue or congregational staff, e.g. Cantor –leads services,
conduct an Adult and children’s choir
High Holiday Cantor: leads services
Education Director (1/2 time): Runs Religious School, teaches one hour/week
Nursery School Director (full time): Runs all aspects of Nursery School and serves as lead teacher
Torah Readers: Read Torah on Shabbat, Festivals and weekday minyan
Youth Director: Supervises young adult activities
Does the Rabbi have a secretary/assistant? Describe:
The synagogue office staff, including an office manager and part-time office assistant, support the Rabbi along with their other responsibilities.
D. Religious Life
Describe your siddurim – Do you have a primary one?
Daily/weekday: Siddur Sim Shalom
High Holy Days Mahzor Lev Shalem
Sabbath and Festivals:Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals
Describe the Sabbath Service (e.g. congregational singing/Torah discussion, Hebrew/English
Usage):Talk about both Friday night and Shabbat morning.
Friday night services are at 6 pm year-round. The Rabbi usually leads the 45-minute service, which is traditional and in Hebrew. We enjoy congregational singing without instruments, followed by Kiddush (with scotch!). Several times a year we have family-oriented Friday night services with guitar, children’s participation and home-made (in the shul kitchen) dinner: these popular “Kol Zimra” evenings usually attract 80 to over 100 people. Occasionally there is an 8 pm service with a speaker. Our Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 and usually end around 12:15. Some key features are:
Full Pezukei D’zimra and Birkot Hashachar (lay-led)
Rabbi usually leads either Shacharit or Musaf, with lay leadership for the other service
Almost entirely in Hebrew
Full Torah reading (usually paid reader, sometimes congregants)
Cohen and Levi aliyot (including bat Cohen, bat Levi)
Full repetition of Shacharit and Musaf amidot, time permitting
Usually children lead Ashrei, Ein Keloheinu, Aleinu, Anim Z’mirot
Concurrent children’s services (2-3, divided by age), led by lay and professional leaders, at least monthly
Regular weekly Kiddush prepared by a rotation of volunteers; once a month we have a Family Shabbat Kiddush luncheon.
Full Torah Reading yes Triennial Torah Reading no Other (describe)
Who reads Torah?
We have a regular paid reader, but congregants leyn frequently throughout the year.
Describe the High Holy Day Services (e.g. choir, number of parallel services):
Whole adult congregation is together
Pezukei D’Zimra, Birkot Hashachar, and Shacharit are lay-led
Follows Mahzor closely
Mostly in Hebrew, but with several English readings
No choir
Maftir Yonah is read by the previous year’s b’nai mitzvah
Three concurrent lay-led children’s services and USY service
What religious event is the synagogue most proud of and why?
We are very proud of the way our young people learn to participate in and then lead Shabbat and holiday services, with opportunities for children of all ages to increase their skills. Children in our Junior Congregation regularly lead Ein Keloheinu and Aleinu on Shabbat morning, and many young people lead Anim Z’mirot by the time they are 11 or 12. In addition to chanting the haftarah, many b’nei mitzvah chant one or more aliyot of the Torah reading and lead the Torah service, and some lead part or all of the Shacharit and/or Musaf as well. At the Yom Kippur mincha service, our most recent b’nei mitzvah chant the Book of Jonah. We encourage our children to chant haftarot, read Torah, or lead services during their teenage years, including at a USY Shabbat that is entirely led by young people. As a result we have a cadre of young adults who can go on to college with solid skills they can share with their own communities. Describe weekday Yom Tov services and programs
Congregants introduce and chant Shir HaShirim, Ruth, Kohelet on Festivals (usually 3-4 chapters in Hebrew and one in English)
Prayers for rain and dew, akdamut
Singing and/or recitation of Hallel, Hoshanot, Yizkor
Family program in sukkah
Early morning services and regular services on yizkor days
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot—learning program (with cheesecake break) before late-night service
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Adult attendance at services (excluding Bar or Bat Mitzvah or other life cycle events)
Friday – Kabbalat Shabbat early 13-18 (for regular, 50-100 for Kol Zimra or special
events) late N/A
Shabbat morning 50-70 adults, 10-20 children
Weekday Yom Tov morning 30-80 evening 15-20
Daily Minyan morning 10(usually)-15 evening upon request
Describe the process used to make ritual decisions:
Our Religious Services Committee works with the Rabbi. The Rabbi is the arbiter on matters of halacha. Ideas and matters for consideration may come from either the Rabbi or members of the committee and the congregation at large, and major decisions, such as new prayer books, must be approved by the Board.
What are your congregation’s attitudes about Conversion and Intermarriage? (involvement in
synagogue program, membership policy)
We follow the policy of the Conservative movement and are happy to facilitate conversion according to movement standards. Current practices include:
Non-Jewish partners are welcome at all activities and services, and may be members of auxiliary organizations
Children of a non-Jewish mother must be converted before bar/bat mitzvah
Members must be Jewish; intermarried couples may have family membership if they have children and single if they do not
Non-Jewish partners may not serve on the board or participate in any ritual activities
The non-Jewish parent of a bar or bat mitzvah or baby being named may stand with the Jewish parent at the amud, but is not called by name and does not participate in the blessings, and a non-Jewish family member may read the Prayer for the Country—no attention is drawn to the fact that one parent is not Jewish.
The synagogue may not be used for a marriage between a Jew and a non-Jew.
In addition to leading religious services; the next most important tasks/priorities/roles of the
Rabbi is?
List three:
The current rabbi’s priorities are: 1) Recruitment and engagement of young families in Reyim's membership and activities. 2) Providing pastoral counseling and healing visits for Reyim members in need and officiating at life cycle events. 3) Teaching Torah through sermons and Limmud classes.
For a discussion of what the new rabbi’s priorities should be, see below.
What is your congregation’s current practice regarding:
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Instrumental music on Shabbat?
One Friday evening a month, at our Kol Zimra service, our current Rabbi leads Kabbalat Shabbat with acoustic guitar accompaniment; this is a very recent change. We do not have instruments during Shabbat morning services, and we allow very limited use of non-amplified instruments during bar/bat mitzvah receptions on Shabbat. Video taping on Shabbat?
No videotaping or use of other electronic devices is permitted on Shabbat (except stationary microphones).
Participation of women?
Women participate fully in services, including but not limited to:
Being counted in a minyan
Leyning Torah, chanting haftarah and megillot
Leading services on Shabbat and holidays
Leading central part of weekday Shacharit service (if wearing tefilllin—same requirement as for men)
Leading preliminary and concluding parts of weekday Shacharit service, whether wearing tefillin or not (same as for men)
Cohen/Levi aliyot
Serving as gabbaim
Celebrating a bat mitzvah in the same way as a bar mitzvah
Ritual or religious trends the candidate should know about:
Based on recommendations of our Religious Services Enhancement Team, our congregation is working toward:
Increased participation and ruach through less formal hazzanut and more congregational singing. We recently established a new Music Fund and Music Committee to lead our efforts in bringing more music into our congregation.
Promoting better understanding of services and more spiritual and meaningful engagement within a traditional framework.
The last major religious policy change was:
Approval of a same-sex aufruf, in the fall of 2012 (see statement to the congregation by the President and Cochairs of the Religious Services Committee, from our October 2012 Bulletin regarding same-sex unions). The previous major change was full participation of women, approximately 25 years ago.
Shortly after the Bulletin was published, a same-sex aufruf was held at Temple Reyim. Neither the statement nor the event itself generated any controversy. The President and chairs of the Religious Services Committee announced an upcoming same-sex aufruf in our Bulletin. The issue did not generate any controversy. The participation of women allowed fuller involvement by a larger segment of the congregation, and empowered women to lead services, leyn, and teach. It also enables us to maintain a daily morning minyan. Only one congregant left as a result of the policy (but not his family!)—the congregation was ready for the change. The next major religious policy issue facing the congregation will probably be?
We do not anticipate any major religious policy issues during the next 3-5 years. Some of the concerns that we expect to be discussed are (1) ways to include non-Jewish family members in synagogue life, and (2) whether to include the Imahot in the repetition of the Amidah. What religious policies/traditions should the next Rabbi make sure to preserve?
Full Torah reading
Children leading parts of the services, such as Ashrei, Ein Keloheinu, Aleinu, Anim Z’Mirot
Daily morning minyan
Post-bar mitzvah children chanting maftir Yonah at Yom Kippur mincha
Vibrant children’s services
E. Programming
Describe three current synagogue events your congregation is most proud of?
1. The Rabbi Philip Kieval Kallah, held annually since 1967, was the first scholar-in-residence weekend in the Boston area. Scholars speak at Friday evening and Shabbat morning services, and meet informally with congregants as well. Recent scholars include: Joel Roth, Everett Fox, Diane Sharon, Jay Harris, Jonathan Sarna, Or Rose, Ruth Langer.
2. Blocks and Lox is one of the cornerstones of our new programming for young families, meeting monthly on Sunday mornings. Parents and young children gather for social time, refreshments, and activities such as singing or storytelling.
3. Shabbatune, a musical Shabbat program, has been part of our programming for the past two years. At a session a few weeks before the Shabbatune, our Rabbi and Cantor (last year a guest cantor) introduced new tunes to interested congregants so there was a core of people in the congregation who were immediately able to join in during joyful, song-filled services. On Saturday afternoon we have had musical programming, and in the evening we hosted concerts open to the community. The first year we hosted Hankus Netsky and a group from his Klezmer Conservatory Band, and the following year we enjoyed the sounds of a capella groups from colleges throughout the Boston area
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Describe a unique synagogue event:
Shabbat Dor L’Dor (or Door-l’Door!) is a special Shabbat program that Temple Reyim inaugurated in July 2009. We provided a way for congregants to welcome Shabbat together and then enjoy delicious “home-cooked” Shabbat meals in private homes. Ayin Chefs Serves, our in-house volunteer caterer, prepares a full meal in the Temple Reyim kitchen, and packs it in containers. Host families pick up the meals, together with disposable dishes and utensils, before Shabbat. In this way anyone can host a meal or be a guest without concern about kashrut or other preparations. Temple members from young children to octogenarians begin Shabbat with a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service at Temple Reyim. Then they break into smaller groups to go home with the host families. Members’ homes are filled with relaxed conversation with old and new friends, singing, and the joy of Shabbat with none of the stress.
Other committees and programs the Rabbi should know about?
Award-winning USY/Kadima, some of whose members have served on the regional USY
board, including as NERUSY president
Chesed Network: delivers food and provides rides for members with medical or other special needs
Israel Connection: opportunities to promote learning about and support of Israel
Daf Yomi: Our Daf Yomi group just completed the full 7 ½ year cycle of Talmud study
Softball team: founding member of the Men’s Shul Softball League
Family Table: we support Greater Boston’s Jewish food bank by collecting pasta and cereal, and help with one of the monthly distribution days each year
Ayin Chefs Serves: Combination of Brotherhood/Sisterhood which provides excellent in-house catering services for congregational and member events held at the synagogue
Havurot: Young Families, Empty Nesters, Israel Interest
Women’s League/Sisterhood Membership Total: 113 Describe role in congregation:
Sisterhood was re-organized three years ago to attract women of all ages, and enrollment on its board and in general has grown considerably. Our Sisterhood meets regularly with a variety of social programs and encourages women’s participation in services by organizing the annual Sisterhood Shabbat. It also provides funding for various events.
Men’s Club Membership Total: 107 Describe role in congregation:
The Temple Reyim Brotherhood organizes programs including an annual Sports Breakfast and an annual blood drive. The Brotherhood enjoys preparing food for our spring and fall barbecues, Chanukah Brunch, and Purim Carnival. Brotherhood Shabbat honors our Keeper of the Flame (New England Region FJMC honoree) and other active synagogue volunteers. Brotherhood is always willing to fund synagogue programs.
Temple Reyim's adult education program aims to provide Jewish learning in a "user-friendly environment" through the annual Kallah and a variety of courses, lectures and holiday-based programs. The diverse and ambitious program strives to meet the needs of a community that ranges from members with a rudimentary knowledge about Judaism to those who seek to learn at an advanced level. Many of our 2012-13 programs are listed below; for more details, please see the complete schedule here.
Bible study: daytime, in English (taught by Rabbi & congregant)
Holidays: programs for Selichot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and Yom HaShoah, Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, Tu B’Shevat Seder
Kallah Weekend (scholar in residence)
Meah: 100 hour, two-year study program (developed by Hebrew College in partnership with Combined Jewish Philanthropies)
Learner’s Minyan: Sunday morning minyan includes explanations by the Rabbi
Death and Mourning Rituals: two-session program
What involvement are you looking for from Rabbi in Adult Ed Program?
Our congregation is learning-oriented, and seeks substantive engagement around classic Jewish texts, Jewish culture, and contemporary issues facing Jews and Jewish communities. We would like the new rabbi to teach some specialized courses and some that will attract a broader audience, and we welcome his or her suggestions for courses or one-time programs that he or she would like to teach. In addition, we would like the rabbi to be a resource to the Limmud Committee in developing a well-rounded program for the congregation.
Congregation Education
How many days does afternoon school meet? (two, three) 2 How many students are in the school grades aleph to heh? 31 Expectations of the new Rabbi in relationship to the school:
Teaching: School wide Tefila class at Tuesday session, as well as at least one class/week 6-7th graders.
Supervisory role, with the extent dependent on the candidate. We are reevaluating our school administrative structure, and expect that the new Rabbi will provide ideas and leadership for the school, working with the Religious School Committee and school leadership.
The Greater Boston area is fortunate to have a community Jewish high school program, Prozdor, at Hebrew College in Newton. Prozdor offers Jewish teens a rigorous and meaningful program of Jewish Studies with a strong commitment to Hebrew language. Teens explore all facets of Judaism through many modes—from Jewish visual and performing arts to an intensive, six-hour Talmud study program. Many Temple Reyim students attend Prozdor 4-6 hours per week, some continuing through 11th grade. Gann Academy, the New Jewish High School of Greater Boston, is a pluralistic day school committed to providing a challenging, nurturing, and inspiring education that integrates intensive Jewish studies with the sciences and the humanities. Several of our high school students choose Gann rather than attend public or other independent high schools. Temple Reyim has a very active USY chapter that includes Kadima, Junior USY, and Senior USY to keep teens involved in synagogue life. The chapter holds its own events and also participates in regional and national activities, recognizing the importance of providing teens connections with their peers in their own synagogues as well as the larger Jewish community.
What percentage of children continue after Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
Nearly 60% of our post bar/bat mitzvah children continue their education at either Prozdor or Gann Academy.
What expectation do you have of the new rabbi with the Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah program.
We would like the new rabbi to be involved with students through activities, classes, or informal get-togethers, and encourage them to continue their Jewish education, lead a Jewish life, and especially to stay connected to Temple Reyim.
Describe the Early Childhood Program of Synagogue (including # of Students):
The Viola and Joseph Rosenshine Nursery School offers 3- 4- and 5-year olds a 5-morning, 3-hour a day program with 2-1/2 hours of afternoon play available. It is in session from September through early June and also offers a summer program. The School balances secular and Jewish activities in a warm, loving environment. 19 children are currently enrolled. We are in the process of developing additional programs to enhance our Nursery School, which will provide extended daily activities (until 6pm) as well as summertime programming.
What percentage of ECE families continue membership after finishing the school?
At this time 30% of our children are from member families. In recent years all member families have stayed with Temple Reyim after their children “graduate.”
What is current Rabbi’s role in ECE?
The current Rabbi is a frequent visitor to the school and an active participant in many of the programs. He leads singing for Shabbat among other activities.
Our active, award-winning USY participates in chapter, regional, and international activities. We have a part-time Youth Director who, in conjunction with our Sr. USY board, plans chapter events with supervision of their advisor. The Jr. board and Kadima are also active, but with more direction from their advisors. This year and in past years we have been a host congregation for pre-convention activities when USY International Convention meets in Boston. Chapter events include monthly Shabbat services, an annual USY-led Shabbat morning service for the congregation, social action/tikkun olam fundraising, lounge nights in our Youth Lounge, pizza-making, laser tag, etc. (Kadima: grades 3,4,5; Jr. USY: grades 6,7,8; Sr USY: grades 9-12)
How many go to Camp Ramah? 9, including some on staff Involved with USY? 27 in Jr. and Sr. USY YJ, Yavneh, other Jewish camps 15
USY Summer programs occasionally
Kadima 11 For more than 20 years Temple Reyim has sponsored Cub Scout Pack 247 in the Knox Trail Council. The pack is open to all boys of cub scout age (7-11). All food served at pack activities is kosher and pack meetings are scheduled so they will not conflict with religious holidays, religious school or Shabbat. As one of the few “kosher” packs we attract boys from our membership as well as from the Greater Newton area. Temple Reyim hosts two annual Greater Boston-wide scouting events that include Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts:
At a Jewish emblem workshop scout leaders help the scouts earn awards for religious and cultural study and knowledge.
In February, national scouting month, Temple Reyim hosts the Greater Boston Scout Shabbat, with services led by present and former scouts and presentation of merit badges earned at the emblem workshop.
F. Community Profile
1. Other synagogues
Are there other synagogues in the local area? How many?
Newton and the surrounding communities have a wealth of synagogues, including
Conservative: Temple Emanuel, Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Temple Emeth, Or Yisrael, Temple Aliyah (Needham), Kehillath Israel (Brookline)
Orthodox: Shaarei Tefilah, Beth El Atereth Israel, Adams St. Shul
Reconstructionist: Shir Hadash, Dorshei Tzedek
Plus Sephardic, Chabad, Newton Center Minyan, and a few others
What branch? See above
Describe your relationship with them:
Temple Reyim participates with other congregations in Family Table, Greater Boston’s Jewish Food Bank. We occasionally co-sponsor programs, and we were happy to host one congregation for Shabbat services when their building was temporarily unusable following Hurricane Sandy.
Combined Israel Action programs: Temple Reyim is part of the Combined Israel Education Committee, synagogues working together to educate the community about and support Israel. USY inter-chapter events involve children from all Newton Conservative synagogues. How does your synagogue differ from them? (the Conservative ones)
Temple Reyim is smaller and more traditional than the other full-service Conservative synagogues in the area. Our services include the full Torah reading, full pezukei d’zimra, and repetitions of both Shacharit and Musaf amidah. Because of our size, each bar or bat mitzvah has their own mitzvah date and each child is encouraged to lead as much of the service as he or she is able. The congregation sets aside one Shabbat each month when no bar or bat mitzvah will be scheduled, providing opportunities for more lay involvement and programs such as Brotherhood Shabbat, Sisterhood Shabbat, and Scout Shabbat. Our size enables our members to integrate easily into communal life, and to become involved quickly in their areas of interest. We are warm, welcoming, and unpretentious.
2. Jewish Community
Describe the other local Jewish community institutions:
Newton and the adjoining towns of Brookline and Needham boast large, strong, and highly diverse Jewish communities. The immediate area supports five Jewish day schools, a large JCC, Hebrew College, several kosher butchers and bakers, kosher restaurants, two fine Jewish bookstores, several weekly Israeli folkdance sessions, multiple adult Jewish choral groups, Jewish film festivals, a Jewish music festival, an annual Israeli folkdance festival, and a thriving Men’s Shul Softball League with 30 teams from 23 different congregations. Engagement within the broad Jewish community is high. Examples of collaborative projects or events include a community-wide Israel-action coalition, cultural and business exchange programs with Boston’s sister city in Israel, Haifa, and the annual Greater Boston Yom Ha’Atzmaut Israel Day celebration. Specific local Jewish institutions, excluding day schools and synagogues, include:
Hebrew College: graduate level and teen education Synagogue Council of Massachusetts: an umbrella organization that serves synagogues across
the broad spectrum of religious needs and ideologies Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Newton: classes, health facilities, programming Hadassah and other national organizations Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh: a facility adjacent to Temple Reyim that is a
resource for learning, spirituality, and creativity, providing ritual immersions and educational programs
Golda Meir House: senior independent living facility within walking distance of Temple Reyim Hebrew Senior Life: an eight-site system of senior health and housing facilities in the Greater
Boston area Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP): Greater Boston’s federated Jewish philanthropy Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JF&CS): provides support to people at critical stages of
Kesher: Kesher Newton is a nationally-recognized alternative to traditional Hebrew School, where children learn Jewish culture and Hebrew language in a spirited, camp-like environment.
Brandeis University: Characterized by academic excellence since its founding in 1948, Brandeis is one of the youngest private research universities, as well as the only nonsectarian Jewish-sponsored college or university in the country.
What is the synagogue’s relationship to them?
Hebrew College:
Interns from Hebrew College have and continue to serve in a variety of roles within our congregation including Kadima advisors, religious school teachers, leader of Junior Congregation services
Me’ah, a two-year adult learning program, is being offered time for the fourth time at Temple Reyim
Prozdor provides 8th-11th grade community-wide supplemental education in which most of our Religious School graduates enroll
Mayyim Hayyim: Mayyim Hayyim runs educational programs for our Nursery and Religious School as well as bat mitzvah mother/daughter programs, and they hold events in our facilities
CJP: various programs including special grants for innovative religious school programs, as well as public programs in our facilities
Golda Meir House (where several of our senior congregants live): intergenerational program with our Viola and Joseph Rosenshine Nursery School
Brandeis University: We hire both undergraduate and graduate students from Brandeis to serve a variety of functions in our congregation, including youth advisors and office managers (from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program)
What is the role of the current Rabbi in the greater Jewish community outside of the
synagogue?
Gann Academy - Pluralism Committee Member Synagogue Council of Massachusetts - Board Member Nashua Street Jail - Volunteer Chaplain Limmud Boston - Presenter/Teacher Newton Clergy Association - Member New England Rabbinical Assembly - Member Massachusetts Board of Rabbis - Member Golda Meir House - Educator for Senior Residents
3. College and Universities (List those in close proximity)
The Boston area is home to Harvard University, Boston University, Tufts University, Brandeis University, Wellesley College, Boston College, Northeastern University, New England Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music and many other institutions that greatly enrich our community. Some of the smaller colleges within just a few miles of Temple Reyim are: Hebrew College, Newton (see F2 above) Lasell College, Newton Babson College, Wellesley Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham
Bentley University, Waltham Mount Ida College, Newton
Does the Rabbi have a role?
Not currently
4. Is there a Jewish day school in or near your community? Yes
Solomon Schechter Day School (K-8) Boston Jewish Community Day School (K-8) (pluralistic) The Rashi School (K-8) (Reform) Gann Academy (9-12) (pluralistic) Maimonides School (K-12) (Orthodox)
Name of present Rabbi Benjamin Shalva Years served 2.5
Name of preceding Rabbi Scott Rosenberg Years served 21 Name of preceding Rabbi Philip Kieval Years served 30 Name of Cantor (Hazzan) N/A Years served Name of preceding Cantor Stephen Thompson Years served 12 Name of Executive Director N/A Years served Name of Educational Director Miriam Berk Years served 2.5
Does Rabbi attend Board meetings: Yes
Comments:
The Rabbi presents a d’var Torah at the opening of every board meeting. The current rabbi normally participates in discussions when he has information to contribute or to bring Jewish teaching to bear on a subject.
Is Rabbi expected to attend other committee meetings? Yes (Explain)
The Rabbi is an ex-officio member of the Religious Services Committee, the Religious School Committee, the Limmud (Adult Education) Committee, the Youth Committee, and the Social
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Action Committee. The Rabbi’s specific role will vary from committee to committee. He also attends some Executive Committee meetings.
Why are you currently searching for a new rabbinic leadership?
Two years ago we hired a new Rabbi, Benjamin Shalva, a recently ordained rabbi with two years’ experience as an assistant rabbi. As Rabbi Shalva’s second year of service at Temple Reyim was coming to a close he realized that a career as a pulpit rabbi was not for him, and he informed the congregation that he would not be renewing his contract, which expires on July 31, 2013.
What is it about your synagogue that makes your synagogue particularly attractive to a
Rabbi?
Temple Reyim is a warm, haimisch congregation with involved and knowledgeable members. We are small enough that the Rabbi can know everyone. At the same time, we have a beautiful facility that could support a larger congregation, so there is opportunity for growth. The Greater Boston area offers a vibrant Jewish community with a strong infrastructure of communal organizations, several day schools, various kosher restaurants and food markets, Jewish film festivals, and other attractions. The area is rich in academic and cultural opportunities of all kinds.
Part II – Synagogue Finances
Remuneration
We ask you to indicate either a specific figure(s) or a specific range. The “Proposed Salary” section
should read, for example, “the salary range is $70,000 to $80,000” or “the minimum salary base is
$60,000 or the maximum salary is $120,000.” We ask you not to write “negotiable” with no numbers
attached. (Enter additional comments below)
a) Proposed full compensation package is $140,000 to $155,000, depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. The package includes but is not limited to, health insurance, pension, parsonage equivalent, convention and other similar reimbursements.
b) Percentage of pension in addition to salary (See above)
(Additional comments)
c) Standard benefits for Rabbi in addition to salary (not included in “a” above): All
included in “a” above
Income- Disability Insurance
Major Medical Insurance – Hospitalization
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Convention Allowance/Continuing Education
Professional Dues
Describe the benefits arrangements.
d) Other benefits?
e) Additional comments:
We are interested in candidates who may bring a variety of skill sets complementary to rabbinic duties, such as religious school administration or cantorial skills; compensation may vary accordingly.
(If outside the United States, please describe arrangements for medical coverage, private, insurance,
etc.)
Housing (in addition to proposed salary)
a) Housing provided by Congregation? No
b) If so, distance from Synagogue miles (please enter one number, use additional
comments if necessary)
c) Where housing not provided by the Congregation:
Cost of Housing? (please enter one number)
Cost ranges? Minimum Cost: $400,000 Maximum Cost: >$1,000,000
Rental ranges? Minimum Cost: $1,600/mnth Maximum Cost: $3,000/mnth
Type?
Newton is a lovely, safe, and highly desirable city six miles west of Boston. Blessed with excellent city services, ample green space, and a highly livable downtown, as well as outstanding public schools, an acclaimed public library, and abundant recreational opportunities, the town is a wonderful place to raise a family. Local amenities include a town pool and lake, a farmer’s market, outdoor concerts in the summer time, and a variety of carnivals and special events throughout the year. In addition to the local offerings, residents enjoy easy access to the vast intellectual and cultural resources of Greater Boston, to the gorgeous mountains of New Hampshire and to the pristine beaches of Cape Cod. A variety of rental, condominium and single family homes are available within walking distance or a short drive of Temple Reyim. Much of the housing stock in Newton dates to the first half of the twentieth century, and includes center and side entrance colonials, Victorians, and ranches. Newer units are also available. Homes range in scale from simple to grand, and tend to be attractive and well-cared for. Multi-unit dwellings are also available, ranging from two-family houses to smaller condominiums (fewer than ten units) and large mid-rise properties. Lot sizes vary considerably in Newton, but in general are larger than in the towns immediately adjacent to Boston, and smaller than in the suburbs father to the west. Gardening is a common
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hobby here, and many residents proudly grow flowers, herbs, and fresh vegetables in their back yards. In recognition of this, Newton is known as “the Garden City.” (It is also the namesake of the Fig Newton, but our local bagels are a source of even greater civic pride.) As is typically the case in desirable communities, housing costs in Newton can be higher than in some of the surrounding towns. Homes in a wide range of prices are available, either to purchase or to rent. Sample recent sales and current rentals show the variety of housing options that are available within approximate walking distance of Temple Reyim.
Does the Rabbi need to ride to shul on Shabbat? No
Budget (All amounts are in U.S. Dollars)
Size of Congregational budget? $900,000 Status of Financial condition? Reasonably stable
Accumulated deficit is: none
Describe sources of revenue (e.g. fundraising, income from pre-school)
Dues, Tuition (Hebrew School and Nursery School), donations, hall rentals (both internal and external i.e. Newton Wellesley Hospital, Newton Bridge Club)
If there a deficit this year, how is it met?
We had a small surplus this year
Does the current Rabbi have a role in fundraising?
The rabbi does not currently have a significant role in fundraising, but we expect that in the future the rabbi will participate in the development and implementation of fundraising plans.
Part III – Primary Mission
This section must reflect a consensus of the Search Committee
a) What is your congregation’s style?
Temple Reyim is known as a haimish, unpretentious traditional synagogue. We take our name to heart—we are a congregation of friends, and we are very welcoming. As part of our Strategic Planning efforts we recently approved a new Vision/Mission Statement.
b) What are the congregation’s core values? (list 3-5)
We are a second home to our members, with a family feeling and family-centered.
We are accepting and respectful of people wherever they are on their Jewish journey
We provide opportunities for members or all ages to increase their level of Jewish knowledge and practice through our commitment to lifelong Jewish learning.
We actively support members dealing with illness, death, or other difficult circumstances.
We are committed to Klal Yisrael and the State of Israel.
c) What are the three primary goals of your synagogue?
To provide a full range of congregational functions including religious services, early childhood education (nursery school), religious school, adult education, youth services including Kadima/USY, social activities including Brotherhood and Sisterhood, support for life cycle events (baby namings, b’nai mitzvah, weddings)
To inspire our congregants through religious services that are infused with ruach and promote kavannah
To pass the joy of Judaism on to the next generation
d) What is unique about your congregation?
As the smallest full-service Conservative congregation in Newton, we offer an unusual breadth of programs and events for a synagogue of our size, with the involvement of a core of well-educated and committed members. While we have a history of traditional services and religious practice, we are fully egalitarian and welcome congregants across the spectrum of Jewish observance.
e) What are your congregation’s strengths?(list three)
We have a Jewishly educated core of congregants who enjoy leading and teaching.
We are small enough that if someone has an idea for a program, they can make it happen, and large enough that together, we can pull it off.
The warm, friendly members of our congregation bring diverse backgrounds and interests
f) What are your congregation’s weaknesses?(list three)
We lack an effective marketing and communications program
Services are not as engaging as they could be
Small administrative staff has limited time available to promote our programs
g) The three most important issues to confront your synagogue in the next five years will be:
Engaging and inspiring our community in our spiritual and ritual practice.
Attracting and maintaining members, particularly young families, in a community that offers many choices for synagogue affiliation and Jewish life outside of synagogues.
Identifying and developing professional leadership to help us achieve our vision.
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h) What three qualities are most important to you in your new Rabbi?
Warm, approachable, and able to connect with and appreciative of all members, where ever they are on the their journey
Ability to inspire a diverse membership
Ability to work as a partner with lay leadership to achieve synagogue goals and maintain its vision.
i) The three most important priorities of our Rabbi should be:
Be an active participant in invigorating religious services
Connect with congregants through informal relationships as well as through pastoral services.
Build a strong community spirit within the congregation, regardless of members’ religious and political points of view.
What role does the Rabbi have in hiring/firing and supervision of staff?
The Rabbi supervises the Education Director in conjunction with Religious School Committee
The Rabbi must approve hiring of Education Director and religious school teachers
The Rabbi is a partner in hiring and supervising of other staff
j) The single most important issue a Rabbi needs to know about your congregation is:
We are a congregation with a strong foundation of Jewish learning and practice that is looking for a new rabbinic leader to help us to create a vibrant, joyful Conservative synagogue where every member is respected and embraced wherever they are on their journey. We want to grow enough to maintain our full-service shul programs, but remain relatively small.
k) What do you want the Rabbi to change?
We would like the Rabbi to build a common vision about our religious direction that encompasses the broad range of practice within our community: to help the people who feel we border on Orthodox to realize that while we preserve the traditional we are adaptable, and to help those who fear we are becoming Reform to realize that while we are flexible, we remain committed to our traditional core.
l) What do you want the Rabbi to preserve?
While invigorating the services, the rabbi should strive to maintain their traditional character as well as respect the range of religious backgrounds within the congregation. Children should be welcome in services at whatever age and should be encouraged to participate when age appropriate, maintaining our family-friendly environment.
m) What do you want the Rabbi to build?
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We would like the Rabbi to help build our presence so we can compete successfully in a crowded, vibrant community: we want to be a player with a distinct identity, and attract and retain quality members who will contribute actively to our synagogue life. We have a great community, we want the Rabbi to be an integral part of promoting it.
n) How do you expect the rabbinic position to change over the next few years?
We do not expect the role to undergo any major changes over the next few years, as we are a stable and well-established community. Growth in net membership and in particular, attraction of young families, are major priorities for the long term health of the congregation. We expect the new rabbi, by virtue of his or her excellence and interpersonal skills, to be a key asset to our membership recruitment and retention efforts. If those efforts are successful, the congregation will grow modestly, and with that growth will come increased responsibilities for the Rabbi (more people to minister to) as well as an increased congregational budget. The congregation’s combination of a well-educated, committed core membership, stable finances and excellent infrastructure gives us potential for growth and offers the right rabbi an excellent opportunity to make his or her mark on our congregation.
***FOR SENIOR RABBI YOU ARE FINISHED WITH THE SURVEY***
