History

HISTORY OF TEMPLE BETH SHALOM
By: Florence Schumacher, Archives Committee Chair

Introduction
The history of Temple Beth Shalom reflects the growth of the Jewish population in Needham, as the Temple was the first Jewish organization formed in town. This history is not long – just over one hundred years. The earliest Jewish settlers in Needham laid the groundwork between 1897 and 1955 to establish what has become the large, Reform Temple that celebrated its Jubilee Year – the 50th anniversary– in 2005.

The early pioneers sought a place to practice Judaism, to pray, to celebrate Jewish holidays together and to give their children a Jewish education. They chose to become affiliated with the Reform movement in 1955, and the organization grew steadily. Temple Beth Shalom now has 725 families as members.

There were three major periods of development in the history of Temple Beth Shalom and the Jews in Needham: the pioneers who laid the groundwork for a Reform congregation, the first 25 years that established Temple Beth Shalom as a Reform congregation and the Temple’s growth to maturity and national recognition in the second 25 years, that culminated in the Jubilee celebration of 2005.

Pioneers laid the groundwork to establish a Reform Jewish temple in Needham, from 1897-1954.
The first Jews in Needham were David and Elizabeth Simon, who arrived in 1897. Simon Hall, the main hall at Temple Beth Shalom, is named after them. They were joined by other pioneers, often relatives, the families of Sam and Meyer Rosenblatt (brothers of Elizabeth Simon), and David Cohen in 1900. These families had come originally from Europe and were living in the West End of Boston, before coming to Needham to seek a better life. Samuel Jacobs (David Cohen’s cousin) came in 1904 from Newton, and Philip Gordon (whose wife, Ida, was David Simon’s sister) arrived from New York in 1908. Philip came to Needham because he had a heart problem and wanted to be in the fresh air of the Needham countryside.

These first five Jewish families joined together to celebrate Jewish holidays as early as 1910. They imported a rabbi from the West End, where a large Jewish population lived, to tutor their children at home and to prepare them for their b’nai mitzvah. The itinerant rabbi would live for a week at a time at the home of each of the Jewish residents. In the 1920s these families joined with the ten Jewish families in Wellesley, and they held High Holiday services in the Wellesley Town Hall.

The Jewish population in Needham grew slowly, so that by 1945 there were only 18 Jewish families. The new residents included the Perlins (David Simon’s daughter) who established a successful retail store in town, the Siegels who lived on Central Avenue and had a junk business, the Grinspoons and Aronies, who raised horses and chickens, and the Minkovitz, Sisson and Meyer White families.

On October 17, 1945, these 18 Jewish families established the Needham Jewish Community Group, the forerunner of Temple Beth Shalom, “to meet their religious, cultural, educational and social needs.” Mrs. Meyer White was the first Chair and Meyer Gordon the first president. Religion alone was never the sole motivating force for these Jews to organize. The Group was more of a social club, meeting monthly at the American Legion Hall. But one of its first activities was a Hanukah party for the children.

The Jewish population continued to grow slowly. This was largely because it was made clear to many Jews who wanted to move to Needham that they should consider other communities. Those who did eventually settle here in the 1950s lived primarily in the Wayne Road area near Pine Grove. This was the only area in town where realtors would show homes to potential Jewish buyers. Also, during this time, Jewish families found a developer, Lee Petrini, who welcomed them unconditionally. Many Temple members who joined in the 1950s and 1960s recalled the prejudice they experienced.

The 1950s

By 1950 there were 50 Jewish families. Jewish education was a priority for them, so a Hebrew School was established for 14 children. Mary Sacks was chairwoman, and the group met on Sundays in the American Legion Hall and later during the week in a private home. Tuition was $25 per child.

The Temple’s newsletter, the Scroll, began in 1953 as a communication vehicle with the growing Jewish community. These early copies of the Scroll provide the most important record of the Temple’s history to this day, as it is still the Temple’s newsletter.

The first High Holiday services were held in 1953 with Hillel Gameron, a rabbinical student, conducting the services at the First Parish Church in Needham. Members of that first religious committee who planned these services included Harold Shufro and Norton Goldstein. Both, along with their wives, Eleanor and Faire, have remained members of the congregation. There was even a choir, trained by Cantor Alfred Rosbash of Temple Ohabai Shalom of Brookline, including Harold and his brother, Harmon Shufro, who later became the cantor. Temple Shalom of Newton lent the torah. Services continued in area churches until the first building was completed.

In 1954 the Needham Jewish Community Center (NJCC) was incorporated to expand the activities of the Needham Jewish Community Group and to work more closely with other Jewish religious organizations locally and nationally. The new group voted to become a Reform congregation, and in May 1955 it joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregation (today the Union for Reform Judaism). This major decision was a close vote since the members included people who were also of Conservative and Orthodox beliefs.

In its first 25 Years as a Reform congregation, from 1955 – 1980, the new temple became established as a Needham institution.
The visionary early Jews in Needham laid the foundation for Temple Beth Shalom – literally and figuratively. By 1955 there were 60 members of the NJCC. They had established a Building Fund in 1951, and began the process of acquiring land so that by 1959 the first building became a reality at the current location on Highland and Webster Street. The NJCC recognized the importance of having its own building to house its religious services and education programs. During this period, the temple entered a rapid growth phase.

A new stage was reached in 1955 when Rabbi Herbert Yarrish was hired as the first of several part time rabbis and Harmon Shufro became the first cantor.

The first torah at the temple, donated by Louis Siegel, came from an old congregation in Baltimore that was closing. A congregant brought it by train to Needham. It was consecrated in 1955. In 1970, the Temple received two more torahs thanks to the legal work of former president, Norton Goldstein, in helping to close an old shul in Boston.

In 1955 the land at Webster and Highland was purchased to build the Temple for $10,000. The major goal at this time was to build a permanent home for the Temple. Many fundraising activities took place, even auctioning off a car; and a membership fee charging all members the same amount was introduced to give the temple a steady financial footing. All members were assessed $300 for the Building Fund. Herb Landy was head of the Building Fund at that time and solicited contributions from all the temple members and businesses in the community.

Even before there was a building, the NJCC held services and educated the children, meeting in homes and area churches. In 1956 they held the first consecration and 45 children participated.

In 1957 the NJCC was renamed Temple Beth Shalom. A period of rapid growth came in 1958 with Temple membership increasing from 86 to 180 in one year. Mr. & Mrs. Meyer Gordon headed the Temple membership committee and recruited all the new Jewish families who were moving to Needham to join.

1958 was a key date for Temple Beth Shalom. To accommodate this growing membership, in 1958, Rabbi Albert Yanow became the first full time spiritual leader. He served until 1961.

The first Temple Beth Shalom member to become a bar mitzvah was Edward M. Appel, on September 20, 1957 at the First Parish Church of Needham.

On November 30, 1958 ground was broken for the new building which cost $120,000. The dedication weekend beginning October 16, 1959 was a big celebration for Needham’s Jewish community. Over 300 people attended the dedication services on Friday night. The torahs were brought, in procession, into the sanctuary. Both the Eternal Light and Menorah were lit. On Saturday morning 200 children attended a service and that evening a celebratory dance was held. The cornerstone of the building included a time capsule that was formally laid on Sunday afternoon in the presence of many local clergy and political representatives. The weekend concluded with a banquet on Sunday evening. The time capsule that was sealed in 1959 was opened at the 50th Anniversary celebration.

The facility included only a single room that served as a sanctuary, social hall and classroom. This room was named Simon Hall acknowledging a $5,000 donation from Philip and Rose Simon in honor of their parents, the first Jews in Needham. During the 2005 renovation, this room again became the sanctuary as well as a social hall.

In 1959 when the building opened, there were 132 students in the religious school. During the year, the congregation celebrated four b’nei mitzvah -- four boys. By the 2011-12 school year, nearly 500 students were enrolled in the religious school. The congregation celebrated 63 b’nei mitzvah in 2011-12, including 25 girls as both boys and girls are now are honored to read and teach from the torah.

The temple membership continued to grow rapidly, so that by 1962 there were 201 members, over half of all the Jews living in Needham. The Temple clergy and members became an active part of the Needham community, serving on various town committees. No Jews ran for town-wide office, but some were elected as town meeting members. Today members of the Jewish community have taken an active role as town leaders, and two Temple members, Jerry Wasserman of blessed memory and John Bulian, were elected to the Needham Board of Selectmen. Many others serve on town committees and as town meeting members.

The Temple expanded its social and cultural activities early on. A Woman’s Group that started in 1957 evolved to the temple Sisterhood in 1959. The Sisterhood continues to thrive as a vibrant community with 240 members, women of several generations. Among the many other ways the Sisterhood supports the Temple are by sponsoring the Oneg Shabbat after Friday night services, the Purim Carnival and the Congregational Seder, as well as programs on issues about women and families. It also holds an annual Spirituality Retreat for members as well as social events. The Sisterhood serves the Greater Needham community by hosting an annual luncheon with entertainment for seniors.

The Brotherhood began in 1959, with Sumner Hoffman as the first president, growing out of an earlier Men’s Club at the Temple. Some presidents of Brotherhood went on to become Temple presidents. The Brotherhood, too, is active in the community, with activities such as its Red Cross Blood Drive, which has held more than 50 years of blood collections.

A Garden Club began in 1957, and it has developed into a highly accomplished group of Temple members and non members who are often recognized for their winning designs and horticulture in major flower shows. Several members are judges or on the board of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and the National Garden Club.

Beth Shalom Garden Club creates beautiful flower arrangements each week for the Shabbat Service as well as for holidays and special events, and decorates the Sukkah. The Garden Club also does community service by doing the plantings for the Needham Vietnam Memorial each year and the flowers for the Distinguished Career Award Luncheon at Needham High School as well as projects for Rosie’s Place in Boston and community nursing homes.

The 1960s: Rabbi Daniel Lee Kaplan
Rabbi Kaplan succeeded Rabbi Yarrow in 1962 as the second full time rabbi and served until 1970; he presided over a major growth of membership. During his tenure the Temple continued to develop its educational programs, including another building project to create a separate space for classrooms and a sanctuary to meet the needs of the growing congregation. The dedication weekend in 1965 was another celebration of the Temple’s growth.

Groundbreaking for the new wing was in the fall of 1963, and it was dedicated during the weekend of April 30, 1965. The Ark was dedicated to both to Ida and Philip Gordon, one of the first Jewish families in Needham and parents of Meyer Gordon, and to the parents of his wife, Edith. A mural was commissioned from Canadian artist Ronald Satok (the nephew of a member) to adorn the ark, and the artist came to the dedication.

The focus on Jewish education began at the nursery school level. A Temple nursery school was established in 1964 led by Paulyne Raemer. Today the Children’s Center of TBS is a major provider of services to young children in the community and had 72 students enrolled in 2010-11.

Temple Beth Shalom served more than religious needs for its members during the 1960s for both adult members and their children. It offered many social and community activities. The Temple sponsored an interfaith Boys Scout Group and a boys’ basketball team, neither of which exist today.

Today young members in grades 9 through 12 participate in BESTY, the Temple’s chapter of North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). Through informal social and educational activities, the group provides an opportunity for teens to pursue their interest and questions about Judaism. There also is a Junior Youth Group for young people in grades 7 and 9.

By 1964, there were 450 Jewish families in Needham. Temple Beth Shalom had 271 members, about 60% of the Jewish population. The Temple was not meeting the needs of all the Jewish families in Needham, especially those who were more comfortable with the more traditional observances of the Conservative movement. So in December 1964, a new Conservative congregation in Needham, Temple Aliyah, was formed. In 1966, Temple Aliyah purchased an old farmhouse on Central Avenue for its new home, which was expanded in 1971 and again in 1993. Today Temple Aliyah, led by Rabbi Carl Perkins, has grown to 420 family and single members.

The 1970s: Rabbi Rievan W. Slavkin
Rabbi Slavkin served from 1970 -1980. He applied the Reform principle of equality to the temple’s religious education, making the requirements for becoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah equal to one another. He also emphasized the Reform movement’s commitment to regain some rituals from traditional Judaism. These changes in Reform movement would continue in the 2000s.

From its earliest days, Temple members produced plays and musicals as fundraisers and as a social and creative outlet. As early as 1956, the Needham Jewish Community Group put on John Loves Mary followed in 1957 by George Washington Slept Here, in 1963 by Curtain Goes Up, with its famous chorus line, and Damn Yankees in the 1970s to name just a few of the productions. After an absence of about 30 years, the musical returned in 2005 with the performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat during the Jubi- lee celebration, led by co-producer Michael Bailit. In 2008 this was followed by a rousing production of The Music Man. In 2012 the Temple produced Fiddler on the Roof and in 2018 Damn Yankees again.

By 1979 Temple membership had increased to 400. The Temple celebrated its 25th anniversary on the weekend of November 1-3 with a gala dinner dance. Sheldon and Joan Bycoff, new members at that time, co-chaired the celebration with Seymour and Mary Sacks.

In its first 25 years as a Reform congregation, Temple Beth Shalom developed from a vision to a reality, to become an established congregation, well regarded and integrated into the Needham community. In its sec- ond 25 years, from 1980–2005, Temple Beth Shalom grew to maturity and national recognition.

The 1980s and 1990s: Rabbi Rifat Sonsino
Rabbi Sonsino, a native of Turkey, came to Temple Beth Shalom in 1980 after being associate rabbi at a temple in Skokie, Illinois. He served for 23 years until 2003, and upon his retirement, he became the first Rabbi Emeritus. His long tenure and great energy led to a major expansion in all aspects of temple life. During this period, Temple Beth Shalom became recognized nationally as a leading Reform congregation.

Music is a central part of the Reform Temple’s service. From 1998 to 2005 Cantor Lori Salzman was the full-time cantor at Temple Beth Shalom. The Temple organist, Joe Policelli, has played at services for over 35 years. In 2010, Marcie Jonas became our Temple's Cantor. Emily Perlman serves as our cantorial soloist.

In addition to worship, Temple Beth Shalom offers many religious, cultural and educational programs. Rabbi Sonsino introduced many of these during his tenure.

With an increasingly diverse membership and growth of interfaith family members, Rabbi Sonsino formed an Interfaith Group at the Temple. Today Temple Beth Shalom’s commitment to welcoming and integrating a diversity of Jews and their families - interfaith and inter-racial couples and families, new Jews and seekers, Jews of color, gay and lesbian individuals and families, single adults and blended families is part of our daily operation. Through education and programs, Temple Beth Shalom strives to welcome and educate new Jews-by-choice and those investigating Judaism and welcomes interfaith families to take part in synagogue life, to learn more about Judaism, and to raise their children as Jews.

One of the many new programs Rabbi Sonsino introduced was an annual family Passover seder. Temple families came together on the second night of Passover to celebrate the holiday, and other Needham clergy also attended this traditional feast.

Rabbi Sonino also introduced a Twenty Thirty Something Group and a group for singles over 50 called B’Yachad so Jewish singles of all ages could meet. Rabbi Sonsino also expanded educational programs from preschool children to bar/bat mistzvah students to those wanting to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah as adults. Other programs that Rabbi Sonsino introduced included an annual adult educational retreat, called a Kallah, held over a weekend at a hotel resort.

During the 1980s the temple matured and enjoyed stability. Sheldon Bycoff helped to improve the Temple’s administration during his presidency in 1987-1988. The first full-time administrator was hired in addition to a full-time cantor, and the education staff gained the first full-time religious school principal.

With the continuing growth of the Temple in the 1980s, the building needed to change again. The 1991 project led the temple to a leadership role in making a synogogue handicap accessible.

Rabbi Sonsino helped to make Temple Beth Shalom recognized nationally. He became active and well known in the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and other members of the temple also rose to leadership positions in the organization. A prolific author, Rabbi Sonsino wrote several books including Finding God in 1986 with Rabbi Daniel Syme, What Happens After I Die, Six Spiritual Paths and The Many Faces of God.

Rabbi Sonsino retired and became rabbi emeritus in June, 2003. Under his leadership, Temple Beth Shalom grew to 550 families, a growth of 37% in the second 25 years as a Reform congregation.

Thriving in the 21st Century
In 2003 Rabbi Jay Perlman became the fifth full-time rabbi at TBS. A native of Malden, MA, he came to Needham after seven years as assistant rabbi at a large congregation in St. Louis. The young rabbi came to a Temple that was well established and ready to go from “strength to strength.” In his first year, the temple saw an increase of 44 families to 600 households, 10 times as many members as in 1955, when the temple became a Reform Congregation. Today, Temple Beth Shalom has grown to 822 families.

Rabbi Perlman has worked closely with both the professional and lay leadership to revise the Temple’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah program and the post Bar/Bat Mitzvah program for youth, to redesign the sanctuary, to complete a strategic planning process, to bring a Youth Educator to the professional staff, and to help the congregation focus on becoming an even more caring community. Shabbat morning torah study programs draw large crowds of adults and students.

As the Temple embarked on its Jubilee Year, it undertook still another building renovation in October, 2004. Richard Luskin came back to co-chair another Building Committee, with Roger Ambuter. The renovations to the sanctuary and lower level were completed in 2005, ensuring that the Temple will thrive in the 21st century.

In 2006, the Temple’s growth led to the hiring of its first assistant rabbi, Todd Markley, now co-senior rabbi. Also, Rabbi Michele Lenke joined the temple as the Renaissance Rabbi Educator. Today the temple has an excellent team of professionals. More options for worship are now available. Services begin twice a month at 7:15 with an Oneg Shabbat following the service and at 6:15 with a pre-Oneg twice a month. Once a month at the 6:15 service, there is a Simcha Shabbat family service with babysitting for younger children. A new, monthly contemplative service is also offered. The increase in membership also has led to a second location for High Holiday services at the Rashi School in Dedham..

The educational programs were re-envisioned and revised. The religious school closed and a new approach to elementary learning, called Mayim (grades K-5), was launched in the fall of 2012. A new program for teens (grades 8 -12) was launched in 2014, and a new program for preteens (grades 6-7) in 2016, both now called Etzim (grades 6-12). Early childhood education was expanded to include a full-day, year-round program within the Children's Center, as well as Bumps, Babies, and Beyond, which began in 2014. Staffing changes were made to support these newly revised programs. Rachel Happel assumed the role of Director of K-12 Learning in 2013 and Rabbi Jordi Battis assumed the role of Director of K-12 Curriculum in 2014.

For his work in leading the Mayim program, Rabbi Todd Markley in 2013 received the prestigious Pomegranate Prize from the Covenant Foundation, awarded to five promising young Jewish educators in the United States.

Other new or expanded directions at the temple in recent years include:

Becoming an even more caring community with an enhanced Chesed committee that provides support to members in poor health or in need.
A new group of connectors who have been trained to reach out to members who are not yet actively involved in temple life.
A Shomrei adamant effort, or concern for the environment, which is trying to reduce the temple's carbon footprint.
An Increased focus on Israel, with Rabbi Perlman leading congregant trips to Israel every other year and a revitalized Israel/Arza Committee that promotes congregational engagement with Israel.
A "Knitting Mavens" group has been hand-knitting Hats for Israeli Soldiers since 2012. In December 2014, Rabbi Jay Perlman and members of our congregation delivered 118 hats to the Israeli founder of the program during TBS's trip to Israel. The hats provide warmth and emotional support to soldiers. Another 118 hats are being created for 2016.
A social justice committee that addresses community concerns that keep members awake at night. A food collection is held each year during the High Holidays.
A "Three Score and More" group geared specifically towards members of our temple family who are age 60 and up.

The Temple's continued growth made the building inadequate. A new Mikdash (sacred space) project began in 2012, led by former presidents, Beth Pinals and Rich Luskin, with elaborate involvement of the entire temple community. The process led to a vision of a complete redesign and expansion of the temple, except for the sanctuary, which was updated in 2005. Construction began in the fall of 2015 and was completed in the fall of 2016.

Led by co-chairs Jason Chudnofsky, Louis Grossman and Steve Snyder, the Mikdash Campaign has raised more for this $11.5 million campaign than any previous building project.

After a year of building and renovation, the expanded temple was completed by September 2016, right on schedule. During the challenging year "in the wilderness" while construction continued, temple clergy, staff and members showed resilience and worked hard to keep temple life vibrant.

Dedication took place on the September 9-11th weekend, as members celebrated the beautiful new building. A time capsule with 52 items was inserted in the wall of the Chesed Room to be opened in 2055, the 100th anniversary of the temple becoming a Reform congregation.

In 2019 Rabbi Julie Bressler joined the temple as assistant rabbi after earning her ordination from Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles from which she also earned a Master Of Arts in Education in 2017.

Perhaps the best testimony to the success of Temple Beth Shalom is that more than 50 families are now second generation members. In 2007 Jonathan Kappel became the Temple's first second generation president. Since then, David Grebber (2009), Michael Bailit (2012-14) and Jeff Shapiro (2018-20) also became second generation presidents. These members grew up in the Temple, and now they have joined with their own families to continue to pass the legacy of Judaism from generation to generation at Temple Beth Shalom.

HISTORY OF TEMPLE BETH SHALOM
The history of Temple Beth Shalom reflects the growth of the Jewish population in Needham, as the Temple was the first Jewish organization formed in town. This history is not long – just over 100 years.

Pioneers laid the groundwork to establish a Reform Jewish temple in Needham before 1955.

1897
• The first Jews arrive in Needham -- David and Elizabeth Simon. Family members and friends followed their lead.

1945
• On October 17th 18 Jewish families in Needham established the Needham Jewish Community Group, forerunner of Temple Beth Shalom. Mrs. Meyer White was the first Chair and Meyer Gordon the first President.

1950
• A Hebrew School was established for 14 children. Mary Sacks was Chairwoman, and the group met on Sundays in the American Legion Hall and in a private home. Tuition was $25 per child.

1953
• The Scroll began publication, edited by Evelyn Shore.

• Hillel Gameron, a rabbinical student, conducted the first High Holiday services, held at the First Parish Church in Needham. Services continued to be held in area churches until the Temple was built.

1954
• The Needham Jewish Community Center was incorporated to expand the activities of the Needham Jewish Community Group and to work more closely with other Jewish religious organizations locally and nationally.

In its first 25 years as a Reform congregation, Temple Beth Shalom became established as a Needham institution.

1955
• The Needham Jewish Community Center joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregation (today the Union for Reform Judaism). This major decision was a close vote since the members included people who were also of Conservative and Orthodox beliefs.

• Rabbi Herbert Yarrish was hired as the first of several part time rabbis and Harmon Shufro became the first cantor.

• The first torah was consecrated. A congregant brought it by train to Needham from a congregation in Baltimore that closed.

• The land at Webster and Highland was purchased for $10,000.

1956
• The Needham Jewish Community Center held the first consecration and 45 children participated.

1957
• The Needham Jewish Community Center was renamed Temple Beth Shalom.

• A Garden Club began. It continues to create beautiful flower arrangements each week for the Shabbat Service as well as for holidays and special events.

• The Sisterhood began, evolving from an earlier Women’s Group. It continues to thrive as a vibrant community with about 250 members and includes women of several generations.

1958
• Rabbi Albert Yanow became the first full-time spiritual leader.

• Edward M. Appel became the first bar mitzvah on September 20th in a service held at the First Parish Church.

• On November 30th ground was broken for the new building, which cost $120,000. The dedication was in October 1959. The facility included only a single room that served as a sanctuary, social hall and classroom. This room was named Simon Hall acknowledging a donation from Philip and Rose Simon in honor of their parents, the first Jews in Needham.

1959
• The Brotherhood was established, growing out of an earlier Men’s Club. Today the group numbers about 80 members.

1961
• Rabbi Daniel Lee Kaplan became the second full-time rabbi.

1963
• Groundbreaking for a new wing took place in the fall, and it was dedicated in April 1965. The Ark was dedicated to both to Ida and Philip Gordon, one of the first Jewish families in Needham and parents of Meyer Gordon, and to the parents of his wife Edith. A mural for the ark was commissioned from Canadian artist Ronald Satok.

1964
• A nursery school was established, led by Paulyne Raemer. Today it is called the Children’s Center. There were 72 students enrolled in 2010-11.

1970
• Rabbi Rievan W. Slavkin became the third Temple rabbi.

1976
• Organist Joe Policelli, who still creates beautiful music for our services, was hired.

In its second 25 years, from 1980 – 2005, Temple Beth Shalom grew to maturity and national recognition.

1980s
• Rabbi Rifat Sonsino became the Temple’s fourth rabbi in 1980.

• Rabbi Sonsino expanded all aspects of Temple life by creating many new programs including the Outreach Committee, the Adult Bat Mitzvah program, the family seder on the second night of Passover, the Kallah educational retreat, and the Twenty/Thirty Something Group. His many books helped to bring national recognition to the Temple.

• Muriel Freedman was hired as the Temple’s first administrator, serving from 1982 -1990.

• Ina Glasberg became the first woman president in 1989.

1991
• A renovation was completed of the lobby and administrative wing. The Temple became handicap-accessible.

1998
• Cantor Lori Salzman became the Temple’s cantor, serving until 2005.

• Sandy Whitecross became the Temple’s Education Director. The religious school had 367 students in 2004-5.

2003
• Rabbi Sonsino retired and became the Temple’s first Rabbi Emeritus.

• Rabbi Jay Perlman joined the Temple as its fifth full-time rabbi. In his first year, the Temple grew to 600 households, 10 times as many as in 1955, when it became a Reform congregation.

2004
• Renovation began of the sanctuary and lower level in October, to be completed in summer 2005.

2005
• The Temple celebrated its Jubilee year, culminating in a weekend of special events in May including a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

• The renovated sanctuary is dedicated.

Temple Beth Shalom moves “from strength to strength” in the Twenty-First Century.

2006
• Rabbi Todd Markley became the first assistant rabbi at the Temple; he is later promoted to Associate Rabbi.

2007
• Jonathan Kappel became the first second generation president

2010
• Cantor Marcie Jonas joined the Temple as Cantor and musical leader. She served until 2016.

• Ellen Dietrick became the Temple’s Director of Early Childhood Learning.

• Daniel Barkowitz became the Temple’s first Executive Director. He served until 2015.

2012 – 2014
• The Mikdash project was initiated culminating in construction beginning in 2015 to renovate and expand the temple.

• The religious school was closed in 2012, and the new Mayim (K-5th grade) approach began in 2012; the new 8 -12th grade approach began in 2014. Bump, Babies and Beyond began in 2014.

• In 2013 Rachel Happel became the Director of K-12 Learning and Rabbi Jordi Battis became the Director of K-12 Curriculum in 2014.

2015
• Rabbi Todd Markley was promoted to co-senior rabbi with Rabbi Jay Perlman.

2016

• The new 6-7th grade approach began in 2016.
• Mikdash will be completed in 2016, and the Temple’s year “in the wilderness” will end.

Rabbi Jay Perlman's sermon on Yom Kippur, 2015, explains how Temple Beth Shalom acquired its Holocaust Torah:

Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond the Jewish communities of Europe knew well the experiences of ongoing persecution and anti-Semitic uprisings. Yet throughout, these very same Jewish communities – large and small – continued to find ways to flourish – to bring Judaism to life – and to create. One of these places was the town of Sobeslav in Czechoslovakia. Some time during either the 1700s or early 1800s a special sofer – or Torah scribe was called upon to pen a most unique Torah scroll.

This text would be, what is referred to, as a Kabbalistic or mystical scroll….And its writer – specially trained in the art of Kabbalah would scribe each of the letters with particular mystical focus and by using a unique calligraphic style.

Ultimately, it would become a spiritual and sacred work of art that its owners hoped would inspire generations of Jews.

When the Nazis rose to power and invaded Czechoslovakia – tragically, the Sobeslav scroll – along with thousands of other Torahs in communities across the country-side – were in danger from the Nazis.

However, with the defeat of Nazi Germany, many of the Czech scrolls that had been taken were brought to London where they were held by the Westminster Synagogue. Eventually, a number of these Torahs would be shared – on permanent loan – with synagogues around the world as a testament to the hope and promise of a Jewish people which has continually found a way to survive.

A number of years ago, thanks to the work of the Grossman family and Rabbi Sonsino – the mystical Torah scroll of Sobeslav – found its way to its new home, here at Temple Beth Shalom.

While the sign that we have for this Torah states that it was penned in the 19th century – a sofer who recently appraised this text for our community has told us that he believes that it is actually over 300 years old – and is one of the most unique Torahs that he has ever seen.

During the past few years, our congregation through beloved members, Florence and Jerry Schumacher, has formed a special bond with the town of Sobeslav – near Prague. Thanks to Florence and Jerry, the building – now a private home - which had served as the town synagogue was identified. With the help of a local guide, we have been in touch with the owners of the property as well as with town officials. And, I am proud to say that in the coming weeks, a specially created plaque – written in both English and Czech – will be dedicated near the site. Some distant relative of Jerry’s – who are still living in the area – will be there for the ceremony….and by extension – through the Schumacher family - will be representing all of us.

The plaque reads:

Here lived the heart of the Sobeslav Jewish community. This community began in the early 16th Century and ended when the Nazis deported its last residents to Theresienstadt in November, 1942. During the time the synagogue was active, its walls were filled with prayer, song, celebration, and learning by men, women, and children. May their memories be for a blessing.

Memorialized in 2015 by Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Massachusetts, USA where a Torah scroll saved from Sobeslav continues to be a source of wisdom and light.

This afternoon…..as part of our commemoration of Yom Kippur….we once again read from the sacred scroll. It is, for us, a living testimony: Ani Ma’amin - to our belief – with complete faith – in the continuity – in the vitality of the Jewish people.

Florence Schumacher's article on TBS Remembers Sobeslav Jewish Community:

The street in Sobeslav, Czech Republic, where the former synagogue was located, is still called "Jew Street" even though there haven't been any Jews in the town since 1942, when they were all deported to Theresienstadt. Until last November, there was no indication in the town that there had been a vibrant Jewish community there for hundreds of years.

Thanks to Temple Beth Shalom, there is now a plaque on the site of the former synagogue from where our Holocaust Torah comes. It says:

Memorialized in 2015 by Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Massachusetts, USA, where a Torah scroll saved from Sobeslav continues to be a source of wisdom and light.

With the help of Julius Muller, founder of the genealogy organization Toledot, and a leader of the Jewish community in Prague, Temple Beth Shalom sponsored the bronze plaque and arranged for it to be dedicated. Julius was able to find a descendant of one of the Jewish families to unveil it in a moving ceremony at the site of the synagogue on Sunday, November 15, 2015. A local choir sang Hebrew songs, Cantor Michael Forst from Prague chanted El Male Rachamim, and local officials spoke. After 70 years, the Jews of Sobeslav were memorialized, and Hebrew was heard on Jew Street again. The TBS plaque bears witness to the lives and cruel end of the Sobeslav Jewish community.

My husband Jerry and I visited Sobeslav in September 2013 while we were on our way from Prague to the national historic site Czesky Krumlov. Sobeslav is in the middle of a rural, forested area in the Czech countryside between two mountain ranges, about two hours south of Prague. A number of small towns are also in the rural area, as well as the surprising presence of a McDonald's and a KFC. We were able to visit the site of the former synagogue, and the current residents suggested we could put a plaque on the building to show it was once a synagogue. We also learned about a history of the Sobelsav Jews in a book at the Chamber of Commerce. Our enterprising guide rushed to have the chapter about the Jewish community copied for us before we left. Julius later translated it.

The Sobeslav Jewish Community

Jews came to Sobeslav at the beginning of the 16th century, but they were expelled in 1606 and could no longer live in the town, though they were allowed to trade there. They moved to nearby towns. Only after the 1848 revolution gave equality to the whole population did the Jews return to live in Sobeslav. Despite anti-Jewish riots in 1866, they built a thriving community establishing successful clothing, grocery and liquor shops and factories.

The synagogue housing the Torah we now have and a school were built in 1874. By 1910, there were 121 Jews in Sobeslav. They mostly spoke German. The commercial success of the Jewish community and their preference for speaking German alienated the local population, resulting in more anti-Jewish riots in 1911. But after World War I the German language disappeared from the streets of Sobeslav.

Between the world wars the Jewish community thrived, until the German occupation in 1939. The Germans introduced anti-Jewish laws, so Jews could no longer practice their faith or attend public restaurants, theaters and swimming pools. Jews had to wear a yellow Star of David. In 1940, Jewish shops and the synagogue were closed. In November 1942, all the Jews were deported to Theresienstadt (also called Terezin) and in 1943 to Auschwitz to be murdered. Only two residents survived: 70-year old Berta Kreisslova and five-year old Pavel Wurmfeld.

A member of one of the most prominent Jewish families, who owned an important factory, was spared because of intermarriage. Josef Blann, who was married to Milada, a non-Jew, was not deported, but the following year he was sent to the Oslavany labor camp and his 14-year old daughter, Noemi, to Theresienstadt. They were liberated in 1945 and returned to Sobeslav, where Milada still lived. Noemi's son, Pavel Makovec, unveiled the TBS plaque at the November dedication.

The synagogue was used as a storehouse until it was torn down in 1959. A building for the town's office of communal services was established there. Today it is a private residence.

The Missing Neighbors Project

In 2001, students in the Sobeslav gymnasium (high school) participated in a project organized by the Jewish Museum of Prague to remember victims of the Holocaust. Under the leadership of teacher Radim Jindra (who spoke at the plaque dedication), the students researched the lives of the Sobeslav Jewish residents and what happened to them. They even retraced their deportation to Theresienstadt and Auschwitz. Their research culminated in a well-regarded exhibition that brought their work to the Sobeslav public. Jindra was invited to Yad Vashem for his contributions.

The Holocaust Torahs

Our Torah scroll from Sobeslav comes to us because of unique rescue efforts. At great personal risk, a devoted group of Jews from Prague collected Torahs and other ritual objects from the many synagogues being closed in the provinces during the early years of the war and brought them to Prague for what was to be the Central Jewish Museum. All the Jewish curators were deported and killed at Auschwitz, but the Torahs remained stored in a former synagogue in Michle, near Prague (which we visited since Jerry's ancestors had lived in that town). After the Communists discovered the scrolls, they welcomed an offer to buy them from the Westminister Synagogue in London. The Memorial Scrolls Trust brought 1,564 Torahs to London, where the idea to allow synagogues throughout the world to have the Torahs on long-term loan emerged. Thanks to the generosity of Louis and Patti Grossman, Temple Beth Shalom became the home for the Holocaust Torah from Sobeslav (MST#299). For more information about the Memorial Scrolls Trust project, go to www.memorialscrollstrust.org.

There are no longer any Jews in the Sobeslav, nor is there a single Jewish community in any of the small towns of southern Bohemia. But the Torahs from the destroyed communities continue to bring light to Jewish communities throughout the world.

Our Holocaust Torah is in the ark of the new Beit Midrash. Rabbi Jay expects it to be used more often there than in the past when it has been used just during the Yom Kippur service.

Pavel Makovec (l), a descendent of one of the few Jewish survivors of the Holocaust in Sobeslav, and Julius Muller (r) from Prague unveil the TBS plaque at the site of the former synagogue as the choir members look on during the plaque dedication on November 15, 2015.

The dedication of the plaque that Temple Beth Shalom arranged to be placed on the site of the former synagogue in Sobeslav.