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FAQ

What movement are you affiliated with?

Temple Israel belongs to the Conservative Movement. We are associated with USCJ 

Do I have to live in Sharon to be a member of TI Sharon?

Many of our community members live in Sharon, but we are fortunate that we have congregants who join us from Canton, Stoughton, Easton, Foxboro, Dedham, and many other surrounding towns.

We are an interfaith family, can we become members?

Of course! Our core value of Inclusion/Kavod haBriyot means we welcome the participation of interfaith couples and families. To support this commitment, our Inclusion committee works with our clergy to:

  • Establish inclusive practices for communal life and rituals while maintaining standards of halakhah (Jewish law). 
  • Raise awareness and educate our membership about best practices of inclusion within the context of Conservative Judaism.
We are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Will we feel welcome?

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. We celebrate diversity and believe that each individual enriches our community. You will always be welcomed here. If you have any specific concerns or needs, please feel free to reach out to templeoffice@tisharon.org, and we will do our best to ensure you feel comfortable and valued.

How accessible is TI Sharon?

Temple Israel is ADA-accessible and we offer different accommodations as needed for members and guests. We have audio aids, transliterated siddurim (prayer books), and magnifiers. Please reach out to the Main Office should you need something specific ahead of your visit to our building.

What if I don’t know Hebrew?

That's ok! We don't need you to be fluent, we just want you to come and join us! Much of our rituals and services are conducted in Hebrew. Our siddurim (prayerbooks) are in Hebrew with translation and we have fully transliterated siddurim available in our Sanctuary. 

Do you keep kosher?

 We have a kosher kitchen and only allow Kosher food to be brought into the building. By keeping a strict standard of Kashrut, we are able to meet the diverse religious and dietary needs of our community. For any specific kashrut questions, please email Rabbi Jeremy Fineberg (jfineberg@tisharon.org)

What do I wear to worship services at TI Sharon?

Come as you are! We would never turn anyone away but ask that you dress modestly and appropriately.

Do your clergy perform weddings, baby namings, funerals, etc?

Our Rabbi and Cantor are committed to being present in the lifecycles of all of our members, to share in and be part of the joys and the oys that make up every life. Our clergy are honored to officiate at life-cycle occasions for Temple Israel members and, under certain circumstances, for non-members. Have a special need or want to plan a lifecycle event? Call our office to find out how we can be there for you.

How does membership at TI Sharon work?

To learn more about membership, please visit our membership page. Money should never be a deterrent to being a part of our Temple Israel community. We have a voluntary dues structure and will work with you on what feels appropriate. Please reach out to the Executive Director, Karen Nahary to learn more information.

Do I have to become a member to come to events?

You do not have to be a member to join us for events. Please note that some of our programming will offer a membership rate, but all community members are welcome to join us!

Do you have adult education?

We have a vibrant calendar of adult education throughout the year. Please visit our adult ed page to learn more about current and past programming.

Do you have youth education?

We are proud of our Temple Israel Religious School and Youth programming. Our Religious School is from Kindergarten through 7th grade and offers 8-12th graders the opportunity to be Madrichim (counselors) as a great leadership opportunity. We also offer youth group outings throughout the year. Please check our Religious School and Youth page for more information!

Do you have a preschool?

Hertz Nursery School at Temple Israel offers a unique multifaceted program for children ages 15 months through age 5, including a Transitional Kindergarten program. To learn more please visit the Hertz Nursery School page.

How do I meet people and become a part of this community?

Come check out our Shabbat morning services, adult and youth education opportunities, or morning/evening minyan during the week. You are always welcome to come to an upcoming event!

How can I get involved with Jewish rituals at TI (e.g., read Torah)?
 One thing that makes TI special is our balancing of lay and professional leadership for services. Please reach out to Cantor Gloth to sign up to read Torah, lead Services, or learn how to lead and read!
 
We have dedicated community members who work on this.  Click here to learn more.