Who We Are
Reflecting the diverse population of Cambridge, the Tremont Street Shul (officially, we're Temple Beth Shalom), represents a unique, creatively traditional approach to Judaism. Our goal is to cultivate a spiritual home for Jews who are looking for a traditionally Jewish and socially inclusive community.
We have three styles of worship every Shabbat and two styles of weekday services. See the worship services page for more information on the styles available. Our minyanim come together after Shabbat morning services for a Kiddush, including a light lunch, singing, and much fellowship. All holidays are celebrated with services and appropriate observances.
The Temple hosts a number of educational activities, including Alef-Bet Child Care, Talmud study, a Hebrew class, and other adult education programs. Along with two other local congregations, we support the Kesher after-school Hebrew School program.
A unique event at Tremont Street is our famous Simchat Torah celebration* which draws as many as 500 or more people. Part of the fun-filled service is the Hakafot, which takes the congregation out onto Tremont Street for singing and dancing well into the night. This service attracts a wide cross-section of the Greater Boston community, including special participation of local college Hillels.
*Our next Simchat Torah celebration will take place on Monday evening, October 21, 2019 -- mark your calendar!
Our web site
Temple Beth Shalom was one of the first synagogues in the world to have a web site, starting in 1995. Our current web site is based on the ShulCloud software package. Thanks to Rabbi Emily Mathis for developing our new site.
Temple Beth Shalom is a member of the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts.