At Temple Shalom, kehillah (community) is a core value. Our Caring Community encourages and nurtures a compassionate community where we support each other during difficult times and celebrate joyous occasions together. Our volunteers welcome newborns, reach out to the ill, provide rides, connect with isolated members, and comfort the bereaved.
If you or someone you know needs support, please call the Temple at 617-332-9550
or email the Caring Community. Your privacy will always be respected.
Welcoming Children into a Family
A Caring Community volunteer will visit with a family, celebrating the arrival of a new addition. The volunteer will deliver a fleece baby blanket or tzedekah box crafted by SHACHARIT K-6 students, sweets for the older siblings and some nourishment for the entire family. We also visit newborn grandchildren of Temple members who live in Newton or neighboring communities.
Connecting With Those in Need
Providing Rides
Caring Community drivers assure that members can attend religious services, classes and other events at Temple. Drivers also can provide transportation to medical appointments.
Supporting the Sick
Caring Community volunteers support members facing illness or injury with notes, calls, visits and help with meals. Shalom Stitchers knit and crochet healing shawls to those battling serious illness.
Caring Connections (Outreach)
Caring Community fosters connections with members who may be isolated or lonely. Some may feel forgotten as they have moved from their Newton homes and cannot easily come to the Temple building. We stay connected through phone calls and visits with holiday goodies. Please suggest names of those who might benefit from this initiative.
Comforting Mourners
We reach out and visit members who have suffered a loss. On the first Rosh Hashanah following the death of a member, a basket of apples and honey is delivered to the family with sympathies on their loss in the past year and hopes for a peaceful New Year.
If you have suffered a loss and want to speak to our clergy, please call (617) 332-9550 and ask for the Rabbi’s assistant. If our office is closed, listen to instructions for emergency contact information.
Join Our Caring Community
Resources and Information
Mental Health Resource Guide
Death and Mourning Guide:
Customs and Observances Surrounding Death and Mourning
Shiva Set-up Guide:
"Shiva Set-up Guide"
For help talking about wishes for end of life care:
For help talking about wishes for end of life care: The Conversation Project
To Find Resources and Services for Seniors:
CJP Senior Direct or call the CJP Senior Hotline (800) 980-1982
For Resources and Services for Those in Need:
Jewish Family and Children's Services of Boston: Resources and programming for people with disabilities, Parkinson's family support, bereavement support groups, domestic abuse counseling, adoption resources and much more.
Websites to help families organize and schedule support in time of need:
Facilitate and schedule volunteers for care-giving, including meals, rides, and visit: Lotsa Helping Hands
Interactive online meal-scheduling calendar: Meal Train
Connect with friends and family during a health event: Caring Bridge
Transportation Resources:
Senior transportation options for Newton residents from the city.
Objective assessment of a driver’s ability to drive safely from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.