Class of
Congratulations to our 5785
Confirmation and Graduation
Students:
Ben-Zion Bloom-Scheff
Miles Esterman
Rachel Goldstone
Maddie Gulko
Graham Henrich
Meira Illiano
Jeremy Krendel
Jared Lappin
Sarah Morenberg
Maya Noyes
Bridget O'Donnell
Leah Salloway
Bella Schreiber
Alex Sobol
Maya Zaref
Miles Esterman
Temple Shir Tikva has changed my life by making me part of a strong Jewish community More than anything, the Shir Tikva community has given me a place that
makes me feel not only accepted, but also valued. I am lucky enough to have grown up with hardworking and inspiring people who have encouraged me to pursue my interest in teaching, and who have done everything they can to help me in my future, whether it's advice, opportunities, recommendations, or just checking in to see how I’ m doing
Having this experience has made me realize how lucky I am to have a group of such amazing teens and adults who value me and are confident in me. This has contributed to my dream to help kids and be a part of young people ’ s future
In my early high school years, I felt unsure about my plans for the future, often doubting I would be able to achieve the results that are needed of me, whether it
came to classes, college, or career opportunities. My time as a madrich at Temple Shir
Tikva and as a counselor at the incredible camp Eisner, which TST connected me with when I was young, transformed my image of myself and my ability to impact others
The relationships I have made with kids, teens, and adults alike have not only made me grateful, but they have also made me feel truly recognized. I hope to contribute to a community where all young people have kind and encouraging adults and friends who recognize their unique abilities, and nothing represents these values more than Shir Tikva
My experience at Shir Tikva has seen the community grow so much, and I can’t wait to stay a part of the temple and be a part of the future of my favorite community in the world!
Rachel Goldstone
I’ ve been a part of the TST community for as long as I can remember: from being a
student in the K-6 Hineini program, to spending countless Sunday mornings over the
past six years as a madricha, to “doing ” STEM with Jacob during AISH each
Wednesday night– I’ ve definitely had my fair share of Shir Tikva
As a kid, I wouldn’t say that I was the biggest fan of coming to Temple every Sunday morning to learn about Judaism and learn how to read Hebrew, but after working as
a madricha and coming to AISH as a teenager (both things I wasn’t required to do by my parents), I discovered just how much of a great time I had here
I wasn’t super connected to my Judaism before I was a teenager, but now that I’ ve gone through my years here, I’ ve found that being Jewish is a big part of my identity Judaism has brought a lot into my life that I’ m passionate about, including creating the Jewish Student Union at my school, advocating against antisemitism in the community, and joining the youth group I’ ve been a part of for the last 4+ years (NFTY Northeast)
As I leave Shir Tikva and head off to WashU, I can confidently say that I’ m going to get involved in my Judaism there–whether that be going to Hillel, working at local synagogues, or simply bonding with other people through Jewish geography.
I’ m grateful for all of the friendships and memories I’ ve made here, as well as all of the experiences I’ ve had because of TST, and I am excited to take what I’ ve learned into the next chapter of my life
Maddie Gulko
I have learned that, as Jews, fostering a pride in our Judaism from a young age is essential to growing into strong and compassionate leaders. I began learning these values at Temple B’ nai
Torah and through Hebrew School with Rabbi Lisa. I am grateful to have had the space to form connections with Jewish friends and learn the principles of Judaism together
Additionally, one of the most formative parts of my Jewish journey was attending a Jewish overnight camp, Camp Young Judaea, traveling to Israel for a summer together, and now being a counselor there myself Camp is where I found some of my closest friends Surrounded by Jewish peers, I felt an incredible sense of belonging, and together we grew closer to our Jewish identities Shabbat held some of our favorite moments because of the prayers we all learned together and the traditions we shared on those Friday nights
Our summer in Israel together deepened our connection not only to one another but also to the land and people of Israel That experience gave us perspective, especially when we returned home and learned of the atrocities of October 7th only a few months later We turned to each other for support then, and again as subsequent antisemitism arose
Our generation has grown up alongside this rise in antisemitism–in news headlines, social media, college campuses, and our own high schools. But by having a strong foundation of pride in my Judaism, I have been able to speak up and bring compassion to those hard conversations instead of shrinking away As I prepare to study political science in college, I know Judaism will shape the way I see the world and seek justice within it
As a camp counselor, I try to instill that same sense of Jewish community and joy in my campers Last summer, my best camp friend and I became co-counselors in the same bunk, and together we worked to create meaningful moments When one of our campers lost a tooth, the two of us spontaneously started singing “Siman Tov u ’Mazel Tov ” while dancing around the bunk Later, when a second camper lost a tooth, we did the same –and suddenly, we had a new bunk tradition A few months after camp ended, one camper ’ s mom messaged us to say how her daughter had excitedly told her those stories of her bunkmates losing teeth She thanked us for teaching her daughter to be joyous in her Judaism
That moment reminded me of how important it is to create the joyful Jewish experiences I have been lucky to have had at Temple B’ nai Torah and now Temple Shir Tikva. So, as I step into the next chapter of my life, I will continue to be joyful in my Judaism and spread that joy to those around me
Meira Illiano
I was born and raised Jewish, but life at home did not include many religious traditions or rituals My true Jewish journey began in third grade, when I started Hebrew School at
Congregation B’ nai Torah (CBT) There, I found not only a connection to Judaism, but also a connection to a group of girls several of whom have become lifelong friends of mine
Together, we learned, ate dinner once a week, and eventually prepared for our Bat Mitzvahs Hebrew School wasn’t just about learning prayers it was also about exploring Jewish values and engaging in fun, meaningful activities that helped me see Judaism as something important in my life Through that time, we formed a strong bond with Rabbi Lisa, who has remained an important figure in my life to this day
But, my connection to Judaism was not done It became even stronger in fifth grade, when I started spending my summers at Camp Young Judaea (CYJ). CYJ became my second home, where Jewish identity and community were woven into everything we did That experience culminated in Gadna, a summer in Israel, which was a powerful and emotional highlight of my journey I hope to return to Israel during college to continue exploring my roots, maybe even with Maddie!
A core part of my Jewish experience at CBT, CYJ, and now TST has been a focus on social justice tikkun olam, or repairing the world Whether serving as one of the leaders for the JLOFT MLK Day of Service here in Massachusetts or activities at camp in New Hampshire, I’ ve always felt Judaism calls us to make the world better That belief led me to attend the Religious Action Center ’ s L’Taken Seminar not once, but twice first in 10th grade with CBT, and again my senior year with my new community here at TST.
All of this has shaped not just my Jewish identity, but also my future goals I will be attending the School of Social Work at Indiana University this fall I believe a career in social work will help me continue to live out the Jewish values of compassion, justice, and community-- being able to serve and repair the world, one step at a time.
Jared Lappin
I have been coming to Temple Shir Tikva for my entire life Most of the time when I was younger I didn’t want to go to Hebrew school and couldn’t understand why I had to. Which makes the fact that now I will be leaving soon and I don’t want to even more meaningful I went from trying to avoid going to Hebrew school to now making the choice to come to AISH every Wednesday. This place has meant so much to me especially after the pandemic when I was missing the feeling of community so much. I have learned so many things and made so many friends while here at Temple
I wouldn’t change a thing about my time here at Temple Shir Tikva I hope to continue to find a jewish community as I go off to college and adulthood Thank you to every person who made this community what it is
Sarah Morenberg
As I near the end of my grade school career, I think about all of the amazing experiences that the Jewish community has provided me This community has given me some of my
closest friends, and has connected me to an incredible group of people to whom I am so grateful In particular, my membership at Temple Shir Tikva has had a significant impact on
me From experiences such as Hebrew school, AISH, and even my Bat Mitzvah, I have gained so much appreciation for the community
Pa
community Throughout my life, her leadership and involvement in the Temple Shir Tikva community has inspired me to participate as well While I am not quite as active of a member as she was, I can feel her presence whenever I am at temple, or with the people who she impacted so greatly I feel so incredibly grateful to have been her granddaughter, and just as grateful to belong to such a special congregation
TST has given me the kindest friends, and most supportive mentors As I prepare to go to college and move on to the next chapter in my life, I hope to be able to explore my Jewish identity even more. I look forward to participating in Connecticut College ’ s Hillel, and engaging with fellow Jewish students at my new community
Over the last 4 years of schooling in the Wayland Public School System, I have gained an appreciation for having a community Both school and temple have been consistent groups which I felt as though I belonged to. I hope that I can give back to my community in the same way that it has given me so much
Maya Noyes
I've never not known Shir Tikva. My journey at this temple started when I was attending the JCC early learning program and has continued into religious school on Sundays, then AISH on Wednesdays, and now to just having completed my 6th and final year as a madricha
It's funny how the things that are most foundational to your life you can take so easily for granted, and you assume that they will always be there I didn't realize how much this community has shaped either through attending Friday night services with my family every week, which if I'm being honest I would always make a plann
the people that I
t
This community has supported me through every stage of life, it has s
n me at my happiest moments, and seen me at my worst. But despite what stage of life I am in, or whatever may be happening outside of these walls, I always come back to this place and these people and I immediately know that I am home
So when I'm packing up all my stuff and loading my things into the car to head up to college I will also pack these three things that I have taken with me from Shir Tikva: first, some songs can become part of the soundtrack of your life and even when you don't understand the words you can still be touched by their meaning; second, don't be a bystander to difficult things and conversations because you always have an important part to play in making this world better; and third and probably most importantly, I will always remember that home is always waiting for me at Shir Tikva
For me, Judaism has always been about the community. When I think of myself in a Jewish setting, whether it be my Jewish Club at school, NFTY, or AISH, the first thing that comes to mind are the people I share it with
I come from a large family, so community has always been an integral value that I hold above most other things I’ ve watched the way my grandparents,
ve all put their time and love into every community they ’ re a part of and I’ ve been inspired to do the same
Every Wednesday I rush to AISH, usually a couple minutes late coming from a game The friends I have found here have made Wednesday nights the best night of my week It has taught me three important lessons; to slow down and enjoy the people, how to have a Jewish connection outside of prayer, and cucumbers taste better when they are picked out of the AISH salad
During the week, and even often on weekends, I’ m running from class to class, practice to practice, thing to thing But on Wednesday nights, when I get to the temple, I simply allow myself to slow down and be around the people I love. Whether unsuccessfully building a Rube Goldberg Machine, or spending an entire 45 minute class just doing a “ check-in”, AISH feels like a breath of fresh air during a hectic week AISH has also brought me a better sense of myself I love going to services on Fridays when I have the chance, but the thing I love about the services is being with the people there I have valued Jewish prayer since first memorizing the Ve’ ahavta in third grade, but through AISH I have learned that prayer to me is nothing without people to share it with I don feel like Judaism is a key part of my identity
And now, looking forward, I’ m excited to go to Jewish communities. My family, my friends, and ability to find a home wherever I go, and that I
Bella Schreiber
As my mom says, I started my journey with the temple before I was born My family
has been a part of the temple since before I can remember, and some of my earliest
memories are from running around the basement playing fishy, fishy, cross my ocean in preschool This community has become a family I’ ve met some of my best friends here and I know I can always rely on these people.
My Jewish journey is a bit more complicated than that I have been in and out of Hebrew school, the madrichim program, AISH, and the teen group for the past 5 years Directly after my bat mitzvah I dropped everything “Jewish ” I stopped coming to the temple and lost touch with my community.
Over time and as I matured I realized how much I missed that Jewish aspect in my life When I finally came back to AISH I was welcomed with open arms It didn’t matter that I hadn’t been there in years, I felt so wanted and accepted here
I’ m so grateful to everyone who has helped me and loved me along the way, and
everyone who has supported me in every way they could I want to especially shout out my family, Jenna, Rabbi Danny, Cantor Hollis, Rabbi Lisa, Alison, Rhonda, and everyone else in the temple community
Alex Sobol
I became a member of Temple Shir Tikva when I was just two years old, starting at the JCC
Preschool in 2009 My family officially joined the Temple in 2011, and since then, it has felt
like a second home Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of simply being in the building sitting in the office, saying hi to The Ladies, and sharing split pea soup with David
Passer These little moments made me feel welcomed, loved, and part of a larger community
Throughout my years in Hebrew School, I’ ve collected countless meaningful experiences. Some of the highlights were our Shabbaton trips to Eisner Camp, as well as eye-opening field trips to places like the Mikvah and the Islamic Center of Boston I remember singing
songs with Jonathan and creating projects about inspiring Jewish heroes and heroines These activities not only taught me about Jewish traditions and values, but they also helped shape my identity.
But what stands out most from my time at Hebrew School are the friendships I made
Whether we were traveling to New York City or, more recently, going on the incredible
Washington, DC trip in 2025, every shared experience brought us closer together The
friendships I formed here are some of the most important in my life, and I feel so lucky to have grown up alongside this amazing group of people.
Now, as my friends and I stand here graduating, I’ m filled with pride and gratitude Temple
Shir Tikva has been a constant in my life, a place that has supported me, inspired me, and helped me grow I will deeply miss coming here every week, but I know this community will always be a part of me. Temple Shir Tikva is in my heart 24/7, 365 days a year.
Maya Zaref
Words cannot express how grateful I am for Temple Shir Tikva. Preparing for my Bat Mitzvah made
me feel so much more connected to Judaism, but during the pandemic, the teens at my family’s
temple became less involved I was so thankful for such an amazing experience there, but I craved a greater connection to other Jewish teens who wanted to be as involved in the community as I
did Then, I joined STIFTY Even though I did not grow up at Shir Tikva, I was immediately welcomed with open arms by Jenna and the whole grade I did not know anyone at the temple besides my best friend Carly But soon after, I got to know everyone in the youth group
Through being a part of STIFTY, I finally found a community that I felt I could be myself in It was a place where I could be silly, but also be vulnerable when I was struggling These teens became people I could lean on during tough times
TST also helped me dive deeper into my passion for social justice Through the community service events, I realized how happy I felt doing service projects. I was also introduced to other programs, such as The Jewish Teen Initiative fellowship, where I dove deeper into spreading awareness about mental health Additionally, I was encouraged to join NFTY-Northeast, a place that helped me feel confident in bigger social settings At their events, I grew close to new friends in just a few days I also grew into a leader by joining the NFTY-Northeast board and growing their membership
This year, I joined the Madrichim program at Sunday Hineini classes During this time, I learned how to work with kids who needed some extra support I expanded my empathy and learned new skills to support them and make them feel more comfortable in a classroom setting This motivated me to work at an afterschool program in Framingham where I can inspire kids as a role model
I have created so many memories at Temple Shir Tikva that I will never forget From the New York trips, to the RAC trip, to designing STIFTY events, I will always cherish the fun times I have had here.
I will miss Temple Shir Tikva dearly and I could not be more thankful for having been a part of this community since eighth grade
