Jewish Downtown, Boston Movie Series - ZERO MOTIVATION
2026-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Boston Synagogue, 55 Martha Rd, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
Jewish downtown movie culture through Film — where stories come alive on screen and in community.

Jewish Downtown Boston Movie Series features: ZERO MOTIVATION
Movie Night is hosted by Young Professionals Benjamin & Sarah in partnership with BackRoom Boston, with The Boston Synagogue as our venue.
Enjoy the film on a huge screen with immersive surround sound for a true theater-like experience. Plus, our unique downtown location is easy to reach by MBTA, and we offer both free parking and validated parking at the Cambridge Street Garage. And since the weather is finally on our side, come early to relax on the patio. Grab snacks and beverages, meet new people, and start some great conversations before the movie begins.
✨ What to Expect:

Feature film screening on a large screen with surround sound
A lively, social atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boston
A celebration of Jewish storytelling through film
Community gathering before and after the movie

Whether you’re deeply connected to Jewish culture or just love great independent films, this evening promises laughs, insight, and a memorable night out.
🎬 Grab your seat and join us for our Summer series: Jewish downtown movie culture through Film — where stories come alive on screen and in community.
ZERO MOTIVATION
July 8 @ 7:00 PM
A hilarious, poignant and crowd-pleasing Israeli black comedy, ZERO MOTIVATION is a biting commentary on the absurd bureaucracy and monotony of military conscription, the often undervalued roles of females in the military and the perils of carrying out meaningless orders.
Winner of Best Narrative Feature and the Nora Ephron Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival. Winner of 6 Awards of the Israeli Film Academy, including Best Director, Best Actress (Dana Ivgy), and Best Screenplay.
“An engaging, desert-dry, feminist-minded comedy … ” – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
It is going to be a great series we look forward to having you join us.
REFRESHMENTS: Popcorn, Pizza, Movie Munchies & Beverages

REGISTER HERE

Celebrating Israeli Music: The Songs That Have Shaped Us
2026-07-15 18:30 - 20:30
Celebrating Israeli Music: The Songs That Have Shaped Us

Experience the timeless melodies and modern rhythms that connect us all at The Boston Synagogue.
A Journey in Song
Music has always been the voice of our people. From the nostalgic, pioneering harmonies that echo the dreams of our ancestors to the fresh, contemporary beats of modern Israel, these songs are the soundtrack of our shared journey. Join us at The Boston Synagogue for an immersive and joyous evening of song, community, and cultural celebration.
Where Heritage Meets Modernity
Our evening will be held in the architectural beauty of The Boston Synagogue. Nestled in downtown Boston’s historic West End, our venue features a striking blend of Jewish heritage and clean, mid-century Bauhaus style. It is the perfect backdrop to honor where we came from while celebrating the dynamic, evolving spirit of modern Israeli culture.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-israeli-music-the-songs-that-have-shaped-us-tickets-1992930162765?aff=oddtdtcreator

ELECTRIC HORA
2026-07-28 19:00 - 21:00
Our July ELECTRIC HORA takes us back to where it all started – The Boston Synagogue! We’ll be at the Burren again starting in August every fourth Tuesday.
Have you ever danced the hora at a Jewish wedding and thought, “Damn! I should do that every month!” Been lifted in a chair above a circling sea of friends and family? Clapped your hands for a patsch tanz or stomped your feet to a bulgar? Have you ever wanted to?
Now is your chance. It’s time for ELECTRIC HORA, Boston’s best klezmer dance series, featuring a rotating cast of the top dance leaders and klezmer musicians from across New England.
July’s ELECTRIC HORA is hosted by our friends at the Boston Synagogue and features the following fabulous artists:
Or Levinson – dance leader
Nat Seelen – clarinet
Pete Fanelli – trombone
Michael McLaughlin – accordion
Kirsten Lamb – bass
Grant Smith – drums
Or Levinson (they/them) is a dancer, facilitator, and educator; they have been based in Minneapolis for the past 13 years and are now thrilled to be transitioning to the Boston area to begin their rabbinic education at Hebrew College. Their creative work often features klezmer music, Yiddish folk dance, and themes of Jewish diaspora and the search for home, belonging, and solidarity on Native land. Their most recent full-length performance, DOIKAYT: a velt mit veltlekh, was commissioned as part of Red Eye Theater’s Isolated Acts series in 2024. They have taught improvisation-based movement to both youth and adults for the past ten years, including for high schooler students at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts. In community space, Or teaches and leads Yiddish dance, often in conjunction with Minneapolis klezmer band Di Bayke, and as part of the Twin Cities’ now-annual Klezmer on Ice Festival.
Register And Learn More Here: https://events.humanitix.com/electric-hora-july-2026

Jewish Downtown, Boston Movie Series - The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob
2026-08-05 19:00 - 21:00
Jewish Downtown Boston Movie Series features: The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob
Jewish downtown movie culture through Film — where stories come alive on screen and in community.
Movie Night is hosted by Young Professionals Benjamin & Sarah in partnership with BackRoom Boston, with The Boston Synagogue as our venue.
Enjoy the film on a huge screen with immersive surround sound for a true theater-like experience. Plus, our unique downtown location is easy to reach by MBTA, and we offer both free parking and validated parking at the Cambridge Street Garage. And since the weather is finally on our side, come early to relax on the patio. Grab snacks and beverages, meet new people, and start some great conversations before the movie begins.
✨ What to Expect:

Feature film screening on a large screen with surround sound
A lively, social atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boston
A celebration of Jewish storytelling through film
Community gathering before and after the movie

Whether you’re deeply connected to Jewish culture or just love great independent films, this evening promises laughs, insight, and a memorable night out.
🎬 Grab your seat and join us for our Summer series: Jewish downtown movie culture through Film — where stories come alive on screen and in community.
The Mad Adventures of Rabbi jacob
August 5 @ 7:00 PM
A frantic French comedy classic starring Louis de Funès as a bigoted businessman forced to disguise himself as an Orthodox rabbi to escape both Arab assassins and the police. It is a fast-paced, slapstick-filled satire known for its iconic performances, mistaken identities, and ultimately a heartwarming message of tolerance.
It is going to be a great series we look forward to having you join us.
REFRESHMENTS: Popcorn, Pizza, Movie Munchies & Beverages
Reserve Your Seat Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/backroom-boston-presents-4804883?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

The Barber of Seville Preview Concert
2026-08-10 19:00 - 20:00
Join Boston Summer Opera for an evening of beautiful singing as we preview our upcoming production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville!

Performed by members of our talented cast of Boston-area young artists, this informal concert will feature favorite excerpts from The Barber of Seville alongside beloved opera arias, duets, and ensembles by Mozart, Donizetti, Puccini, and more. The program will be accompanied by Boston Summer Opera’s Music Director, Julian Gau, with Executive Director Hannah Shanefield serving as host for the evening.
Whether you’re a lifelong opera lover or attending your very first performance, this concert is a welcoming introduction to the joy, humor, and beauty of opera.
Come meet the artists, enjoy an evening of live music, and get a sneak peek at Boston Summer Opera’s upcoming production of The Barber of Seville! The mainstage performance will take place at the synagogue on Sunday August 23rd.

The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini
2026-08-23 15:00 - 17:30
Boston Summer Opera and the Horizon Ensemble proudly present Rossini’s iconic comedy: The Barber of Seville!

Boston Summer Opera and the Horizon Ensemble are teaming up again to bring The Barber of Seville to Boston!
The Barber of Seville is one of the most popular operas, if not pieces of classical music, ever written, and you probably already know it! This music shows up everywhere, from Looney Tunes to Mrs. Doubtfire to opera houses around the world.
Rossini’s score is not for the faint of heart. It takes fearless singing actors to bring its vocal acrobatics and comic energy to life—just like our cast of Boston Summer Opera alumni.
This production will be performed in Italian with English supertitles. The run time will be approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Tickets are affordable, vibes are welcoming, and we guarantee that this show will make you fall in love with opera.
General Admission – $25
Student/Senior – $12.50
General Admission at the door – $30
Student/Senior at the door – $15
Get Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-barber-of-seville-by-gioachino-rossini-tickets-1986541241329?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Cast
Figaro: Dylan Evans
Il Conte di Almaviva: Leo Balkovetz
Rosina: Alesandra Onjiko
Bartolo: Austin Martin
Don Basilio: Johan Hartman
Berta: Logan Trotter
Fiorello: Lee Ellis
Creative Team
Conductor: Julian Gau
Assistant Conductor: Naré Kim
Director: Hannah Shanefield
Stage Manager: Abbey Engelmann
Artwork: Larisa Bainton-Hernandez
Chorus and Cover cast info to come soon!

Jewish Downtown, Boston Movie Series - Ushpizin
2026-09-30 19:00 - 21:00
Jewish Downtown Boston Movie Series features: Ushpizin
Jewish Downtown Boston Movie Series features: Ushpizin at The Boston Synagogue hosted by Young Professionals Benjamin & Sarah in partnership with BackRoom Boston.
Enjoy the film on a huge screen with immersive surround sound for a true theater-like experience. Plus, our unique downtown location is easy to reach by MBTA, and we offer both free parking and validated parking at the Cambridge Street Garage. And since the weather is finally on our side, come early to relax on the patio. Grab snacks and beverages, meet new people, and start some great conversations before the movie begins.
✨ What to Expect:

Feature film screening on a large screen with surround sound
A lively, social atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boston
A celebration of Jewish storytelling through film
Community gathering before and after the movie

Whether you’re deeply connected to Jewish culture or just love great independent films, this evening promises laughs, insight, and a memorable night out.
🎬 Grab your seat and join us for our Summer series: Jewish downtown movie culture through Film — where stories come alive on screen and in community.
Ushpizin
September 30 @ 7:00 PM
Moshe and Malli, an Orthodox Jewish couple in Jerusalem, are childless and without means to celebrate the weeklong holiday of Succoth. After much prayer, they receive unexpected money, and Moshe is told about an abandoned shack where he and Malli can properly observe the holiday and receive guests. However, they are visited by two ex-convicts with an unexpected link to Moshe’s past, and the celebration becomes a series of emotional trials.
It is going to be a great series we look forward to having you join us.
REFRESHMENTS: Popcorn, Pizza, Movie Munchies & Beverages
Secure your seat now!

Bloom and Become with Jennifer Liff
2026-10-18 14:00 - 17:00
Bloom and Become with Jennifer Liff and allow your visions to blossom with terracotta flower pots.

Explore themes of renewal, growth, and possibility in this immersive 3-hour expressive arts workshop. Using a plant pot as your canvas, you’ll create a three-dimensional vision board that reflects your hopes, intentions, and dreams for the season ahead.
Through guided reflection and creative expression you’ll leave with a living reminder to nurture both your plant and your personal growth. No artistic experience is necessary—just a willingness to explore and create.
When:
October 18th 2:00-5:00PM
About Jennifer Liff:
Jennifer is an expressive arts therapy educator and group facilitator with a deep curiosity about the intersection of creativity, psychology, and spirituality.
The arts have been part of her life for as long as she can remember. As a child, she was imaginative and creative—writing stories, making jewelry, and choreographing her own dance moves. Her parents were painters and music lovers, so she grew up immersed in the arts, regularly attending museums, Broadway shows, and ballets. Her earliest and happiest moments are rooted in creative expression.
Like many people, she eventually set creativity aside, absorbing the belief that adulthood and responsibility leave little room for imagination and play—and that only the “talented few” are allowed to create. A few discouraging comments only reinforced these beliefs, and creativity went quiet for a time.
Nonetheless, the impulse to make and explore never fully disappeared. Through her studies in psychology and the arts, Jen rediscovered creativity and came to understand it as essential to mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Now, as a “recovering creative,” Jen is committed to living a creative life and teaching others to do the same.
Jen offers online and in-person arts-based courses and workshops grounded in expressive arts therapy, which focuses on the process over the product. These experiences support self-discovery, emotional expression, and a return to creativity without pressure or perfection. She invites you to explore what’s here and step back into the creative waters.
Education & Training:

B.A. in Art History
Professional Teaching Credential
M.A. in Spiritual Psychology
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling (Expressive Arts Therapy specialization)
Creative Journal Expressive Arts Method (CJEA) Practitioner

Examples of the flower pots you can create!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bloom-and-become-tickets-1997486728576

Jewish Downtown, Boston Movie Series - Spaceballs
2026-10-21 19:00 - 21:00
Jewish Downtown Boston Movie Series features: Spaceballs
Movie Night is hosted by Young Professionals Benjamin & Sarah in partnership with BackRoom Boston, with The Boston Synagogue as our venue.
Enjoy the film on a huge screen with immersive surround sound for a true theater-like experience. Plus, our unique downtown location is easy to reach by MBTA, and we offer both free parking and validated parking at the Cambridge Street Garage. And since the weather is finally on our side, come early to relax on the patio. Grab snacks and beverages, meet new people, and start some great conversations before the movie begins.
✨ What to Expect:

Feature film screening on a large screen with surround sound
A lively, social atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boston
A celebration of Jewish storytelling through film
Community gathering before and after the movie

Whether you’re deeply connected to Jewish culture or just love great independent films, this evening promises laughs, insight, and a memorable night out.
🎬 Grab your seat and join us for our Summer series: Jewish downtown movie culture through Film — where stories come alive on screen and in community.
Spaceballs
October 21 @ 7:00 PM
In Spaceballs, heroic mercenary Lone Starr (Pullman) and his alien sidekick Barf (Candy) rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) of the planet Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix (Yarnell, voiced by Rivers), from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob (Brooks), who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain Druidia’s air for their own planet. However, the heroes get stranded on a desert moon, where they encounter the wise Yogurt (also Brooks), who teaches Starr about the metaphysical power known as “the Schwartz.” Meanwhile, Spaceball commanders Dark Helmet (Moranis) and Colonel Sandurz (Wyner) lead the search for them, but are hindered by their own incompetence.
It is going to be a great series we look forward to having you join us.
REFRESHMENTS: Popcorn, Pizza, Movie Munchies & Beverages

Abiding - Zach Mayer Album Release Concert
2026-11-08 16:00 - 18:00
Celebrate with Zach Mayer for the release of his new album, “Abiding,” featuring Rabbi David Curiel
What happens when we stay just a little longer with what we’d rather avoid? Abiding, the debut album from Rabbi David Curiel, explores this territory through songs that are by turns tender, questioning, and rollicking—music for finding our way from fragmentation toward wholeness.

These songs emerged from years of healing work: grief rituals, medicine ceremonies, and the daily discipline of presence in an often overwhelming world. Recorded with producer Zach Mayer, the album holds a simple understanding—we can’t heal what we won’t face, but we’re not meant to face it alone.
Join David, Zach, and friends for an intimate concert in the round, journeying through the full album beginning to end. This is more than a performance—it’s a shared space to breathe, to feel, and to abide together with what matters most.

Read About Zach Mayer Here

REGISTER HERE
