Temple Israel (Boston)

{{Short description|Reform synagogue in Boston, Massachusetts}} {{use mdy dates|date=June 2014}} {{use American English|date=June 2014}} {{Infobox religious building | name = Temple Israel | native_name = {{langx|he|קק עדת ישראל}} | native_name_lang = | image = Temple Israel (Boston) (54954548000).jpg | image_upright = | alt = | caption = | religious_affiliation = [[Reform Judaism]] | tradition = | sect = | district = | prefecture = | province = | region = | deity = | rite = | festival =  | organisational_status = [[Synagogue]] | ownership = | governing_body = | leadership = Rabbi Elaine Zecher | bhattaraka = | patron = | consecration_year = | functional_status = Active | religious_features_label = Notable artworks | religious_features = [[Louise Nevelson]] sculpture | location = 477 Longwood Avenue, [[Boston]] | locale = | municipality = | cercle = | state = [[Massachusetts]] | country = United States | map_type = Boston | map_size = 250 | map_alt = | map_relief = 1 | map_caption = Location in [[Boston]] | grid_name = | grid_position = | sector = | territory = | administration = | coordinates = {{coord|42.3403|-71.1093|region:US-MA_type:landmark|format=dms|display=it}} | coordinates_footnotes = | heritage_designation = | architect = {{ubl|[[Louis Weissbein|Weissbein & Jones]] {{small|(1885)}}|{{nowrap|[[Clarence H. Blackall|Clarence Blackall]] {{small|(1906)}}}}}} | architecture_type = Synagogue | architecture_style = {{ubl|''[[Rundbogenstil]]'' {{small|(1885)}}| [[Exotic Revival architecture|Exotic Revival]] {{small|(1906)}}| [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] {{small|(1926)}}| [[Brutalist architecture|Brutalist]] {{small|(1973)}}}} | founded_by = | creator = | funded_by = | general_contractor = | established = 1854 {{small|(as a congregation)}} | groundbreaking = | year_completed = {{ubl|1885 {{small|(Columbus Ave.)}}| 1906 {{small|(Commonwealth Ave.)}}| 1926 {{small|(Longwood Ave.)}}| 1973 {{small|(Longwood Ave.)}}}} | construction_cost = | date_demolished =  | facade_direction = | capacity = | length = | width = | width_nave = | interior_area = | height_max = | dome_quantity = | dome_height_outer = | dome_height_inner = | dome_dia_outer = | dome_dia_inner = | minaret_quantity = | minaret_height = | spire_quantity = | spire_height = | site_area = | temple_quantity = | monument_quantity = | shrine_quantity = | inscriptions = | materials = | elevation_m =  | elevation_footnotes = | nrhp = | designated = | added = | refnum = | delisted1_date = | website = {{URL|tisrael.org}} | module =  | footnotes = }} '''Temple Israel''' ({{langx|he|קק עדת ישראל}}) is a [[synagogue]] affiliated with [[Reform Judaism]] in [[Boston, Massachusetts]], United States. Founded in 1854 as '''Adath Israel''', the congregation is the largest Reform synagogue in [[New England]].

==History== [[File:600 Columbus Ave Boston.jpg|thumb|600 Columbus Ave. (1885–1906)]][[File:602 Comm Ave Boston.jpg|thumb|602 Commonwealth Ave. (1906–1926)]][[File:Temple Israel Boston 2.jpg|thumb|477 Longwood Ave. (1926–present)]] The congregation Temple Israel, originally known as '''Adath Israel''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple Israel of Boston |url=https://hwpi.harvard.edu/pluralismarchive/temple-israel-boston |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=hwpi.harvard.edu |language=en}}</ref> was founded in 1854 when [[History of the Jews in Germany|Jews of German ancestry]] seceded from [[Temple Ohabei Shalom (Brookline, Massachusetts)|Ohabei Shalom]], then the sole synagogue in Boston, because so many [[History of the Jews in Poland|Polish Jews]] had joined the congregation.<ref name=Sarna>{{cite book |title=The Jews of Boston |editor1=Sarna, Jonathan D. |editor2=Smith, Ellen |location=Boston |publisher=Northeastern University Press |year=1995 |isbn=1555532179 }}</ref>{{rp|169}} The congregation immediately renovated a house on [[Pleasant Street (Boston)|Pleasant Street]] for use as a synagogue. The congregation purchased land in [[Wakefield, Massachusetts|Wakefield]] in 1859 for [[Temple Israel Cemetery (Wakefield, Massachusetts)|a cemetery]].<ref name=Sarna/>{{rp|170}} The Columbus Avenue synagogue building, designed by architects [[Louis Weissbein|Weissbein & Jones]], was dedicated in 1885 and was indicative of the growing size and wealth of congregation, and the influence of its members and leaders. The Auxiliary Society was founded in 1894, the first internal temple organization dedicated to social service, cultural activity, education, and social functions.

The Commonwealth Avenue Temple, designed by [[Clarence H. Blackall|Clarence Blackall]], was dedicated in 1907. Rabbi Harry Levi, who served as rabbi from 1911 to 1939, led to changes within the religious school by implementing new policies such as paying teachers, establishing branch schools, and refocusing the curriculum on more traditional Jewish subjects. He officiated at the first congregational [[Seder]], held in 1913. Abram Vossen Goodman stated, "For the first time we liberal Jews indicated that we wanted to participate in old Pesach traditions with our own version." This seder was the first to follow the Reform-sponsored ''Union Haggadah''. Rabbi Levi commenced radio broadcasts of sermons in 1924, which led to his being known as the "Radio Rabbi."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Some John Shepard History |url=https://www.bostonradio.org/essays/shepard |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=www.bostonradio.org |quote=WNAC was the first station in Boston to offer live broadcasts of synagogue services, beginning January 20, 1924; Rabbi Harry Levi, “the Radio Rabbi”, becomes the first rabbi to use broadcasting as a way of teaching tolerance and educating the public about what Jews believe. He becomes so popular that two books of his radio sermons are issued.}}</ref>

With his installation in 1954, Rabbi [[Roland B. Gittelsohn|Gittelsohn]]—the first Jewish chaplain of the [[United States Marine Corps]]—brought a new commitment to social action to Temple Israel during his tenure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=December 13: Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn |url=https://jewishcurrents.org/december-13-rabbi-roland-b-gittelsohn |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Jewish Currents |language=en}}</ref> During his time as the rabbi of Temple Israel, the congregation started the Boston Ruleville Interfaith Committee (BRIC) in 1959.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Story |url=https://www.tisrael.org/who-we-are/our-story/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Temple Israel of Boston |language=en}}</ref> In April 1965, during a visit to Boston, [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] visited Temple Israel and spoke at their Passover event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The day Dr. King visited Boston Common in 1965 – The Bay State Banner |url=https://baystatebanner.com/2012/01/10/the-day-dr-king-visited-boston-common-in-1965-3/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=baystatebanner.com}}</ref>

Murray Simon was installed as the Temple's first cantor in 1972 and in the following year, a new [[sanctuary]] was completed as part of the expanded Riverway campus, with a commissioned sculpture by [[Louise Nevelson]], called ''Sky Covenant'', placed at the synagogue's entrance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sky Covenant, (sculpture). |url=https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=all&source=~!siartinventories&uri=full=3100001~!305734~!0 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=siris-artinventories.si.edu}}</ref>

In 2004 the congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary, and after Massachusetts became the first U. S. state to legalize gay marriage, gay marriage ceremonies were held at the synagogue.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Penny |date=May 10, 2014 |title=Massachusetts Jews reflect on a decade of same-sex marriage |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/massachusetts-jews-reflect-on-a-decade-of-marriage-equality/ |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

Rabbi [[Elaine Zecher]] was elected as the senior rabbi of the congregation in 2016, the first woman to hold that post.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Leader Among Men |url=https://www.brandeis.edu/magazine/2017/winter/class-notes/alumni-profiles/zecher.html |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Brandeis Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sweeney |first=Chris |date=2017-12-05 |title=Elaine Zecher, Talk of the Temple |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2017/12/05/rabbi-elaine-zecher/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> She succeeded Rabbi Ronne Friedman, who had become the senior rabbi in 1999, who had in turn succeeded Rabbi Bernard Mehlman.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Rabbis & Cantor |url=http://www.tisrael.org/our-rabbis-cantor/ |access-date=20 October 2016 |website=Temple Israel website}}</ref> The first female cantor was appointed in 2020: Alicia Stillman succeeded Roy Einhorn, who became emeritus after 27 years.

==Community life==

=== Tikkun Central === Tikkun Central is the umbrella for all justice and compassion activities at Temple Israel, whether directed inward toward the Temple Israel community or outward towards the larger communities within which Temple Israel resides.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple Israel of Boston |url=https://pluralism.org/temple-israel-boston |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=pluralism.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Puterman |first=Tali |last2= |date=2021-01-25 |title=Community Leadership Immersive Programs: B'nai Mitzvah Projects in a Virtual World |url=https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/community-leadership-immersive-programs-bnai-mitzvah-projects-in-a-virtual-world/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=eJewishPhilanthropy}}</ref>

=== Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel of Boston ===

=== Religious School (Pre-K through 7) === Temple Israel offers a supplemental education program with classes for Pre-K through 7th graders.

==On-site resources== === Temple Israel Archives === Temple Israel is the second-oldest congregation in the Boston area, and the largest Reform congregation in New England. Founded in 1854 in Boston, its long history follows the rise of the local Jewish community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple Israel of Boston - Digital Commonwealth |url=https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/institutions/commonwealth:2b88t308n |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=www.digitalcommonwealth.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2010 |title=A Guide to Boston's Religiously Significant Sites – AHA |url=https://www.historians.org/perspectives-article/a-guide-to-bostons-religiously-significant-sites/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Historians |language=en-US}}</ref> The Temple Israel Archives serves as the repository for records, documents, publications, and images relating to the history and administration of Temple Adath Israel of Boston. These records document the congregational history and provide primary source material to assist the clergy, staff, and members of the synagogue. The Archives also serve as a resource for researchers who are interested in the history of Boston's Jewish community, or in family research.

=== Wyner Museum === The Wyner Museum was established in 1980 and houses the Temple Israel Judaica collection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wyner Museum |url=https://www.tisrael.org/who-we-are/our-story/wyner-museum/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Temple Israel of Boston |language=en}}</ref>

=== Dr. Arnold L. Segel Library Center === The library, named in memory of Temple member Dr. Arnold L. Segel, has over 20,000 books, audio- and visual-recordings, books on CD, journals and newspapers on Jewish subjects ranging from Bible to Zohar (mystical text). Temple Israel members, students, and staff may borrow materials from the library. The library is open to the public for reading and research on site. The librarian, who has over 25 years of experience, and her staff are available to help with individual research projects, and can help you find resources on any topic from just about any location, physical or virtual. The library is a member of the Massachusetts Library System's Inter-Library Loan program.

== Rabbinical leaders == The following individuals have served as senior rabbis of the congregation: {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" |- style="white-space:nowrap;" !Ordinal !Name !Years !Notes |- | align=center| {{nts|1}} || Joseph Sachs ||align=center| 1854–1856 ||<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-20 |title=Boston Temple Will Observe 80th Birthday |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/boston-temple-will-observe-80th-birthday |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | align=center| {{nts|2}} || Joseph Shoninger ||align=center| 1856–1874 ||Served as ''hazan''<ref>{{Cite web |date=1953-05-01 |title=From the American Scene: Boston's Jewish Community: Earlier Days |url=https://www.commentary.org/articles/charles-reznikoff/from-the-american-scene-bostons-jewish-community-earlier-days/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Commentary Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | align=center| {{nts|3}} || [[Solomon Schindler]] ||align=center| 1874–1894 ||<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=1955-02-01 |title=Four Rabbis in Search of American JudaismCommentary on a History of Boston's Temple Israel |url=https://www.commentary.org/articles/nathan-glazer-2/four-rabbis-in-search-of-american-judaismcommentary-on-a-history-of-bostons-temple-israel/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Commentary Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | align=center| {{nts|4}} || Charles Fleischer ||align=center| 1894–1911 ||<ref name=":0" /> |- | align=center| {{nts|5}} || Harry Levi ||align=center| 1911–1939 ||<ref name=":0" /> |- | align=center| {{nts|6}} || [[Joshua L. Liebman]] ||align=center| 1936–1948 ||<ref name=":0" /> |- | align=center| {{nts|7}} || [[Abraham Klausner|Abraham J. Klausner]] ||align=center| 1949–1953 ||<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-20 |title=Rabbi Abraham Klausner Named Rabbi of Temple Israel in Boston; Succeeds Dr. Liebman |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/rabbi-abraham-klausner-named-rabbi-of-temple-israel-in-boston-succeeds-dr-liebman |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | align=center| {{nts|8}} || Roland B. Gittelsohn ||align=center| 1953–1977 || Emeritus: 1977–1995<ref>{{cite web|title=Roland Gittelsohn, 85, Rabbi and a Marine Chaplain on Iwo Jima|author=Stout, David|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/15/nyregion/roland-gittelsohn-85-rabbi-and-a-marine-chaplain-on-iwo-jima.html|date=December 15, 1995|access-date=June 3, 2021|work=The New York Times}}</ref> |- | align=center| {{nts|9}} || Bernard H. Mehlman ||align=center| 1977–1999 || Emeritus: 1999–''present'' |- | align=center| {{nts|10}} || Ronne Friedman ||align=center| 1999–2016 || Emeritus: 2016–''present'' |- | align=center| {{nts|11}} || Elaine Zecher ||align=center| 2016–''present'' || |}  ==Architecture== In 1884–1885, the congregation erected the oldest purpose-built synagogue that remains standing in Massachusetts. The ''[[Rundbogenstil]]''-styled building, with twin towers and a [[rose window]] in the form of a [[Magen David]], stands at 600 [[Columbus Avenue (Boston)|Columbus Avenue]], at the corner of Northampton. Today, it is the [[African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church]].<ref name=Sarna/>{{rp|176}}<ref name=Gordon>Gordon, Mark W., "[http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/american_jewish_history/v084/84.1gordon_tab01.html Rediscovering Jewish Infrastructure: Update on United States Nineteenth Century Synagogues]." ''American Jewish History'', 84.1, 1996, p. 11–27. [http://www.ajhs.org/rediscovering-jewish-infrastructure 2019 article update].</ref>

In 1906, the congregation moved to a new building that is now the [[Morse Auditorium]] of [[Boston University]].<ref name=Sarna/>{{rp|177}}

In 1926, the congregation began work on a new temple, on the [[Riverway]] at Longwood Avenue in [[Roxbury, Boston|Roxbury]], just across the Muddy River from Brookline. The "monumental" [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] building was designed as an enormous domed sanctuary with flanking wings. Only the west wing, about one-fifth of the planned space, was completed before the [[stock market crash of 1929]].<ref name=Sarna/>{{rp|196}} The auditorium and religious school on Longwood Avenue were supplemented by a new modernist sanctuary in 1973.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web |title=Our History |url=http://www.tisrael.org/our-history/ |access-date=20 October 2016 |website=Temple Israel website}}</ref>

==See also== {{stack|{{portal|Architecture|Judaism|Massachusetts}}}} * [[History of the Jews in the United States]] * [[List of the oldest synagogues in the United States]] * [[Sites of interest in Boston]]

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading == * {{cite book |year=2009 |title=Becoming American Jews: Temple Israel of Boston |author1=Dwyer-Ryan, Meaghan |author2=Porter, Susan L. |author3=Fagin Davis, Lisa |location=Waltham |publisher=Brandeis University Press |isbn= }}

==External links== * {{official website|tisrael.org}} * {{Commons category-inline}} {{Synagogues in the United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Israel (Boston, Massachusetts)}} [[Category:1854 establishments in Massachusetts]] [[Category:Ashkenazi Jewish culture in Massachusetts]] [[Category:German-American culture in Massachusetts]] [[Category:German-Jewish culture in the United States]] [[Category:Jewish organizations established in 1854]] [[Category:Neoclassical architecture in Massachusetts]] [[Category:Neoclassical synagogues]] [[Category:Reform synagogues in Massachusetts]] [[Category:Romanesque Revival architecture in Massachusetts]] [[Category:Rundbogenstil synagogues]] [[Category:Synagogues completed in 1885]] [[Category:Synagogues completed in 1906]] [[Category:Synagogues completed in 1926]] [[Category:Synagogues in Boston]] [[Category:20th-century synagogues in the United States]] [[Category:Synagogues in Massachusetts]]