The impact of each of us.
To be part of the Jewish world is to live in a world of questions. From the moment in the book of Genesis when God asked Adam, “Where are you?” after he and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, we have continued a similar pursuit. Where are we? Where am I? How do I want to be? What can I do for others? The questions are endless and so are the possible responses.
Our tradition demands that we think and consider many points of view in our questions. This is why interpretation and commentaries play such a crucial role in text study. We are meant to delve deep into our reasoning. The Talmud weaves around and through arguments from both the majority and minority opinions to make room to expand our minds and our hearts. Judaism values our questions and questioning.
One of the most important questions to me is to ponder why we are here and what purpose we may have while we grace this earth. We can’t answer these kinds of questions alone. We need one another. Each of us matters. Though our answers change as we grow in experience and wisdom, we can reflect on how we are impacted and impact others. Being a part of Temple
Israel of Boston can help each of us respond and grow closer to our own humanity and potential.
I am grateful for the impact each of us has made in the life of Temple Israel.
This impact report celebrates one another and lifts up all that we were able to accomplish this year and shows how this community has changed all of our lives for the better.
All this is a cause for blessing:
Praised is the Holy One of Blessing whose presence fills the whole world for keeping us alive, for sustaining us and for helping us reach this moment, right now, here together.
Rabbi Elaine Zecher
The "Act" in Impact:
When you’ve lived in the same “Bayit” for 100 years, you would hope to have had a positive impact on your community. We have.
Though the word “impact” has roots in the Latin phrases “push into” or “strike against,” I’d like us to focus on one part of the word: act. At Temple Israel, we act. We act by showing up, by doing, and by leading in our community and Reform Judaism. We achieved so much in 5786 because we put the act in impact.
We act as a force multiplier for good, creating and spreading Jewish joy. We also create impact when we “strike against” antisemitism, a global pandemic which has become mundane, accepted, and – hideously – even expected. We educate and celebrate. We do not stagnate. As proud as we are about our impact in 5786, we are raising the bar for an even more impactful 5787.
5786 Temple Israel Board of Trustees:
Shawn Kravetz, Board President
Shawn Kravetz, President Rachel Wexler, Vice President
Karin Freed, Treasurer
William Finard
Andrew Hirsch Ben Holtz
Ilisa Hurowitz Lesley Inker Zamira Korff
Lauren Lapat
Anne Licciardello Jamie Merrill
Rebecca Price Franklin Ross
Marie Schwartz
Josh Segal
Susanna Stern Sam Wilderman
Celebrating Rabbi Elaine Zecher's 36
Years at TI!
"In this congregation, I have held your babies up high in blessing and accompanied you in moments of sorrow. Creativity and innovation course through this synagogue while we continue to honor our past and our future. I am grateful you have believed in me and what we are able to do in community. I believe in you, too. Let us ensure that the fire that glows and radiates love, compassion and justice of Temple Israel of Boston continues to burn in perpetuity, as the guarantor, kept going by each of us as an agent to kindle and rekindle the beauty and vitality of this home and the Jewish life we experience together. Your presence and support for this congregation makes all the difference."
— Rabbi Elaine Zecher
A Taste of the Congregant Tribute Messages
“You have shaped what Shabbat means in our home.”
“You somehow always have just the right answer, delivered with grace and understanding.”
“Temple Israel is a richer, warmer, and more joyful community because of you.”
“Your steadiness, your work, and your presence will stay with us always.”
“You have been by my side through life’s most joyful celebrations and its most difficult moments.”
“You helped me make Temple Israel my home away from home.”
“Your compassion, discipline, fortitude and love, laced with some humor, have been a powerful mix for the amazing Rabbi you are.”
“You are a champion of social justice.”
“You lead with compassion and excellence.”
“Where the Temple is today is a tribute to your vision and leadership.”
“You have been part of our lives through the big moments and the small ones, through joy and through tragedy.”
“Your impact is lasting and profound.”
“Whenever and wherever we need you, there you are.”
“You set the bar for spiritual leadership that is engaging, compassionate, and brave.”
“You make us feel safe.”
“You make everyone feel valued and seen.”
A Culture of Generosity:
What does it mean to belong to a community where people are willing to stretch, to give of themselves because they believe, deeply and sincerely, that this is one of the most important communities in their lives? I have spent my first year at Temple Israel watching that question answer itself, over and over again.
The Friends Annual Fund is the engine that makes Temple Israel flourish. Every program, every service, every moment of connection, learning, and care is made possible because of this fund. This year, our community rose to meet the moment. Participation grew, new donors stepped forward, and long-time supporters deepened their commitments. Total giving reached $915,000 at the time of my writing this in early June, a reflection not just of financial generosity but of confidence in this institution, its clergy and staff, and in one another.
This year's Stepping Out was nothing short of remarkable. Our theme, celebrating Rabbi Zecher's 36 years of transformative leadership, drew the community together in a spirit of joy, reflection, and profound gratitude. Under the inspired leadership of our chairs, Nicole and Paul Lipson, the evening became the most successful Stepping Out in the event's history, raising over $260,000. To our chairs and host committee: thank you for your vision, your energy, and your commitment.
Throughout the year, our community gives in ways that go far beyond the annual fund. A new Food Justice Fund saw meaningful growth, enabling us to expand partnerships and deepen our reach in the broader Boston community. Teen JUSTUS, our justice and service program for teenagers, continues to inspire both the young people it serves and the donors who believe in the next generation of Jewish change-makers. And among the most tender expressions of this generosity are the tribute gifts that flow in throughout the year, given in honor of life's celebrations and in loving memory of those no longer with us. There is no more fitting tribute than a gift that keeps doing good in the world, and our community understands this deeply.
What moves me most is not the total dollars raised, or even the records broken, but the spirit behind them. Every act of giving is a statement about who we are and who we want to be. We are not done. We are just beginning to understand what is possible when a community like this decides to dream bigger together. I am honored to be in its service.
Shawn Fiedler, Director of Development
Partners in Generosity:
The following partners have invested in Temple Israel's programs and people this year. We are deeply grateful for their support.
How we invested in our mission:
Every year, Temple Israel invests deeply in the people, programs, spaces, and experiences that bring our mission to life. From meaningful worship and transformative learning to vibrant community connections, acts of justice, and the behindthe-scenes systems that make it all possible, each investment reflects our commitment to building a Jewish community that is innovative, welcoming, caring, and enduring.
Together, these resources sustain not only what happens within our walls, but the relationships, values, and moments of belonging that shape Jewish life across generations. We are grateful to everyone whose generosity helps make this sacred work possible year after year. The impact of this shared investment is felt every day—in the lives we touch, the community we strengthen, and the Jewish future we build together.
Living Judaism Together
(Community engagement)
Philanthropy & Membership
(Deepening our generosity)
Building & Administration
(Including security, technology, and hospitality)
Discovery (Education and learning opportunities for all ages and stages)
Righteous Impact
(Social justice initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy)
Dynamic Spirituality
(Innovative worship, life cycle moments, and holiday experiences)
As of June 1, 2026 we've received $1,258,000 in gifts to our Annual Friends Campaign and Restricted Funds.* Thank you!
Every contribution to Temple Israel helps sustain the vibrant, caring, and dynamic community we share together. We are deeply grateful to all our supporters whose generosity made this year possible. Because nearly 45% of Temple Israel’s annual revenue comes directly from member giving, every gift — at every level — has a meaningful impact on our ability to create transformative experiences, care for one another, and strengthen Jewish life for today and for future generations. Thank you for helping make this sacred community thrive.
*Not inclusive of capital gifts, bequest intentions, or gifts to the Clergy Discretionary Fund
Program Highlights
Music & Spirituality
"My meditation retreats and guided recordings are designed to create space - intentional, restorative space - where people can step out of the relentless noise of daily life and listen more deeply. This includes the music that carries us through Shabbat and holiday gatherings. Again and again, I've seen what happens when that quiet opens: people reconnect with a sense of clarity, grounding, and inner truth that often feels just out of reach. The impact is subtle but powerful. Participants leave not with answers handed to them, but with a renewed ability to hear their own still, small, sacred voice."
“I love the feeling of being together, the singing, and the music.”
— Miriam M., TI member
This year we...
• Invited our community into reflection, creativity, and renewal through three spirituality retreats: a soulful S’lichot retreat with Noah Aronson, a fall half-day retreat centered on breath and the soul, and a full-day spring retreat exploring spirituality through art.
• Brought the community together through music, creativity, and celebration at our annual winter concert, which served as the centerpiece of the Jewish Arts Festival.
— Cantor Alicia Stillman
Social Justice
"In 5786, our Social Justice work has been guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: Actions Within Our Reach. In a world that can feel overwhelming, we have focused on the ways we can make a righteous impact locally, concretely, and together. What has inspired me most is seeing congregants of every generation bring their own gifts and experiences to this work. Together, we transform Jewish values into lived commitments through hands-on action and powerful partnerships. Together, we feed the hungry, stand in solidarity, raise our voices, and respond decisively in moments of challenge and turmoil. We empower both our congregation and the greater Boston community, striving to bring more love, healing, and action into a world thirsty for the life-affirming waters of justice and compassion."
— Rabbi Dan Slipakoff
This year we...
• Traveled together on our Fall Civil Rights Trip, engaging in deep learning, reflection, and relationship-building while connecting the ongoing struggle for justice with our own communal responsibility and action.
• Strengthened interfaith partnerships through Shabbat Tzedek at both Temple Israel and Bethel AME Church, exploring the sacred call to pursue justice together.
• Expanded our Lunch Making Program, mobilizing volunteers of all ages to prepare and distribute meals with dignity, compassion, and care for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
• Created joyful opportunities for community and culture through Grub of the Hub gatherings, sharing meals together from Suya Joint in September to Fresh Food Generation celebrations during Chanukah.
• Inspired civic engagement and collective action through the Protecting Democracy Group, including educational programs, a September 11 event, and participation in No Kings rallies.
• Built deeper relationships with neighboring faith communities through GBIO listening campaigns and potluck gatherings, organizing together around shared concerns and collective action.
Adult Education
This past year, Temple Israel of Boston’s adult programming offered an exceptional blend of deep learning, spiritual seeking, and impactful community connection. Through the Center for Adult Jewish Learning and the Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute (TILLI), participants engaged in powerful explorations of Jewish history, ethics, and art.
The community tackled complex, timely geo-political landscapes through vital Israel-related dialogues, hosting insightful guest speakers and journalists. In weekly Talmud classes, conversations with authors, workshops with Resetting the Table, and rich arts and culture events, such as the Boston Jewish Arts Festival, Temple Israel successfully cultivated a vibrant space for adults to live their Judaism together, sparking both intellectual growth and meaningful connection.
“It's
been very illuminating to question and more fully explore what we think we know - thank you for this learning journey tonight" —
This year we...
• Hosted the second annual Boston Jewish Arts Festival in partnership with our Cantorial Concert, celebrating Jewish creativity, music, and culture.
• Convened a global Tikkun Zoom Shavuot featuring teachers from around the world, kicking off with a special teaching from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the URJ.
• Celebrated the 18th anniversary of TILLI, honoring a decade of vibrant lifelong learning, intellectual engagement, and community connection.
• Explored the challenges and opportunities of navigating conflict through multiple "Conflicts of Interest" learning sessions for adults and teens.
• Fostered constructive dialogue and relationshipbuilding across differences through Resetting the Table workshops.
• Welcomed renowned peacebuilders Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah for a powerful conversation on coexistence, reconciliation, and shared humanity.
Analisa B., Tikkun Zoom Shavuot Participant
Program Highlights
Youth Education
B'Mitzvah Students
Aynav Einsohn August 21, 2025
Talia Freedman
September 6, 2025
Emma Reese Kobran September 13, 2025
Ezra Matthew Franck September 20, 2025
Remi Julienne Goldberg September 27, 2025
Sophie Juliet Gates October 4, 2025
Mackenzie Irielle Pearl Bloom October 11, 2025
Confirmands
Raphael Bockman
Eli Gertsberg
Temple Israel also fostered a vibrant Jewish journey that brought incredible energy to its youth and teen communities over the past year. For our youngest kids and their parents, the Village for Families with Young Children invited hundreds to join in dozens of joyful programs that gave toddlers and preschoolers a nurturing space to explore their world through a rich Jewish lens. The Religious School buzzed with a kid-centered, inclusive curriculum where elementary students dove into Torah, Jewish History, Hebrew literacy, and hands-on Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) projects.
Meanwhile, the teen community flourished through The Tent and the RYFTI youth group. From powerful civil rights trips to Alabama to serving as dedicated Madrichim (teen classroom assistants) within the synagogue, TI's teens stepped into true agency last year, developing into passionate young leaders deeply committed to their identity and social justice.
Dahlia Rosen October 18, 2025
Abby Greenhill
October 25, 2025
Julia Rubin
November 1, 2025
Zachary Goldberg November 8, 2025
Reid Stern November 15, 2025
Mikaella King November 22, 2025
Merton Minsky December 6, 2025
Richard Benton Ross December 13, 2025
Eli Gewurz
Samuel Loewenstein
Nathan Chen-Ginzburg February 28, 2026
Jeremy Katzmann March 14, 2026
Abram Rydz Adatto March 21, 2026
Maddox Quasney-Sandler March 28, 2026
Jack Ledley April 18, 2026
Audrey Aronson April 25, 2026
Jeffrey Lipson May 2, 2026
Zachary Block May 9, 2026
Leo Saul
Vikram Jay
Eleanor Lynch May 23, 2026
Joseph and Emma Holtz
May 30, 2026
Aliya Gerber
June 6, 2026
Milholland Harriet Hirsch
Chang-Díaz
June 13, 2026
Clementine Medwed June 20, 2026
Ronan McCaffrey June 27, 2026
“You are instilling excitement and passion for Judaism in our kids, and we are so grateful!"
— Caroline B., Religious School Parent
Program Highlights
Riverway Project & Engagement
"This year, the Riverway Project deepened the work of belonging, connecting 1,500+ people in their 20s and 30s to each other and to Judaism through our diverse and unique programming. We've actively encouraged young adults to consider synagogue membership and engage beyond Riverway programming, and we're proud that this year, the majority of new member units at Temple Israel have come through the Riverway Project. We're also continuing the work of Engagement for all ages and stages within the congregation, connecting people to congregational life through our small group initiative, TI Circles, and a reimagined new member orientation process."
— Rabbi Andrew Oberstein
This year we...
• Sent the first-ever Riverway Project service trip to Israel, bringing young adults together to volunteer with communities across Israeli society in the wake of October 7 and deepening bonds through shared purpose and solidarity.
• Gathered 30 participants in Maine for Riverway’s second annual Yoga Shabbaton, blending spirituality, rest, movement, and community in a weekend of renewal and connection.
• Offered an eight-week Riverway Project course on resilience in Jewish texts, providing young adults with wisdom, practical tools, and meaningful conversation for navigating today’s challenges with strength and hope.
• Launched new TI Circles, including a Pregnancy & New Moms group and a Mah Jongg group, creating new pathways for connection, friendship, and belonging across the congregation.
• Engaged staff from across Temple Israel through the Engagement Curiosity Quest, exploring and sharing best practices for fostering belonging and helping more people find meaningful connections within congregational life.
Save the Dates: 5787 Holidays
Erev Rosh Hashanah
September 11, 2026
Rosh Hashanah
September 12 & 13, 2026
Kol Nidre
September 20, 2026
Yom Kippur
September 21, 2026
Erev Sukkot
September 25, 2026
Sukkot
September 26 - October 2, 2026
Erev Simchat Torah
October 2, 2026
Simchat Torah
October 3, 2026
Chanukah
December 4 - 12, 2026
Tu B'Shvat
January 23, 2027
Erev Purim
March 22, 2027
Purim
March 23, 2027
Passover
April 21 - April 29, 2027
Erev Shavuot
June 10, 2027
Shavuot
June 11 & 12, 2027
“Temple Israel is dynamic. The clergy and lay leadership are constantly re-evaluating what they are doing. I always come away with something new to think about.”
— Marlene Y., TI member
Save the Dates: November 4-15, 2026
Experience Israel: Led by Rabbi Elaine Zecher and Cantor Alicia Stillman
Journey through Israel on an uplifting yet honest exploration of history, resilience, and human connection. From the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv to the awe-inspiring desert and the layered spirit of Jerusalem, our itinerary will weave together moments of joy, reflection, and discovery. Meet the people shaping Israel today—educators, activists, artists, and community builders— and engage with stories of hope emerging even in challenging times. Through culture, nature, food, and meaningful encounters, you’ll experience a nation where perseverance and possibility live side by side, and return home inspired by the beauty, complexity, and enduring spirit of Israel. For more information, contact Amy Sherr at asherr@tisrael.org or 617-566-3960.
Thank you to all who made this incredible year possible!
We gratefully acknowledge the following donors, whose gifts were received between July 1, 2025 and June 2, 2026 to our Friends Annual Fund:
$20,000+ Wisdom
Alice Cutler
Georgia & Jesse Feldman
William Finard
Marc Maxwell
Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation
• Amy Smith Berylson
• James Berylson
• Jonathan Block & Jennifer Berylson Block
• Robert Katz & Elizabeth Berylson Katz
• Robert & Dana Smith
• Jackson Smith
• Madeleine Smith
• Ryan Smith & Halle Kendall Smith
• Debra Smith Knez
• Nicolas Dulac & Jessica Knez Dulac
• Andrew & Krista Knez
Robert Lloyd Corkin Charitable Foundation
• Marjorie Kaplan
• Thomas Katz
• Dale Eck
• Lee Manning
• Steven Corkin
Marc & Sarah Zimman
$15,000-$19,999 Understanding
Davis Family Charitable Foundation
• Molly Macleod
• Jonathan and Margot Davis
• Stephen Davis
Joshua & Sarah Greenhill
Shayla & Doron Harlev
Anonymous
$10,000 - $14,999 Strength
David & Amy Abrams
Jennifer & Eric Aronson
Jennifer & Jonathan Block
Beth Davis
Alan Einhorn & Suzanne Salamon
Gordon Freeman & Arlene Sharpe
Mark Klempner & Elinor Svenson
Brian Knez
Nicole & Paul Lipson
Matthew Milikowsky
David & Pamela Mindell
Merle Shaer
James & Giang Wyner
Anonymous
$5,000 - $9,999
Kindness
Zinaida Alekseeva & Jack Minsky
Laurence Bailen & Jennifer Weber
Ted Berk & Naomi Weinberg
James Ellis
Rachel Goldman
Blake Gottesman
Jessica Greenfield & Paul Hummel
Judith Herman
Andrew & Allison Hirsch
Lesley & Ben Inker
Marcia & Louis Kamentsky
Linda & Jonathan Kay
Cameron Kerry & Kathy Weinman
Pam Kohlberg & Curt Greer
Zamira Korff & Matthew Oudens
Shawn & Jill Kravetz
Lauren & Aaron Lapat
Paul Lewis
Jessica & Joshua Lutzker
Roger & Carol Marks
Donald & Frances Putnoi
David & Jeanne Rintell
Mark & Marie Schwartz
Michael Simon
Sandy Starr, Tony Starr, Julie Starr
Drucker, & Dinny Starr
Robin Weinberger
Barry Weisman & Michele Fishel
Rabbi Elaine Zecher & David Eisenberg
$3,600 - $4,999
Inspiration
Brezniak Funeral Directors
Daniel & Lisa Davis
DBI Projects
Matthew Deitch & Tiffany Twohig
Esta & Robert Epstein
David Feinberg & Marina Kalb
Alison & Ezra Freedman
Jennifer & Ken Goldsmith
Abigail Goodman
Steven Lampert & Anita Feins
Nicole Leavenworth & Brett Levy
Jodi & Mike Maciag
Robert & Sandra Marcus
Carol Michael
Robert & Laura Peabody
Gary & Mary Pforzheimer
Jo-Ann & Michael Price
Jason & Erinn Rhodes
Dean & Pamela Richlin
Clyde Rockoff & Gail Slipakoff
Leah Rosovsky
Alison Ross & Ian Benton
Judi Rotenberg Ross Zuker & Edward Zuker
Rachel & Philip Sher
Lisa & Kenneth Wexler
Justin Wyner
Ellen Rovner & Michael Zimman
Friends Annual Fund Donors
Roger & Maryanne Tackeff
$1,800 - $3,599
Vision
Samuel & Emma Adelman
Bernard & Janet Aserkoff
David Banash
Joseph & Deborah Bates
Beacon Bank
Robert Bechek & Elizabeth Freeman Bechek
Meryl Beckingham
Christine Bierbrier
Ann Bookman & Eric Buehrens
Camp Micah
Ellen Cohen & Daniel Haber
Steven Cohen & Bruce Withey
Dayl Cohen
Jonathan Dutch & Emily Greenstein
Elaine Construction Company
Robert & Glenda Fishman
Zach & Joanna Goodman
Harriet Greenfield
Michael Hodess & Sarah Affel
Ilisa Hurowitz & Nicholas Alexander
Paul & Barbara Joskow
Stephen Kay & Lisbeth Tarlow
Libby Keller
Dan King & Amanda Lukens
Debra Smith Knez
Zachary Konz
Meryl LeBoff
Em Mueller
David Nalven
Christopher & Shari Noe
Loren Rabinowitz & Shahar Ziv
Gregg & Polly Ribatt
Franklin Ross & Rachel Kay
Ronenn Roubenoff
Michael Rubenstein & Elizabeth Skavish
The Saul Family
Phoebe Segal & Alex Bockman
Robert Sege & Karen Victor
Miriam Smulow
Noni & Bob Stearns
Cantor Alicia & Phillip Stillman
Gary & Melissa Tearney
Stephen & Roberta Weiner
Robin & Scott Weisman
Diane Zhang & Joshua Dilk
Anonymous
$1,000 - $1,799
Connection
Marc & Elayne Baskin
Carl & Barbara Berke
Rita Berkson
Jeffrey & Suzanne Bloomberg
Joseph Bower
Rhona & Steven Brand
Bette Cohen
Laura Coleman
Eric Demicco & Erica Quigley
Dan & Amy Deutsch
Ronald & Susan Ebert
Barry Fagin
Michelle & David Feller-Kopman
Rabbi Ronne & Irene Friedman
Frank Friedman
Richard Goldman
George Goverman
Carol Green
Ted & Dru Greenwood
Deborah Hollenberg
Arline Isaacson
Michelle Kalowski & Peter Shorett
Lisa Kantor
Howard & Ann Katz
Gary Katzmann
Christopher Kobran & Ellen Walpert
Robert Krawitz
Edward & Marlene Landau
Charles & Rebecca Ledley
David & Stacey Lee
Anne Licciardello
Martha Lindsay & Nancy Bloom
Richard & Nancy Lubin
Rabbi David & Carol Mersky
Harvey & Amy Michaels
Robert & Susan P. Michaels
Peggy Ann Morrison
Alan & Cecily Morse
Amy Nishman
Kevin & Daniella Prussia
Andrea & Leon Ptaszek
Erica & Justin Rice
Caitlin Rollins & David Paredes
Marc Rysman & Michelle Ephraim
Sandy Starr & Raine Figueroa
Ellen Beth & Detlev Suderow
William Trilling
Esther Vinarov & David Coventry
Don & Cheryl Warner
Tara & Kevin West
Robert Wexler & Gayle Slattery
Michael & Rachel Wexler
Up to $999 Friends
Elaine Abrams
Merry Arnold
Rabbi Ruth Alpers
Apostolos Ampountolas
Joyce Antler
David Arond
Roberta & Ayla Axeloons
Phyllis Baker
Erik Christopher Bakken
Karina Balkh
Barbara & Alan Berns
Marcy Bienen & James Barron
Dorothy & Stuart Bless
Laurence Bloom & Stephanie Pearl
Claire & Kayla Blum
Jessica Blumstein
Max Borg
Stanley Bornstein
Carrie Bornstein
Jason Bowers
Jonathan Bresman
Lorraine Bressler
Martin Broder
Rima Burroughs
Andrew Fenves & Saralynn Busch
Sunny Caine
Lev Camara
Michael & Erica Caplan
Dan Caplan
Jim Caron & Amy Richman
Robert & Emily Carroll
Adam Chase
Shari Churwin & Temple Ohabei Shalom
Ellen Cleary
Saul Cohen
Carol & Louis Cohen
Gerald & Susan Cohen
Helen & David Cohen
Aron Corin
Janice Corkin Rudolf
Brendan & Sarah Coye
Leslie Credle
Jared & Katherine Curhan
Ronald & Joan Curhan
Nancy & Gerald Cutler
Joel & Randi Cutler
David Cutler
Paul D'Onofrio
Gerald Davidson & Debra Kocar
Lauren Dello Russo & Liam Casey
Yolanda Diao & Brandon DeKosky
Lauren Dicair
Kathy Dickinson
Denise Dickinson
Dennis Doughty & Carol Rosenstock
Alan Drabkin & Rose Goldman
Joshua Driesman & Jay Feinstein
John & Leslie Dunn
Cantor Roy Einhorn & Cantor Jodi
Sufrin
Richard Endlar
Elliot English
Gabriel English
Mark & Debbie Feinberg
Shawn Fiedler
Allison Filler & Samuel Bar
Jonathan Fine
Joyce Finks
Lois Finn
Norman Finn
Rebecca & Michael Fishbein
Friends Annual Fund Donors
Ellen Fishman
Joan Florsheim
Rosa & Michael Franck
Nancy Frank
Susan Frankl & George Demetri
Karin Freed & Joshua Miller
Louise Freedman
Hank & Hugh Friedman
Serena Fujita
Terrence Furman
Elsa Galdston
Barbara & Allan Gardner
Alisa Gardner-Todreas & Ian Todreas
Emily Gerratt
Barbara Gershen Swartz
Nancy Gertner
Anita, Henry, & Jonathan Gewurz
Phyllis Giller
Rebecca Ginzburg & Paul Chen
Michael Gitten
Pam & David Glass
Stan & Leslie Godoff
Robert Goisman & Jeanne Traxler
Sherry Gold
Arthur Gold
Priscilla Golding & Barbara Burg
Leah Goldman & Justin Manjourides
Gary Goldmuntz & Sandrine
Vanderlinden
Steven Goldstein & Hui Deng
Melanie Goldstein Berenson & Daniel Berenson
Pam Goodman & Michael Shwartz
Alan & Pamela Goodman
Joan S. Gordon
Avrom Gossack
Lisann Gould
Abby Greenberg
Stefanie Greenfield & Mark Allen
Sylvia E. Green
Julia Greenwald
Jen & Marc Grella
Harry Grill & Betsy Fitzpatrick
Joanne Grossman
Robin Grossman
Barbara Wallace Grossman
Holly Gunner
Alex Gurin
Jill Hahn
Alexandra Haney
Michaela Harari
Shahar Hecht & Lior Neiger
Benjamin Hellerstein
Benjamin Hertzberg
Roger Herzog & Kathryn Madden
Edward Hofeller & Cheryl Ebenstein
Benjamin Holtz
Sandy Horton
John Isaacson
Max Issokson
Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
Daniel & Nanette Jacobson
Emily Anne & Jeffrey Jacobstein
Joy Jartman & Mitchell Lowe
Stephen Jermanok & Lisa Leavitt
Richard Kalish & Elisabeth Keller
Pamela Kalman
Rena Kane
Mark Kaplan
Robert & Ellen Kaplan
Paul & Lisa Karofsky
Emily Kates
Leslie & Richard Kates
Yetta Katz
Richard Kazis & Jill Medvedow
Emily Kesselman
Josephine Kivort
Joan Klagsbrun
Ruth Klepper
Laurence & Barbara Koff
Rachel Kogan & Josh Habib
Howard Kogan
Helen Kolsky
Martha J. Koster
Hope Krakoff
Robert Krinsky
Jane & Joel Larus
Lisa Leavitt
Amy Lederman
Jessica Leff
Alan & Judith Leichtner
Colin Leitch
Andrea & Meredith Lesser-Gonzalez
Paul & Patty Levi
Janet Levine Barros
Richard & Wendy Levine
Ellen Levine
Susan Levin
Allyn Levy
Alison Levy
Frederick & Barbara Levy
Raphael Lewis & Kathryn Sillman
Jane Lewis
Sharen Litwin
Phyllis Litwin
Gad Liwerant & Rebeca ZichlinLiwerant
John & Louise Loewenstein
Samantha Lynn
Miriam & John Macht
Jorgi Mandelbaum
Debra H. Mandel
Bob Martin & Judy Berkowitz
Rebecca Martin
Carol Mayer
Hayley McNulty
Ellen Messer
Mike and Marilyn Grossman
Foundation
Lenore Miller
Fred & Beth Monaco
Jeffrey Monaco
JP Monneray & Gail Williams
Ricki Morell & John Hechinger
Marti Mullen
Andrew Myers
Mitchell & Linda Myers
Linda Myers
Adam Narva & Paula Martin
Eve Neiger
Debra Neiman
Esther Neshama
Herbert Newborn
Faye E. Newfield
Richard Neyman
Paula Noe
Tobey & Richard Oresman
Paul & Pamela Paternoster
Friends Annual Fund Donors
Ann Peck
Rabbi Jonah Pesner & Dana Gershon
Carole Pesner
Richard & Orah Platt
Pamela P. Kellogg & Stephen G. Porter
Susan L. Porter
Rebecca Price & Cara McKenna
Susan & Carl Racine
Emily Rapoport
Michael & Susan Rees
Fern & Virginia Remedi-Brown
Jami Rice
Deborah Rivlin
Wendye Robbins & Craig McGahey
Diane Rose
Roberta Rosenberg
Jessica Rosenblum
Scott Rosen
Judy Rothenberg
Martin & Cindy Rowe
Shmuel Rubens
Stanley & Jo Ella Rutstein
Linda Samuels
Chana Sandberg
Michael & Nancy Sandman
Emma Savitz & Samuel Crawford
Noah Sawyer & Gigi Kellett
Edward & Claire Saxe
Natalie Schatz
Jake Schneider
Steven Schneider
Diane Schoenfeld
Beverlee Sclar & Sarah Greenberg
Gilad Seckler
Joshua & Jennifer Segal
James & Mimi Segel
Deborah Seidel
Mindelle Seltzer & Robert Lovinger
Avishai Shafrir & Roberta Steinberg
Janet Shapiro
Valya Shapiro
Beverly Shiffman
Isaak Shklyarov
Avi Shporer
Benjamin Sigel
Ellen Sigman & Howard Marget
Helaine Silverman
Benjamin Silverstein
Mark Silverstein
Ellen Simich
Denise Simon & Jamie Merrill
Jordan Sklar
Robert & Claudia Slipakoff
Seymour Small & Joan Rachlin
Heidi Smith Hyde & Martin Hyde
Ruthann Sneider
Robert Sneirson
Rosalie Snyder
Bradley Snyder
Rob Sokoloff
Debora Spar & Miltos Catomeris
Linda Stanger
Martha Starr
Amy Starr
Lux Steinberg
Sherry Steiner
Mark Stein
Susanna Stern & Felipe Pait
Tony & Nancy Tauber
TI Women’s Study Group
Judith Tracy
Rona Troderman-King
Joanne Tuck
Rhoda Ullmann
Venkatareddy Vanipenta
Rhoada Wald
Edward Wang
Jonathan Warburg
Mindee Wasserman
Robert Weintraub
Judith Weiser
Emily & Daniel Willey
Ross Winer
Gilbert, Karen, & Rand Winn
Sandra Wixted
Melissa & James Wright
Bruce Wyner
Bonnie & Roy Ziegelstein
Ellen Zucker & Ellen Clegg
Anonymous
We are deeply grateful for every gift. If we have made an error in recognizing your generosity, please let us know so we can correct our records and properly acknowledge your support. Contact esavitz@tisrael.org
A Year of Impact, By the Numbers:
This past year has been remarkable for Temple Israel, and I am deeply grateful for our extraordinary membership and the many ways they have strengthened and sustained this community. As Executive Director, I have the privilege of witnessing countless meaningful moments throughout the year — moments of connection, celebration, learning, generosity, and care that reflect the vitality of our congregation.
This year we saw extraordinary growth in both philanthropy and engagement. Together, our community achieved a new record for annual giving while participation across synagogue life continued to expand. These are powerful indicators of a healthy, vibrant, and deeply connected congregation.
We also continued to prioritize the safety and security of our community. During 5786, more than 100 staff members and volunteers participated in safety and security trainings, with additional sessions planned for the year ahead. Through the generosity of our members and outside funding opportunities, we secured more than $180,000 to support ongoing security initiatives, including personnel, facility improvements, and continued assessments. This work remains essential to our mission and to ensuring that Temple Israel continues to be a place where people feel safe, welcomed, and cared for.
The pages that follow offer a snapshot of the impact we made together this year — by the numbers and beyond. Thank you for your continued support and for helping ensure that Temple Israel remains a thriving, dynamic, and compassionate community for generations to come.
Dan Deutsch, Executive Director
29 ADULT CHOIR SINGERS
2,750 BAGGED LUNCHES FOR THOSE IN NEED
1,344 MORE THAN LAST YEAR!
$916,411 FRIENDS ANNUAL FUND TOTAL
$195,666 AN INCREASE OF OVER LAST YEAR’S TOTAL
1,071 WE WELCOMED
126
1,399 NEW MEMBER FAMILIES TOTAL TI MEMBERS
15 ACTIVE TI CIRCLES
HOURS (and counting) IN THE RITA AND ADAM J. WEINER AND FAMILY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
$3,714 RAISED AND WALKERS
42 FOR THE MOTHER’S DAY WALK FOR PEACE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
1,013 PARTICIPANTS
2,776 PEOPLE IN SEATS OVERALL
25 HOURS OF LEARNING
SHAVUOT 5786
52 SESSIONS
3+ COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AND MANY STATES ACROSS THE U.S.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL STUDENTS 287
10
$118,000 $202,500
TOTAL SECURITY CONTRIBUTIONS RAISED
TOTAL FUNDING IN GRANTS from 3 organizations
$228,419
TOTAL MEMORIAL TRIBUTE GIFTS FOR THE TEMPLE FUND
200 RIVERWAY SHABBAT SERVICES WITH AN AVERAGE OF PARTICIPANTS
3,192 MILES TRAVELED ON 3 TEEN TRIPS
435
89 UNIQUE DONORS FIRST TIME DONORS
1,000 PIZZAS! AND OVER
A Year of Engaging in Complexity Together
At a time when conversations about Israel, antisemitism, and politics often felt divisive, Temple Israel of Boston created a space for congregants to learn together, explore multiple perspectives, and deepen their understanding through thoughtful Jewish learning and respectful dialogue.
Conflicts of Interest: The History of the Arab-Israeli/Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Led by Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
Through this in-depth course, participants explored multiple narratives surrounding one of the most complex issues facing the Jewish community today. As they deepened their understanding of the region's history and current realities, congregants practiced respectful dialogue across differences, developed greater empathy and nuance, and engaged thoughtfully with competing perspectives. Bringing together participants from different generations and backgrounds, the course also strengthened community through shared learning, reflection, and conversation.
Speaking Across Conflict Workshop, with Resetting the Table
In this program, participants developed practical tools for navigating difficult political conversations with greater curiosity, empathy, and understanding. Through guided dialogue and skill-building exercises, participants practiced engaging across differences while strengthening relationships and fostering a culture of respectful conversation within our community.
The Future is Peace: A Conversation with Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah
Temple Israel welcomed two extraordinary peacebuilders whose personal experiences of loss have led them to pursue dialogue, coexistence, and reconciliation. Through their honest and deeply human conversation, participants were invited to move beyond headlines and assumptions, exploring how empathy, relationship-building, and moral courage can create possibilities for understanding even amid profound conflict.
Disagreement for the Sake of Heaven, with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson and Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet of North Shore Synagogue
Drawing on the Jewish value of machloket l'shem shamayim—disagreement for the sake of heaven—this program modeled what it means to engage difficult issues with openness, respect, and care. Through a candid conversation about Israel and the Gaza war, participants witnessed how meaningful disagreement can deepen learning, strengthen relationships, and help a community wrestle thoughtfully with complex questions.
"Engaging with different narratives of the Arab-Israeli/Israeli-Palestinian conflict allowed me to zoom out and widen my view of the region's history and many challenges. As a result, I feel that I am able to interpret current events with more nuance and a deeper understanding."
— Susan R., TI member, after participating in "Conflicts of Interest"
A Year of Sacred Moments:
In every season of life, our community shows up for one another. We gather to celebrate the arrival of new babies, to rejoice with couples as they begin new chapters together, and to hold one another in moments of grief and remembrance. These sacred milestones are not simply individual moments; they are woven into the collective story of our congregation.
The impact of this community is felt not only in our programs and gatherings, but in the ways we accompany one another through life itself — offering our hearts in moments that matter most.
Weddings
Tori Swartz & Luis Gustavo De Medeiros
July 3, 2025
Ray & Shella Erbatur
July 11, 2025
Cory Berg & Eric Williams
August 9, 2025
Lauren Honig & Oliver Holme
August 30, 2025
Births & Namings
Ari Pearce Glick
Beau Charles Bates
Romi Kim Berman
Callahan Adeline Bender
Josie Burditt
Marlowe Ayer Case
Cora Claughton Channen
Sadie Joslyn Daniels
Hana DeKosky
Clementine Davis
Lyla Ferrara
Leslie Pine & Bob Brier
October 12, 2025
Lainey Segel & Joey Epstein
October 18, 2025
Samantha Gordon & Benjamin Strauss
October 25, 2025
Elsa Galdston & Alan Blumstein
November 9, 2025
Stephen Hendel & Alison Newman
February 12, 2026
Ben Stillman & Sabrina Roude
April 11, 2026
Matthew Ostrow & Danielle Davidson
May 24, 2026
Natalie Yosipovitch & Benjamin Neuwirth
June 6, 2026
Rose Germaine Fox
Daniel Tzvi Kessler Freedman
Raphael Itai Kessler Freedman
Rimon Gerassy
Logan Glazier
Elisheva Green
Rami Benjamin Havdala
Norman Billings Hersher-Retallack
Lucas Felix Holme
Zachary Schuyler Fischburg Jackson
Philip Kirby Kerry-Roig
Isaac Labrot McIntosh
Miles Werth
Mende Puterman
Sadie Charlotte Rosenberg
Jacob “Jay” Nalven Sawyer
Hallie Rose Soled
Aila Tzizik-Swanson
Sophie Van Cleave
Ezra Ware
Gavin Rhys Williams
Remembering Those We Lost This Year (June 2025 - May 2026)
Lynne Alpern
Mother of Eve Alpern
Faridokht Azarang
Mother of Mojgan Fanisalek
Richard Bass
Partner of Diane Schoenfeld
Raquel Bendayan Azancot Mother of Daniel Lasry
William Blau
Grandfather of Emily Greenwald
Anne Chalmers
Wife of Holly Gunner
Nancy Chodorow
Florence Cohn
Grandmother of Dan Deutsch
Janis Cooper
Grandmother of Sara Berkson
Myer Dana
Brother of Alan Dana
Elise Danina Hirschberg
Mother of Amy Lederman
Dr. Allan Deutsch
Husband of Claudia Deutsch
Judith Diamond
Kay Doughty
Mother of Dennis Doughty
Daniel Frank
Husband of Norma Frank
Stuart Freedman
Husband of Joanne Tuck
Malcolm Freeman
Husband of Nadene Freeman
Madeline Frisch
Mother of Remy Frisch
Zelda Gamson
Mother of Jenny Gamson
Joseph Garb
Father of Suzanne Garb, Husband of Joan Garb
Barbara Green
Mother of Debby Green
Lois Greenwald Evans
Sister of Michael Greenwald
Marjorie Grodner Housen
Mother of Morris Housen
Sharlene Grossman
Wife of Steven Grossman
Melanie Hamilton
Mother of Emily Hamilton
Paul Indianer
Husband of Nina Indianer
Father of Tamara Indianer
Phyllis Kalb
Mother of Marina Kalb
Gail Kanter
Mother of Deborah Heffan
Ellen Kazis
Sister of Lewis Kazis
Sarah Kianovsky
Wife of Frank Friedman
Thom Kidrin
Husband of Deborah Rivlin
Matan Koch
Phyllis Krechevsky
Mother of Mara Krechevsky
Susan Krinsky
Scott Lakin
Husband of Elyse Lakin
Claire Louise Lapat Niece of Aaron and Lauren Lapat
Dr. Barry Levine
Husband of Ellen Levine
Brent Levinson
Husband of Karen Frostig
Syrul Frank Lurie
Tyler Marshall Father of Hope Marshall
Rhona May-D'Onofrio
Wife of Paul D'Onofrio
Stephen Merren Father of Jennifer Shapiro
Edmund Murad
Natasha Nese
Daughter-in-law of Serena Fujita
Diane Paulson
Howard Pinstein
Marcia Puterman Grandmother of Tali Puterman
Nancy Reich Grandmother of Dina Moradian
Randy Reinhold Husband of Rita Berkson Father of Doug Berkson
Rene Ross
Sister-in-law of Judi Ross-Zuker
Phyllis Sage Wife of Robert Sage
Nick Salvatore
Father of Gabriella Salvatore
Betty-Jane (B-J) Scheff
Carole “Kelly” Schein
William Segel
Brother of Jim Segel and Arthur Segel
Arthur Shorr
Stepfather of Rachel Daniels
Fred Sillman
Father of Eric Sillman and Kathy Stillman
Husband of Jane Stillman
Thomas Smith
Father of Craig Smith
Ruth Snider Grandmother of Donald Budge
Courtney Stano
Daughter of Sue Misselbeck
Ken Sweder Husband of Gerri Sweder
Robert Tobin
Husband of Phyllis Tobin
Michael Zinner
Brother-in-law of Ellen Jaffe and Bob Jaffe
Uncle of Andrew and Alyson Jaffe
May Their Memories Be a Blessing
For the Generations to Come: Planned Giving at Temple Israel of Boston
For more than 165 years, Temple Israel has been renewed by each generation that chose to invest in the one that followed. The Ner Tamid, the eternal light above our ark, is more than a symbol. It is a promise, kept again and again by people who understood that what they built here was worth preserving.
The Ner Tamid Society honors those who have made that promise in a lasting way, by remembering Temple Israel in a will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy. A planned gift is one of the most powerful expressions of belonging there is. It says that this community mattered to you, and that you want it to matter to those who come after you. We are relaunching the Ner Tamid Society this year, and we are in the process of reaching out to those who have already made this commitment to reconfirm their intention. If that includes you, we would be honored to welcome you. If you have been considering it, we invite you to take that step. There is no minimum amount. A planned gift of any size is, at its heart, an act of love for this community and for those who will call it home long after us.
To share your plans or learn more, please contact Shawn Fiedler, Director of Development at 617-505-4616.
Yahrzeits
At Temple Israel, we are honored to help our community remember and commemorate the people they love. Through shared rituals and sacred moments of remembrance, we keep the memories of those who shaped our lives alive within our congregation. This fall, we hope to introduce a new yahrzeit reminder system to help members observe these meaningful anniversaries with greater ease. Members who have purchased a memorial plaque can find their loved one’s yahrzeit date at www.tisrael.org/yahrzeits. Throughout the year, everyone who gathers with us is invited to speak the names of their loved ones during yahrzeit observances, whether or not a plaque has been purchased, ensuring that every memory has a place within our community.
Your Gifts from the Heart are the Strength of Our Community!
Everything we share at Temple Israel of Boston, every gathering, every moment of connection, every act of care, is only possible because of you. This community is not something you simply belong to; it is something you are part of—and that is part of you. As we look toward the year ahead, there is so much to anticipate: meaningful holidays, learning, celebration, and the everyday moments that connect us. We hope you will continue to be part of it all and help shape what comes next. Continuing your membership sustains this shared life. Many in our community also choose to deepen their impact through an additional gift beyond dues, helping ensure that Temple Israel remains vibrant and accessible to all.
USPS 50648
Founded in 1854
Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
Issued 4 times/year
Printed on recycled paper
Rabbi Elaine S. Zecher
Cantor Alicia Stillman
Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
Rabbi Dan Slipakoff
Rabbi Andrew Oberstein
Rabbi Ronne Friedman, Rabbi Emeritus
Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman, Senior Scholar
Cantor Roy B. Einhorn, Cantor Emeritus
Shawn Kravetz, President
Rachel Wexler, Vice President Karin Freed, Treasurer
Dan Deutsch, Executive Director
Amy Bolotin, FJECC Preschool Director
Emma Koblick, Director of Communications
617-566-3960 | www.tisrael.org facebook.com/TempleIsraelBoston instagram.com/tisrael_boston youtube.com/@TempleIsraelofBoston Temple Israel
