Boston Jewish Spirit had its origin in June, 2004, when Rabbis Howard Berman and Devon Lerner decided to create a new alternative High Holy Day experience for the Boston community. Recognizing the need for a progressive, inclusive Jewish experience for a variety of constituencies in the city's central neighborhoods, BJS was conceived as a special outreach to interfaith and multicultural families, LGBT people, urban dwellers and all spiritual seekers interested in an accessible encounter with the liberal ideals and traditions of Reform Judaism.
Our inaugural worship services were held on Rosh Hashanah, as guests of Arlington Street Church, coincidentally making these the first Jewish Services to be held in Back Bay in Boston history.With an enthusiastic response from the 250 people who attended our worship, BJS was born.
Surveys collected from participants indicated an interest in ongoing oportunities for worship, study, holiday celebrations and social events. An active core of committed volunteers and leaders emerged, and worked with Rabbi Berman to develop a monthly series of activites over the following year: a Chanukah Celebration; a Sabbath Afternoon "Havdalah" study session on American Jewish history; a special tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, highlighting art of Jewish interest; a wonderful and festive communal Passover Seder; and a special Sabbath Eve Service commemorating the first anniversary of Marriage Equality in Masschusetts, as well as featuring the Naming Ceremony of our first newborn. In addition, we instituted an intensive bi-weekly "Exploring Judaism" course for prospective converts with 12 committed students, and a resource/support group for interfaith couples. On June 20, 2005, the active core of BJS participants met to discuss the future direction of our emerging spiritual community, under Rabbi Berman's leadership. The group enthusiastically decided to formally incorporate as a congregation, following the historic progressive principles and worship traditions of Classical Reform Judaism. Our congregation now numbers over 110 members.
That month, through the invitation of the Rev. William Blaine-Wallace, BJS inaugurated a new relationship with Emmanuel Church on Newbury Street, an historic progressive Episcopal parish that offered us use of their facilities for our worship and programs. This hospitality has eveolved into a close relationship between the two congregations - both sharing the building, and a variety of joint programs. Since 2005, Rabbi Berman has served as Rabbi-in-Residence at Emmanuel, preaching monthly at its Sunday worship. In 2007, BJS and Emmanuel established the new Emmanuel Center , as a unique interfaith partnership for shared programs and for the exploration of the intersection of religion and the arts.
Our Mission Statement clearly expresses the values we seek to affirm and proclaim to the people of Boston:
Boston Jewish Spirit is a liberal, inclusive Reform Jewish Congregation committed to the opportunities, challenges and diversity of urban life. We welcome all who are seeking to experience Judaism's universal spiritual ideals and traditions, regardless of religious background. We extend a special invitation to interfaith and multicultural families, LGBT people and residents of Boston's city neighborhoods. Together we seek to create a community of worship, learning and service, grounded in the timeless Jewish vision of a "house of prayer for all people," and responding to the mandate of our Hebrew Prophets to work for justice and peace in the world.
BJS's New Torah and Ark!
BJS celebrated a major milestone in our short history, as we begin the New Year 5768! Since our inception in 2004, we have borrowed a Torah Scroll - the parchment scroll containing the manuscript text of the Five Books of Moses - from our sister synagogue, the Belmont Temple Center, for the High Holy Days. Last year, we acquired a miniature "replica" scroll for regular symbolic use, but this is a printed facsimile, rather than an authentic parchment scroll. Recently , Rabbi Berman was speaking with his old friend and colleague, Rabbi Edward Cohn of Temple Sinai, the major Reform congregation in New Orleans, and was sharing a report of our inspiring progress. Rabbi Cohn immediately offered to approach his Board to request a long-term loan of a Scroll for BJS, and they unanimously approved the transfer of one of their historic 19th century Torahs to us! This Torah Scroll originated in Germany, and dates from about 1850. It was brought to New Orleans around 1900, and has been used by Sinai since then. As a large and historic congregation, they have ten Scrolls, and have graciously offered to part with this one, for our use. The Scroll had been slightly damaged during Hurricane Katrina, and has just been restored. Rabbi Cohn has indicated that the presentation to us is a thanksgiving offering for the resumption of their Temple's normal life after a year of upheaval from the storm, and the return of many of their members who had been in "exile".
As part of this major development, BJS has acquired a beautiful new Holy Ark - the shrine that houses the Torah - to replace the handmade one that we have used since our beginning. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of many of our members who have expressed their joy by contributing the new Ark, Vestments and Silver adornments that traditionally cover the Scroll. We formally dedicated all of these at our worship on Rosh Hashanah Morning.
Our Ark stands adjoining the Altar in the Emmanuel Church sanctuary. When BJS gathers for worship, it is moved either on to the chancel, creating our "bimah", or into the Lindsey Chapel, flanked by our menorahs, Sabbath candles and BJS pulpit banner. Each Sunday, it is in full view of Emmanuel's worshippers - a vivid and dramatic symbol of our shared home, and of the Jewish context of Christian faith and worship.
