Winter 2025 Insight

Winter 2025/2026|5786 November, December, January Kislev, Tevet, Sh'vat, Adar

INTO HOW WE LIVE OUR VALUES

INSIGHT Winter 2025/2026|5786

2

IN THIS ISSUE...

ABOUT THE COVER

3 OUR VALUES 4 RABBI ZECHER'S MESSAGE 5 CELEBRATING CHANUKAH 6 NOTES TO OUR COMMUNITY 7 BOARD RETREAT REFLECTIONS 8 A LOOK BACK AT THE HIGH HOLY DAYS 10 TEMPLE ISRAEL TRAVELS TO ISRAEL 11 AN INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN WYNER 12 CIVIL RIGHTS TRIP REFLECTIONS 14 TEMPLE ISRAEL IN ACTION 15 FROM THE FJECC PRESCHOOL 16 SHABBAT & PROGRAMMING 17 SAVE THE DATES 18 TEEN JUST-US 19 OUR NEW MEMBERS 20 LIFECYCLES 21 YAHRZEITS 24 CONTRIBUTIONS 28 FRIENDS ANNUAL FUND

In this issue, we focus on what it truly means to live our values: relationships, Torah, spirituality, diversity, justice, and Israel. The cover photo shows volunteers preparing lunches for those in need, a simple but powerful expression of these guiding principles in action. Through service, connection, and care, we bring our values to life every day.

WHERE WE ARE IN THE JEWISH YEAR:

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

Relationships.

Torah.

Spirituality.

Diversity.

We build community and encounter the sacred through relationships.

We embrace Torah in all its dimensions as our enduring source for inquiry, discovery, and inspiration.

We explore spirituality and innovate our traditions of ritual and prayer.

We draw strength from our diversity, and wisdom from all who walk through our open doors.

“Temple Israel is an extremely welcoming community, offering several ways to worship. It’s not one size fits all.” — Marie S.

“Temple Israel welcomes the complexity and diversity of the Jewish community, and makes space for the debates that will naturally arise.” — Jason J.

Justice.

We pursue justice, in partnership with others, to realize our vision of what the world ought to be.

Israel.

We are Ohavei Yisrael, Lovers of Israel, committed to the vitality, peace, and well-being of the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world. www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

3

From the Darkness of Winter to the Promise of Spring

By Rabbi Elaine Zecher Winter takes us deep into darkness. Yet, on the eve of the 25th of Kislev, December 14, the start of the holiday of Chanukah, we begin to light a candle adding one each night for eight nights until the glow of the Chanukah menorah, the chanukiyah, can light up the whole room. We place the lit candles in the window to attest to our hope for light and wisdom, not just in our own homes but glowing for all the world to experience its radiance further than ourselves. Light is a symbol of the divine because it helps us feel within us a different kind of strength to nurture our souls.

Proverbs 20:27 reminds us that “the spirit within is the lamp of the Eternal.”

Two months of winter will then descend until we arrive to the 15th of Shvat to mark the Jewish holiday of trees. Nature will inspire us that beneath the cold ground even then, inklings

4

of life will begin to emerge. On Tu B’Shvat, February 2, we will celebrate the hope that trees bring to the world: how they create their own “wood wide web” of communication, intertwining their roots to hold each other up, how their branches reach out and up offering protection, and how they help us breathe.

Both holidays provide beauty and inspiration as they help us mark time in the year. We can overcome darkness because of the light, literally and metaphorically. We join together to celebrate and to share stories of triumph and perseverance in the Chanukah accounts. And just when we might feel that the winter will never end, seeds of possibility take root that the flowers will once again — eventually — appear on the earth as Song of Songs reminds us.

We are fortunate to have Jewish tradition take our hands to guide us on the pathway of the year illuminated and planted by our rich heritage.

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

Celebrating Chanukah at Temple Israel Take part in our Chanukah sock drive for Thifty Threads!

A donation box will be in the Atrium in Tzedakah Row. Bean-to-Gelt Workshop Sunday, December 7 at 12:30 p.m., Onsite Celebrate the season with Bean-to-Gelt, a deliciously engaging workshop that weaves together the story of chocolate, Jewish tradition, and the joy of Chanukah. In this 2–3 hour hands-on experience, participants will: discover the rich history of chocolate and its surprising connections to Jewish culture, create chocolate from scratch — “bean-to-gelt” — crafting something meaningful (and tasty!) with their own hands, and share in a fun, multigenerational experience.

Chanukah 101 Monday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m., Online Chanukah is a time for lighting candles, spinning dreidel, and eating latkes. But what do all of the rituals really mean? Join us online as we explore together the history, texts, traditions, and creativity of the holiday and discover new meaning for our own lives.

Riverway Shabbat: Chanukah Edition Friday, December 12 at 6:45 p.m., Livestream begins at 8:00 p.m.

Join us for dinner beginning at 6:45 p.m., followed by our musical and inclusive Riverway Shabbat service, ending with a chance to schmooze over drinks and desserts with old and new friends.

Dinner is complimentary for Temple Israel members; non-members are invited to join for $18.

Chanukah Celebration for Families with Young Children Sunday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m., Onsite The Village, FJECC Preschool, and Religious School are having a family Chanukah celebration at Temple Israel! Our event will feature music by Wayne Potash. There will be games, crafts, jelly doughnuts, a dreidel hunt, chocolate gelt, and more!

Light Chanukah candles with us each night as we send you a special nightly email featuring a candle-lighting video, song, and a short piece of learning to brighten your celebration!

Registration for all Chanukah programs can be found at www.tisrael.org/chanukah

www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

5

NOTES TO OUR COMMUNITY FROM SHAWN KRAVETZ, BOARD PRESIDENT: Our glorious High Holy Day season was punctuated by the long overdue return of the remaining living hostages and a glimmer of hope for other good things to come.

Some of us leave the High Holy Days “fully charged” until next year or perhaps until the next lifecycle event. Some of us revel in “topping up our battery” periodically by plugging into the energy that Temple Israel offers. Whatever your preference, you are living your values and Temple Israel is honored to be your home.

FROM DAN DEUTSCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: We’ve just completed a truly inspiring High Holy Day season.

I’m deeply grateful to our incredible volunteers, clergy, and staff who helped more than 9,000 people experience meaningful and welcoming services. A special thank-you to our ambassadors for creating such a warm atmosphere throughout the holidays.

Serving as Executive Director gives me a front-row seat to our values in action, and I’m grateful to share some of the many ways they’ve come alive in our community lately for me.

Relationships: Watching members reconnect through countless hugs and greetings during the High Holy Days reminded me of the deep bonds that make Temple Israel so special.

Torah: Being called for hagbah on Yom Kippur was an honor— lifting the Torah, I felt the sacred strength of our community.

Like any true home, Temple Israel doesn’t just “happen.” We all play a role in making it happen, through our engaged activity, care, community, and giving. It happens when we live our values.

Together. You make Temple Israel happen. As a result, Temple Israel is the living expression of our shared values.

Together, we forge ahead into a hopeful future.

Israel: Hearing Cantor Stillman sing Hatikvah before Eden Golan’s performance and interview with Rabbi Zecher was deeply moving, especially as she shared her experience confronting global antisemitism.

Justice: In September, I joined more than 30 of our members volunteering with La Colaborativa in Chelsea, helping distribute food to those in need.

Diversity: I also loved our Actions Within Reach Shabbat dinner, featuring Fresh Food Generation, one of our Black-owned business partners advancing our Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work.

Each of these moments reflects how our Temple Israel values thrive through your energy and dedication. Thank you for helping us build such a vibrant, compassionate, and inclusive community.

Spirituality: During our Board of Trustees retreat, we prayed together in the sanctuary and felt the presence of generations before us.

6

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

ANNUAL BOARD RETREAT REFLECTION

This year’s Annual Board Retreat was truly an “advance,” not a retreat, propelled by a lofty guiding question:

“How can we seize this moment so that, in the years to come, we look back on our leadership and say we made a generational difference for Temple Israel?”

Through kesher (connection), we wrestled with avodah (our sacred work together) through Five Forces strategy analysis, a workshop on Unreasonable Hospitality, and robust discussion on how to live our mission and advance Temple Israel into our shared future. We look forward to sharing concrete updates as the year progresses.

www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

7

A Look Back at the High Holy Days 5786 Access and revisit the Temple Israel Clergy's 5786 High Holy Day Sermons and full photo albums by scanning this code with your smartphone!

8

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

“

More and more, Temple Israel feels like an intimate community to me, despite being a large congregation. At every point during the High Holy Days, there was someone to greet you, smile, offer a welcome, or hand you a prayer book. You feel held.

— Marcy B.

“ “

Temple Israel is a safe, loving, and healing space in a tumultuous world.

— Ellen R.

The clergy’s ability, and courage, to share and engage so authentically with the community, especially during such a fractured time, moved me deeply.

— Amy L.

www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

9

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! NOVEMBER 4 -15, 2026 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.

Yallah! THE RIVERWAY PROJECT TRAVELED TO ISRAEL This November, the Riverway Project, for 20s & 30s, partnered with Tailor Made: Birthright Israel for a meaningful week of volunteering, learning, and connecting— with local Israeli communities and each other.

10

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

100 Years at Temple Israel: Justin Wyner Shares His Story What do you love most about Temple Israel, and what do you hope never changes about who we are as a community?

We’ve always had people in leadership who are open to change, who protect us, and who maintain the quality, morality, and spirituality that make Temple Israel so special. That balance of tradition and innovation is something I hope never changes.

Do you have a favorite memory from your childhood at Temple Israel?

Absolutely. I grew up with a group of kids who were all part of Temple Israel, and the religious school really kept us together. We came back for dances and movies in college, and eventually, that same group became lifelong friends.

Our parents all knew each other, and Temple Israel was very much at the center of our lives. When I later became Board President (1979-1982), and when my wife, Genevieve (z"l), served as Board President (1994-1995), we were there every Shabbat. Temple Israel has always been a home for me.

What makes you feel most proud of Temple Israel over the past 100 years?

Temple Israel has always been at the forefront of action in the community. I’ve been involved in many organizations, but there’s never been a question that Temple Israel is something special: my home. While there are other excellent synagogues, ours has always been a place people turn to for guidance and leadership in the Jewish community.

When I walk into Temple Israel today and see so many new faces, it shows that we continue to attract people willing to take on responsibility and leadership. I also have a deep love for the clergy; they’ve been central to our growth.

Looking back, I went through the religious school as a boy, I was in the first Friday night confirmation class, my father served as vice president on the board, and I eventually became president myself. My wife also served as president. Together, we helped start the museum and the archives. I’ve witnessed incredible changes over the years: the construction of the Meeting House, the move of the main sanctuary from Commonwealth Avenue to our current home, the evolution of Reform Judaism here, and projects like Riverway that have re-energized the community.

What is your hope for Temple Israel over the next 100 years?

Temple Israel has done very well navigating sensitive issues. There are so many good people here with differing opinions, and the key is listening— truly listening. That’s the essence of community: finding common ground without trying to change people.

When I was president, I wanted to be more available to hear everyone’s perspective, so I set up office hours to meet with members. Making yourself available, listening, and showing empathy for how others feel; those are the things that sustain a strong, vibrant community.

Mona Freeman on her 101st birthday!

We’re celebrating the incredible wisdom, stories, and smiles of our community members who are 100 years and older—truly living legends among us!

Mazel tov to Mollie Ceder, 105, and to Mona Freeman, 101!

www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

11

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF BOSTON'S CIVIL RIGHTS TRIP As part of Temple Israel’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) work and Tikkun Central’s justice organizing, we planned and subsidized a trip to Atlanta and to Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma in Alabama. We heard powerful firsthand testimony from people directly affected by the racialized violence of the Civil Rights Movement. All were children at the time, experiencing unimaginable trauma in the course of ordinary life, like attending a church youth service, or while engaging in nonviolent protest and were met with brutal violence. We also heard from white Jews who recalled trying to assimilate and stay out of the struggle. These stories connect past to present, reminding us why we must protect democracy, build communities where everyone belongs, and continue the work of equity and justice for all.

A moment that I still hold and that I know will inspire me going forward was the major work of young people, including teens, who participated as leaders in civil rights marches and freedom rides and were willing to risk their lives to achieve justice— integration, the rights to vote, and all other rights and protections in the Constitution, its amendments, and the Bill or Rights. And they were all trained in the theory, skills, and discipline of non-violence.

- Sandy Wixted

A tiny bus station in Anniston, Alabama (population perhaps 20,000) was the destination of one of the first Freedom Rides through the South in May 1961. Our group on a Temple Israel Civil Rights Journey came to hear from two of

Meeting men and women who lived under segregation and through the terrorism during desegregation was the most moving part of the trip for me. Like those of holocaust survivors, their stories must be heard and remembered as they begin to leave this world. We can be their echoes for future generations.

We met with Lynda Lowery, who at age 14 was the youngest participant in the 55-mile march from Selma to Montgomery. She had been badly beaten on Bloody Sunday, requiring some 35 stitches. These two stories that she told particularly touched me, as both represented reaches across the color line: Having been beaten, Lynda was fearful about the march. A white man on the march who had lost a leg in Vietnam and was on crutches told her that he would lay his life down, if necessary, to protect her. She met a white, Jewish student from UC Berkeley (Emily Goldman) who had come to Selma.

This woman became Lynda's best friend for life. Lynda eventually arranged for Emily to be the guardians for her (Lynda's) children in case something happened to her

the organizers of that Freedom Ride, who told us about the fearful mob violence that met the bus riders, pictured on a vivid brick wall mural.

Their work continues even now, to bring racial justice and economic development to their community.

- Rita Berkson 12

- Jen Grella

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

- David Danning

WE WILL NOT FORGET Tune: We shall overcome.

We will not forget We will not forget We will not forget your names Oh, deep in our hearts We hold your stories close And we will not forget your names.

We will not forget We will not forget We will not forget your names Oh, deep in our hearts We hold your stories close And we will not forget your names.

- Ann Abrams

One of the MANY moments that stayed with me was our conversation with Lynda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest person to march from Selma to Montgomery. At just 14, she was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965—Bloody Sunday—and needed 35 stitches after severe blows to her head.

As she told us her story, she paused, her voice dropped, and tears filled her eyes. Then she said, with unmistakable intensity, that when she looked into the eyes of the men who were beating her, she saw the same expression she later saw in Derek Chauvin’s eyes as he murdered George Floyd. Decades later, the pain is still there—how could it not be?

Before we left, someone asked Lynda about voting. She told us that if we ever think about not voting—or if we’re talking with someone who doubts the value of their vote—we must remind them of the little girl in Selma who was sent to jail nine times before she turned 14, and of her 35 stitches. We have so much work to do to repair our world. Actions are within our reach.

- Nancy Tauber

www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

13

Social Justice & TI in Action!

MAKING LUNCHES FOR THOSE IN NEED; VOTING RIGHTS ACTION

NO KINGS RALLY; JUSTICE LEAGUE; GBIO ASSEMBLY

VOLUNTEERING AT LA COLABORATIVA FOOD PANTRY IN CHELSEA; TI CARES DELIVERING HONEY ON THE HIGH HOLY DAYS Join the JustNews newsletter to hear about upcoming opportunities. Contact communication@tisrael.org 14

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

How We Live Our Values “When I approach a child, I have two feelings: affection for what he is today and respect for what he can become.”

— Janusz Korczak, Polish pediatrician, educator, and early children's rights advocate One of the first things you read on the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center (FJECC) website is the statement: “meeting the diverse needs of each child.” What does that mean? It means that we believe each child comes to us with a unique profile of learning strengths, a unique way of seeing the world, and a deep need to be recognized as an individual.

Our pedagogical approach is grounded in the belief that every person — no matter their age — holds a sacred spark of individuality and potential. In our Jewish tradition, we understand this through the concept of B’tzelem Elohim — that each person is created in the image of God. To see each child as B’tzelem Elohim means to look for the light within them, to approach them with care, patience, and curiosity, and to honor who they are now as well as who they are becoming.

"From the common denominator of strong personal connection, FJECC teachers and staff closely observe the diverse range of each student’s curiosities, strengths and growing edges.

I have seen first hand how much of a difference this way of being known can make for a child, and as a parent I am so grateful."

—FJECC Parent and TI member

Much of our classroom work focuses on nurturing cooperative and collaborative learning experiences — building trusting relationships between children, their teachers, and their peers. At the same time, we are always balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the group. This is not easy work, and yet it is essential, ongoing, and endlessly meaningful. It requires us to stay reflective and open, to listen deeply, and to be in continual conversation with all who share in this work: fellow teachers, administrators, parents, children, and sometimes outside consultants or service providers

The relationships built through these conversations create the foundation for trust, confidence, and joyful learning. They remind us that education, at its heart, is about connection — seeing and being seen, guiding and being guided, and honoring the divine image in each and every child. www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

15

UPCOMING SHABBAT & PROGRAMS Registration and details for all programs can be found at www.tisrael.org.

DECEMBER 2025 IYUN Learning with Rabbi Andrew Oberstein (20s & 30s) 12/1, 12/8, 12/ 15, 7:00–8:30 p.m. · Onsite Qabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Judy Schindler 12/5, 6:00–7:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online Bean-to-Gelt: Chocolate, Judaism & the Sweetness of Chanukah 12/7, 12:30–3:00 p.m. · Onsite TIPIC Speaker Series: A Report from Israel on the State of Progressive Jewish Values with Dimitra Dimopoulou 12/8, 7:00–8:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online The Sounds of Eretz Yisrael in America: 1920s–1950s 12/9, 7:00–8:30 p.m. · Online Speaking Across Conflict Workshop 12/11, 6:00–9:00 p.m. · Onsite Qabbalat Shabbat with Yosef Goldman & Yoni Battat 12/12, 6:00–7:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online Riverway Shabbat: Chanukah Edition (20s & 30s) 12/12, 6:30–10:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online Pre-Shabbat Mindfulness Sit 12/19, 5:00–5:40 p.m. · Onsite TIPIC Current Events Conversations 12/23, 7:00–8:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online Qabbalat Shabbat with Community Shabbat Dinner 12/26, 6:00–7:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online JANUARY 2026 Riverway Shabbat Slowdown (20s & 30s) 1/3, 1/17, 12:30–3:00 p.m. · Onsite Riverway Shabbat (20s & 30s) 1/9, 6:30–10:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online Conflicts of Interest: History of the Arab-Israeli / Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 10:15–11:45 a.m. · Onsite and Online 16

Matisse at War with Christopher Gorham (TILLI) 1/22, 11:00 a.m. · Onsite and Online Author Talk: Austrian Again 1/22, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. · Online Jewish Plays Project Reading 1/25, 1:00–3:30 p.m. · Onsite FEBRUARY 2026 TIPIC Book Group 2/3, 7:00–8:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online TILLI Art & Ethics Series 2/5, 2/26, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. · Online Riverway Shabbat (20s & 30s) 2/13, 6:30–10:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online Riverway Shabbat Slowdown (20s & 30s) 2/21, 12:30–3:00 p.m. · Onsite TIPIC Current Events Conversations 2/10, 7:00–8:30 p.m. · Onsite & Online February Scholar-in-Residence: Emily Tamkin Onsite and Online 2/6, Qabbalat Shabbat · 6:00–7:30 p.m.

2/7, Torah Study · 9:00–11:00 a.m.

2/7, Havdalah Class · time TBD Trip to see Itzhak Perlman: In the Fiddler’s House 2/15, 7:00–9:30 p.m. · Offsite Jungfernhof Concentration Camp Memorial Project 2/22, 1:00–2:30 p.m. · Online Torah Study with Cantor Josh Breitzer 2/28, 9:00–11:00 a.m. · Onsite & Online MARCH 2026 March Scholar-in-Residence: Ittay Flescher Onsite and Online 3/5, Opening Session · 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

3/6, Qabbalat Shabbat · 6:00–7:30 p.m.

3/7, Torah Study · 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

Boston Jewish Arts Festival & Winter Concert: A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community!

February 1, 2026 at Temple Israel of Boston Come be part of an unforgettable afternoon of music, art, and community at Temple Israel’s Jewish Arts Festival! The celebration begins at 3:00 p.m. with Cantor Alicia Stillman’s Annual Winter Concert, followed by the festival — filling our entire building with artists, vendors, food, performances, folk dancing, and more.

Last year’s festival featured over 30 vendors, 11 performances and presentations, and 2 lively folk dance classes, bringing hundreds of people together for a day filled with creativity and joy. This year promises to be just as dynamic, with even more opportunities to explore, connect, and celebrate Jewish arts and culture.

You’ll be free to roam from space to space, choosing your own adventure: shop from incredible local artists, hear live music, take in performances, grab a bite, or join in dancing, all guided by our emcee of the festivities, Hal Slifer, who can be heard Sunday mornings on Chagigah radio on 88.9-WERS. The festival runs until 7:00 p.m., offering an afternoon and evening of fun, connection, and discovery for all ages. Mark your calendar and invite your friends – this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Stepping Out 2026 Hosts, Paul & Nicole Lipson

Shabbat Tzedek 2025 with Dr. Charles E. Carter

Stepping Out: Temple Israel’s Annual Gala Thursday, April 9, 2026

Shabbat Tzedek with Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. Friday, January 16, 2026

Join us for an evening of celebration, dancing, and community, in support of the Friends Annual Fund, as we celebrate Rabbi Elaine Zecher's 36 years at Temple IsraelYour generosity helps keep Temple Israel accessible, inclusive, and vibrant for all who call it home. Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for being part of what makes this community so special.

Be part of an inspirational Shabbat Tzedek, a Sabbath of Justice, as we honor the values and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, we are privileged to welcome Rahsaan D. Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. A powerful and respected advocate for civil rights, Hall brings decades of leadership grounded in equity, justice, and community empowerment. www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

17

Teen JUST-US: Where Values Become Action 11 teens • 7 internship sites • 13 cohort days • 6 field trips • 7 guest speakers ONE life-changing summer

Teen JUST-US Boston is Temple Israel’s summer justice internship for rising 11th and 12th graders. Teens from every Jewish background spend part of the week working at mission-driven organizations across Greater Boston and gather as a cohort to learn leadership, connect Jewish values to social change, take field trips, and welcome Shabbat together. Participants receive a small stipend to honor their work.

Teen JUST-US was founded by Amy Tananbaum z”l. Amy’s vision and passion brought this program to life. She believed that the work of tzedek (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) belongs in the hands of the next generation. In 2024, as she neared the end of her life, she worked with Temple Israel to ensure Teen JUST-US would have a home here.

Last summer we were proud to welcome 11 teens who partnered with Boston-area nonprofits to make a real impact on issues they care about, from environmental justice to immigrant rights, youth mental health to food security. We are grateful to the many individual donors and to The Lenny Zakim Fund whose generous support make this program thrive.

Do you know a teen who may be interested? Invite them to apply! Applications for summer 2026 are now open! For more information, contact Calvin Mitchell at cmitchell@tisrael.org.

Here's a snapshot of what last year's teens experienced: Finding Courage in Advocacy Ada, interning with Community Action Works, went from being terrified of tabling at a farmer’s market to proudly engaging strangers in conversations about banning toxic PFAS chemicals. “I learned that even as the quiet, shy girl, I can still get over my fears and talk to people.”

Organizing for Change Madelyn, interning with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), led a back-to-school drive that equipped dozens of children in foster care with supplies and gift cards. “I wasn’t the one making purchases, but I know my efforts made school a more positive and supported experience for so many.”

Discovering the Power of Simple Acts Abby, at the Community Arts Center, found unexpected meaning in serving meals to 40 children each day. “It reminded me that doing something for others is often simple. A five-year-old can’t make their own dinner, but I can.”

Learning That Even Paperwork Makes Change Possible Risa, working with Doc Wayne, reflected on how fundraising and even paperwork are essential to enabling nonprofits to do their life-changing work. She helped raise nearly $4,000 for youth mental health programs.

18

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

Teaching Digital Literacy to New Immigrants Nathan, at the International Institute of New England, taught one-on-one computer lessons to immigrants, often using his French skills to bridge language gaps. “Seeing someone finally understand something that had been confusing was the most rewarding part of my summer.”

Gaining Confidence in a Professional Setting Sonia, interning with Midas Collaborative, learned tools like Canva and Constant Contact while also meeting with state legislators to advocate for financial empowerment programs. “One of the most memorable experiences was going to the State House to meet with Senator Jamie Eldridge. It was such a unique experience, and I left feeling more confident in myself and the work nonprofits do.”

Welcome to Our Newest Members!

Rachel Akiba & Joshua Sherman (Liorah and Aviv)

Johanna Devine

Emily Hamilton

Sophia Fanelle

Apostolos Ampountolas

Perri Feit

Monica Arkin

Julie Finkel & William Hoffmann

Margaret Atkinson Analisa Balares Stacy & Megan Barrow (Ava and Joshua) Daniel Beaulieu & Sidney Drill Kiana Beckmen Loren Belforti Mari Belyavski Talia Ben-Naim Ellen Berkman & David Bryant (Benjamin and Lily) Adam & Catherine Brinch Jane Chen-Fulop & Ric Fulop (Margaret, Miriam, and Benjamin) Amy Cohen Gideon Coltof & Irina Kareva (Simon Coltof)

Lauren Finkelstein & Wylie Borden

Adam Singer-Berk

Alexandra Haney (Asher and Luca Dupuy)

Vivian Nassali & Joseph Polish (Velina Polish Nuttal and Mirian Namagembe)

Michaela Harari

Faye E. Newfield

Emily Anne & Jeffrey Jacobstein (Benjamin)

Samantha Newman

Ariel Swett & Han Mason

Emily Johnson (Tovah)

Gregory Penzias

Jered Floyd, Brian Gibbons, & Richard Nordin (Hjalmar Floyd)

Alex & Aubrey Kannel Katie Kelsall

Loren Rabinowitz & Shahar Ziv (Isabelle and Madeline)

Dory Freeman & Joshua Garber

Rachel Krasnow & Yogesh Mudaliar

Lynley Rappaport (Fianna )

Lee Gelb

Evan Kravetz & Riley Longtain

Joshua Reback

Lumina Gershfield & Rene Cordova (Georgio Cordova and Shalom Gershfield Cordova) Lauren Gibilisco & Jud Harmon (Charlotte and Alden) Emily & Scott Glasthal (Landon and Maddox)

Robert Krawitz Emily Lake Chelsea & Douglas Lawson (Duncan and Jamie) Aviva & Ari Manin (Lila and Ezra)

Lisa Rosenfeld & Bryan Beaudreault (Elianaand Simon) Amy Sallen Sara Lou & Jeff Sherman Molly Siegel & Benjamin Feldman (Elias and Zoe)

Naomi Goodman & Dean Losar

Susan Maya & William Sweeney (Noah and Layla)

Emily Greenwald & Nora Trapp

Sarah McIntosh

Helaine Silverman

Deb Morse

Rebecca Singer & Oren Katz

Emily Hack

Barbara Solomon Taylor Stevens

Harrison & Rebecca Tsopelas (Indiana and Jackson) Matthew Weil (Olivia, Michael, and Benjamin) Hayley Weinberg Emily Wilner & Tom Westerling (William, James, and Alma) Cody Yudkoff David Zimmer & Rachel Sherman (June and Charlie) Marina Zlochisti & Alexander Matveev (Emily and Michael)

Mara Siegman & Brad Payne

www.tisrael.org | 617-566-3960

19

Keep the Light: Join the Ner Tamid Society For more than 165 years, Temple Israel has been a home for prayer, learning, and shared responsibility. The Ner Tamid, the eternal light above our ark, reminds us that our community endures when each generation cares for the next. The Ner Tamid Society recognizes those who have provided for Temple Israel through a bequest or other planned gift, sustaining our worship, learning, and righteous impact for years to come.

Membership is simple. If Temple Israel is named in your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy, please let us know. There is no minimum amount. Your commitment, in any size, strengthens our capacity to welcome, to teach, and to pursue justice. Members are listed in our honor roll and invited to exclusive gatherings that highlight the difference legacy gifts make. If you prefer, your participation may remain anonymous.

To share your intention or to explore options, please contact Shawn Fiedler, Director of Development at 617-505-4616.

Thank you for helping us keep our light shining for the generations to come.

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

Temple Israel of Boston

INSIGHT Temple Israel

Non Profit

477 Longwood Avenue

US Postage

Boston, MA 02215-5396

PAID Permit 50648 Boston, MA

Shawn Kravetz, President Rachel Wexler, Vice President Karin Freed, Treasurer Dan Deutsch, Executive Director Amy Bolotin, FJECC Preschool Director Emma Koblick, Director of Communication 617-566-3960 | www.tisrael.org facebook.com/TempleIsraelBoston instagram.com/tisrael_boston youtube.com/@TempleIsraelofBoston

Mark your calendar!

Shabbat Tzedek with

Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. President and CEO, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts

Friday, January 16, 2026 6:00 p.m.