History

In the 1920s, a small group of Jewish families, some seasonal residents, and others permanent, gathered for worship at a modest synagogue on Harding Street—the sole Jewish place of worship in Sharon at the time. One group of families began convening at a small structure behind the Rosenstein Mansion House, a local hotel on Pond Street. These modest origins marked the foundation of what we now know as Temple Israel. In 1925, the women within this tight-knit community established the Sharon Hebrew Ladies Aid, Inc., later evolving into the Sisterhood of Temple Israel, dedicated to assisting those in need.

By 1936, the Jewish Community Centre of Sharon was founded with an initial membership of 32 families. For more than a decade, gatherings were hosted in private homes, services conducted in a small building behind the Mansion House, and religious education conducted in various locations throughout the town. Not until 1949 did the congregation erect its inaugural edifice, situated on land generously donated by Benjamin Rosenstein. This building housed a sanctuary (utilized until 1995), a meeting space, and the rabbi’s office. In 1954, construction commenced on the Hebrew School wing.

The late 1950s marked a period of significant expansion within the Sharon Jewish community. Temple Israel’s membership flourished, quickly outgrowing its facilities. In the 1960s, the building underwent substantial enlargement, incorporating a social hall, community space additional religious school classrooms, and spaces for the growing population of teens to hang out. Rabbi Shamai Kanter helmed the congregation through much of this era.

Reflecting the growing societal push to include women in areas of society from which they have been excluded, in 1971, discussions were initiated regarding women’s involvement on the bimah, leading ultimately to Temple Israel becoming an egalitarian congregation, with women assuming roles as shlichot tzibbur (prayer leaders) in 1987.

The modern Temple Israel facility, enjoyed today, was dedicated in 1995, following extensive planning, fundraising efforts, and dedication from the congregation. This transformation included the construction of a new sanctuary, updates to Berger Hall, and the addition of new classrooms. The Weitzenkorn Family Chapel was dedicated in 2024 providing an upgraded modern venue for morning and evening minyans and needed adult learning space.

Over the past two decades, Temple Israel has continued to thrive and evolve, emerging as a vibrant and innovative congregation. Today it stands as the largest Conservative synagogue in the South Area of Boston, offering a diverse array of programs fostering spiritual, educational, social, and cultural growth within its engaged membership. Temple Israel is distinguished by the plethora of award-winning programs developed by its Sisterhood, FJMC-affiliated Brotherhood, Hazak, and High School programs. Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of Temple Israel, evident through initiatives such as the Hertz Nursery School and extensive adult and family educational programs, providing countless opportunities for Jewish enrichment.

Temple Israel welcomed Rabbi Jeremy Fineberg in 2022 and Cantor Jamie Gloth in July 2024.