Our Welcoming Community
We are delighted that you are considering making our community your home. As a congregational family, Temple Shalom is committed to making each person feel welcome. We do this in a personal way by getting to know each member, one at a time, and in doing so help everyone find a place in Temple Shalom’s dynamic and supportive Jewish community. We proudly welcome people of traditional and non-traditional backgrounds, interfaith families, Jews-by-choice, Jews of color, members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and those searching for meaning.
Your life and the life of our congregation will be enriched when you join our welcoming community.
Our Financial Philosophy - Shalom Commitment
In July 2022, Temple Shalom introduced a new model of giving for our congregation based on our values of inclusion and commitment to community: Shalom Commitment. Under our past transactional system, members were charged set levels of dues, and had to request abatements if not able to contribute at those levels. With Shalom Commitment, we provide information about what it costs to operate your Temple, as well as giving guidelines, and then leave the amount of the contribution up to you, thereby fostering inclusion and a sense of ownership for all our members.
Temple Shalom has many generous members who are financially able to and do support the Temple with significant contributions.We also have members at many stages of life who are not able to pay significant amounts. We understand that people’s financial circumstances change, as well as their family circumstances; some members have left the Temple after their children become B’nei Mitzvah rather than continue to pay high dues, while young families who might join the Temple are deterred by those high dues. With Shalom Commitment we undertake to retain and expand our membership while providing a high level of services and programming to all who are interested.
Membership Benefits
Temple Shalom is a place for Jewish spirituality, learning, prayer, celebration, and support. At times of reflection and growth, we are here to guide you. At times of simcha (happiness), we are here to share your joy. When you need strength and comfort, we are there with you too. Our members benefit from:
- A wide range of social, educational, and spiritual programming for all ages
- Access to all High Holy Day services and weekly Shabbat services
- The opportunity to enroll in our inclusive Jewish learning and engagement programs for Grades K-12
- Becoming a B'nei Mitzvah family in our supportive community
- Engagement with our clergy, who are available for pastoral care, lifecycle events, and general guidance
- A discount on tuition at our exceptional Temple Shalom Nursery School
- New friendships and lifelong connections with people who are in similar stages of life as you
- Leadership opportunities through various committees, task forces, and projects
- Access to all Adult Learning and Engagement courses and events
- Holding life-cycle events such as weddings and funerals in our beautifully renovated Sanctuary
- Discounted rental of our spaces for other parties, events, etc.
- Travel with us on trips to Israel and other Jewish communities around the world
Interested in or Thinking about Joining Temple Shalom?
Do you want more information on becoming a member? Feel free to call 617-332-9550 x102 or fill out the form at this link and we will contact you.
Ready to Join Temple Shalom?
If you already know you'd like to join, please fill out this membership application.