Description
From its beginning in 1854 as a traditional German shul to its current status as the most important Reform synagogue in New England, Temple Israel has been crucial force in Boston and American Jewish life. The congregation’s ongoing efforts to conform to changes in American society whilst preserving balance—between tradition and innovation, between acculturation and distinctiveness—exemplify the transformations in non secular worship practices, education, and social justice that mark up to date American Reform Judaism. This volume, in keeping with hundreds of archival documents, demographic data, and oral histories, and illustrated with more than 200 images, brings to life the stories of the boys, women, and youngsters who have built and maintained this essential Jewish community for more than 150 years.