ENGAGEMENT AT TEMPLE ISRAEL Finding ways to connect people to each other, to Judaism, and to our vibrant and dynamic congregation. By Rabbi Andrew Oberstein In this community, how do we ensure that all people feel seen, known, and supported? How do we help people see Temple Israel of Boston as their spiritual and communal home, fostering a sense of warmth and belonging that transcends demographics? These are some of the questions that our newlyfounded Engagement Strategy Team will seek to tackle, as we strive to develop new and innovative ways to connect people to each other, to Judaism, and to our vibrant and dynamic congregation. The Engagement Strategy Team is spearheaded by people representing the breadth and diversity of this community. We seek to bridge various distinct areas of congregational life, breaking down the silos that naturally emerge in a large congregation, and replace them with bridges that span the wide range of what Temple Israel has to offer. In addition to robust lay leadership, we are comprised of staff representing various corners of our community including Clergy, Programming, Membership, Development, Communications, and Engagement. As a collective, we bring our unique perspectives to the table, collaborating to discover what might be possible when we unite to explore the infinite potential of this bustling synagogue. 14
Our Engagement Strategy Team seeks to be a well of resources for this congregation, nourishing the totality of our community by helping Temple Israel’s wide range of initiatives and committees see their work through an engagement lens. We will work to better understand the extent to which our members currently feel connected to our community and to take action to improve their overall sense of belonging here. We are interested in exploring the initial touchpoints of interaction in our community, to ensure that those who enter our congregation are met with a sense of extraordinary embrace and are connected to initiatives and people who will enrich their lives and make Temple Israel feel like home. We will pay special attention to the natural transitions that occur as personal interests and life circumstances change, so that individuals stay supported and involved. Intrigued by the innovation and creativity found in our Small Groups Initiative and in the many other classes and projects that exist, we will work to enhance, strengthen, and create new ones through shared interests, identities, and curiosity. All of this will be done through the partnership of community and staff working together. When we work together, the possibilities are endless. If you are interested in learning more about the Engagement Strategy Team, please contact Rabbi Andrew Oberstein at aoberstein@tisrael.org.
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Welcome to our newest members!
(JULY 5 - OCTOBER 28, 2021)
ARLINGTON Joshua Buckholtz BOSTON Abigail Babson Melissa Berlin Anna Booras & Aaron Gotlieb Hillary Caplan & Griffin Sefcik Michael Goldstein Jennifer & Maxwell Goossens Jenny Halis & Eric Bortnick Allison Grinberg-Funes Caroline Gross & Jake Kahane Jessica Jacobs & Mike Culver Emily Johnson Elizabeth Morse Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Paresky Miriam Leeser & Robert Cooper Sarah Mironov Jordan Pelavin Derek Soled & Beret Amundson Robert Wexler & Gayle Slattery BRIGHTON Jodie Liebowitz BROOKLINE Bayle & Richard Drubel Elizabeth Drucker Justin Green & Jenny Slayton-Green Jill Greenberg Amy Harwin Beth Kaiserman
Jennifer & Jonathan Kerner Lexi Holzberg Kritzer & Michael Kritzer Jason Mogel & Julie Rikelman Rachel Michael & Michael Hession Grant & Kelsey Reckhow Erica Jaffe Redner Evelyn Rodriguez Ronenn Roubenoff & Barri Falk Dana & Eric Smith Carrie Stanziola Douglas Teich Daniel Temko & Gabriella Aberbac Stephen Wright
MARBLEHEAD James & Barbara Schaye
CAMBRIDGE Haley Archer-McClellan
ROSLINDALE Eve Neiger Elizabeth Stocksdale
CHESTNUT HILL Nancy & Peter Goldberg Elizabeth Klein
MEDFORD Natasha Lerner & Joseph Landry Mika Solo & Taylor Herman QUINCY Alex Prager & Chiara Wegener RANDOLPH Ryan Mansfield
SOMERVILLE Hannah Weissman Gabi Souza-DuBenion
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Ian Walsh
WATERTOWN Joshua Driesman & Jay Feinstein Annie Fortnow Michelle Oberman
DEDHAM Shari Krauss JAMAICA PLAIN Sarah Bernstein & Eric Rosen Erica Mattison Samantha Morrison-Ma Michael Wartofsky & Imtiyaz Hussein
WEST ROXBURY Hanna Pastor & Jake Feldman Tara Schwartz
"Given the number of alternatives in the Boston area, choosing a temple seems like it should be a weighty decision, that might involve meetings with clergy, attendance at various services, and comparison shopping. But for me, joining Temple Israel involved none of those. Not even a test drive. What drew me to TI was its formidable reputation as a welcoming spiritual home for people of all colors and flavors, its emphasis on learning and understanding, and its active engagement with social justice issues. And the fact that I like and respect everyone I know who belongs there was a definite plus!" - Jill Greenberg www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960
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