The Boston Synagogue

Judaism 101 Online Learning
2025-03-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-01 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Boston Synagogue, 55 Martha Rd, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CLASS CYCLE: 2024-25
This Virtual 26-session course starts SEPTEMBER 17TH — before the Holidays! Classes run Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM on Zoom.
This Adult Ed class is for those who want to better understand elements of Judaism. Access this unique learning opportunity wherever you are!
TOPICS INCLUDE:

Jewish history & culture
Beliefs
Similarities/differences with other religions
Rituals & holidays
Laws of kashrut (kosher)
Lifecycle events & celebrations
Jewish denominations

Some readings will be suggested but are not mandatory. There is no homework
FYI: This course does NOT include:
Hebrew language lessons or detailed teaching about the Jewish prayer liturgy
WHO IT’S FOR:
The class is open to anyone, including:

Jews by birth who want to know more about Judaism than the often-rudimentary knowledge of Judaism that they learned as a child in Hebrew school and stopped studying when they turned 12 or 13.
Non-Jews and interfaith couples who want to learn more about Judaism or may be interested in conversion (for which this class fulfills a necessary requirement).

Judaism 101 Class

Single Member $275.00 USDSingle Non-Member $375.00 USD
Couple Member $500.00 USD
Couple Non-Member $650.00 USD

Judaism 101 Online Learning
2025-03-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-29 18:30 - 20:00
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CLASS CYCLE: 2025-2026
This Virtual 26-session course starts September 2nd — before the Holidays! Classes run Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM on Zoom.
This Adult Ed class is for those who want to better understand elements of Judaism. Access this unique learning opportunity wherever you are!
TOPICS INCLUDE:

Jewish history & culture
Beliefs
Similarities/differences with other religions
Rituals & holidays
Laws of kashrut (kosher)
Lifecycle events & celebrations
Jewish denominations

Some readings will be suggested but are not mandatory. There is no homework.
FYI: This course does NOT include Hebrew language lessons or detailed teaching about the Jewish prayer liturgy.
WHO IT’S FOR:
The class is open to anyone, including:

Jews by birth who want to know more about Judaism than the often-rudimentary knowledge of Judaism that they learned as a child in Hebrew school and stopped studying when they turned 12 or 13.
Non-Jews and interfaith couples who want to learn more about Judaism or may be interested in conversion (for which this class fulfills a necessary requirement).

Judaism 101 Class

Single Member $275.00 USDSingle Non-Member $375.00 USD
Couple Member $500.00 USD
Couple Non-Member $650.00 USD

Interested in Uncovering New Perspectives on Passover?
2025-03-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-03 19:00 - 21:00
Getting More Out of Passover in 4 Virtual Sessions!
Led by David Bernat, PhD. Back to teach by popular demand!
Four Thursdays 7-9 PM
Virtual/Zoom
Join us as we explore the textural and archaeological evidence related to the origins and earliest developments of Passover — to enhance your holiday experience.
Wrestle with questions such as: Was the Exodus, myth or history? What were the spring festival practices of ancient Jews, from the Biblical to the Roman period? Why isn’t Passover our New Year? When and how did the Seder emerge as the core holiday observance?
Format: Combination of instructor presentation and discussion, including short home assignments.
Materials: Participants will need a Hebrew Bible/Tanakh and a Passover Haggadah. All other materials will be sent in advance via email. If you don’t have a Haggadah, the synagogue can provide.
Calendar
1. 3/6 Exodus: Myth or History
No session 3/13 Purim
2. 3/20 Passover: Biblical and Ancient Narratives
3. 3/27 Passover: Law and Practice
4. 4/3 Seder: Messianic Banquet or Roman Symposium
Cost: $36.00 for all four sessions – or attend as you wish. This class is being subsidized through a generous donation. Scholarships available.

NextGen - The Schmooze & Smooch
2025-03-22 19:00 - 22:00
💕✨ Matchbox, matchbox, make me a match! 💕✨
Join the Boston Synagogue’s young Jewish adult community for an elegant evening of schmoozing at our dinner party where we’ll reveal to you at the end who is your best match! This event accommodates both heterosexual and queer matches.
Dressy casual attire expected. Your non-refundable ticket helps us cover the catered affair and the purchase rights to Matchbox. Sales close 72 hours prior to the event.
RSVP HERE!
How it works:
7:00PM – 8:00PM
Doors CLOSE at 7:45PM
Scan the QR code as you arrive to fill out a dating compatibility questionnaire on your smartphone during our cocktail hour. We will provide you access to Matchbox’s matchmaking technology where questions have been written and tested by a team of Relationship Psychologists.
8:00PM – 8:30PM
Prepare yourself a plate from our upscale and kosher-certified buffet, take a seat at one of the tables, and schmooze with others as you dine while the matching algorithm considers every possible configuration and sorts us all into compatible pairs based on groundbreaking research into relationship science
8:30PM – 9:00PM
Take out your smartphone because we will first provide you a clue! It’s time to mix around with those at other tables as you find you a find.
9:00PM – 9:30PM
Check your smartphone again because we’ll finally reveal who we think you’ll want to smooch! Go catch you a catch and we’ll share the insights as to why the algorithm made your match. We hope it’s bashert, but we promise no matchless match!

The technology has built-in age constraints to prevent awkward situations if our event has a wide age range and allows us to remove people during the event so if someone does not show or has to leave early nobody ends up with a missing match. Please be aware that we can accommodate if the gender/orientation ratio is unbalanced so come with an open heart.

Once a Week Hebrew School
2025-03-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-27 10:00 - 12:00
Join other Kids in the Community for Hebrew School!
Our kids come from the neighborhood & we foster an environment where kids can learn, grow, & find their own meaningful Jewish communities. Our school is joyful, kid-centered, & flexible. We follow the Boston Public School calendar plus the Jewish calendar.
Class Aleph:
Perfect for young children, K-2nd, this class offers a fun, creative & interactive introduction to Jewish Holidays & Culture, through arts & crafts, music, story, customs, traditions & learning.
Class Bet:
Class Bet is a wonderful course for older students with minimal Hebrew background. This class consists of two-parts, starting with an Aleph-Bet learning and/or review & moving towards forming words. This course also covers the Holidays & Traditions of the Jewish people on a introductory level.

Hebrew School Enrollment
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TUITION CHARGE: Note: Discount for more than 2 children from the same family. Please call the office. There is a $50 textbook & supplies fee.

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Member (per child) - $625

Non-Member (per child) - $725

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Non-Discrimation Policy: The Boston Synagogue Hebrew School has a racially nondiscriminatory policy as to students, and does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color or national or ethnic origins.

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Music for Tots!
2025-03-23 16:00 - 18:00
Families! Mingle with other parents in our downtown neighborhood, while your tots dance, play instruments & have fun!
Highlights:
🎵 Musical activities tailored for kiddos, led by local professional musicians!
🍹 Drinks for adults, as well as plenty of snacks
🤗 Welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with your child through music and meet other Jewish families in the community!
Free! Minimum suggested donation of $5 appreciated.
Register here!

Boston New Festival of Jewish Music presents Soloveychicks!
2025-03-26 19:00 - 21:00
The Boston New Festival of Jewish Music presents: Soloveychicks!
What sings like a nightingale and stings like a classic Yinglish pun?
It must be Soloveychicks! That’s Yiddish for “little nightingales”, oy vey.
Join them for an evening of music and dance featuring their new songs and arrangements from klezmer violinist Rebecca Mac, vocalist Adah Hetko, and folk cellist Giulia Haible.
RSVP here!

Not Your Bubbe's Book Club - A Brilliant Life
2025-03-31 19:00 - 21:00
This Meeting’s Book: A Brilliant Life by Rachelle Unreich
With Virtual Author Talk!
Hosted by Richelle Gewertz
In-person one Monday per month, 7:00PM at the Boston Synagogue
Calling all bibliophiles: Do you like to read between the wines?
If you’re looking for a group that celebrates a love of both books & a good drink, then you’re in the right place! Each month, we discuss a different book from the Jewish Book Council list of hottest new reads.
BYOB – bring your own book & we’ll supply the bottle!
Drop in for some or come for all!
Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-your-bubbes-book-club-tickets-1123052092039?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp

Rosh Chodesh Circle: A Timeless Tradition for Women & Nonbinary People
2025-04-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-30 19:00 - 21:00
Did you know that Rosh Chodesh was given to women as their own special holiday?
Rosh Chodesh signifies the renewal of the moon and the start of a new month. According to tradition, it was a reward to women for their devotion and wisdom during the Exodus and their refusal to participate in the creation of the Golden Calf. Instead, they eagerly contributed their gold and jewelry to help build the Mishkan (Tabernacle)!
Join us to celebrate the new month with meaningful discussions that explore Jewish wisdom, traditions, rituals, and blessings to honor Rosh Chodesh. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect and foster a supportive community— along with snacks and wine!
Wednesday March 5 at 7 PM
Wednesday April 2 at 7 PM
Wednesday April 30 at 7 PM
Wednesday May 28 at 7 PM
RSVP here.

Shabbat with Rabbi Navah & Delicious Dinner!
2025-04-04 18:30 - 20:30
Let’s welcome Shabbat together!
6:30 PM Services
Rabbi Navah will lead this meaningful & spirited Service! It’s a wonderful way to kick-off the weekend!
~7:30 PM Dinner
The journey continues even after the prayers with a Community Dinner with drink, schmoozing & welcoming Shabbat!

Friday Night Shabbat Dinner

Friday Night Shabbat Dinner following 6:30pm Services

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Select DateJuly 11th, 2025August 1st, 2025September 5th, 2025October 10th, 2025November 7th, 2025December 5th, 2025

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If you have any other allergies, please call the office at (617) 523-0453. There will be a surcharge for special ordered meals.

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Family Fun Pre-Passover
2025-04-06 11:00 - 13:00
It’s almost time to celebrate Passover!
Join us with other friends & families in the neighborhood to get ready for Pesach!
We’ll have plenty of activities for the family:

Passover craft kits: your kids will work on several Passover crafts to learn about this special holiday and they can bring their art to enlighten your passover dinner!
Decorate (and eat!) your own Matzah — we’ll provide the ingredients, and kids will use their imagination to enhance their matzah!
Fun snacks and drinks for kids and adults!

This is a great opportunity to check out other programs at the Synagogue for children & families.
Free! Minimum suggested donation of $5.
Register here!

Boston Festival of New Jewish Music presents Philly Invasion!
2025-04-06 19:00 - 21:00
The (Klezmer) Sound of Philadelphia!
Join the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music for a celebration of the Philadelphia klezmer sound featuring trumpeter and vocalist Susan Watts.
RSVP here!
“Susan Watts, the phenomenal trumpeter, has clearly internalized the cantorial voice and found unique ways to replicate them on her instrument. Watts’ playing was the revelation of the evening…” — Seth Rogovoy
Susan Watts
Susan Hoffman Watts represents the youngest generation of an important klezmer dynasty that reaches back to the Jewish Ukraine of the 19th century, beginning with her great-grandfather, musician, composer, cornet-player, and poet, Joseph Hoffman. Susan is the sole living purveyor of the family’s traditional klezmer-style trumpet sounds which electrified audiences for decades. Susan and the Hoffman family are the features of several televised documentaries.
In addition to playing with a variety of noted klezmer musicians from around the world. Watts has recorded, performed and sang with, Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, Henkus Netsky, Klezmer Concervatory Band, The Klezmatics, So-Called, Claire Barry, Mandy Pitankin, Dudu Fischer, Mikveh, Shtreimel, The Klez Dispensers,. Susan also has performed with her mother, the great klezmer drummer Elaine Hoffman Watts, in their Philadelphia-based group, the Fabulous Shpielkehs.
Watts is a composer and arranger. Her repertoire is filled with Hoffman family repertoire: generations of klezmer compositions from her great grandfather, grandfather and now Susan’s additions to the family cannon. She has been commissioned to compose klezmer for Amsterdam’s Fiddle Kapelye and the American Composer’s Forum. As one of the leading klezmer trumpet players of the modern klezmer scene, Susan has taught at klezmer festivals in New York, France, Canada and London.
Susan is a 2015 Pew Fellow and the recipient of two Leeway Foundation Grants. Both projects are centered on using klezmer as a social change agent. Susan’s concept is the focus of a Pew Fellowship Project Grant granted to the Philadelphia Folklore Project. The Project is entitled, Soul Songs: Inspiring Women of Klezmer. This projects brings together 12 of the top Klezmer instrumentalists in North America (whom all happen to be women) to perform new Klezmer compositions all penned by women. This event, directed by Watts is the blueprint by which modern klezmer can take its cue.
Susan Watts’ contribution to the present day landscape of klezmer is notable. Being a fourth generation klezmer is something that no other contemporary klezmer can acclaim. Her passion for Yiddish culture, klezmer music and its history has informed her life’s journey to this moment. Carrying the mantle of klezmer, keeping it in the forefront of the Jewish cultural experience and keeping it full of life is the essence of Susan Watts.
—
Itay Dayan and Hoffman’s Farewell opens.

NextGen Movie Night
2025-04-16 18:30 - 22:00
Join the NextGen community at the Boston Synagogue for a chill Movie Night this Wednesday at 7 PM during Passover!
We’ll be screening a Jewish-themed movie (you’ll help us vote on which one!), enjoying light refreshments and drinks, and hanging out in good company. Whether you’re celebrating the whole week or just looking for a relaxed midweek vibe, come connect, snack, and unwind with us.
Free to attend – bring a friend!

NextGen Movie Night
2025-04-16 18:30 - 22:00
Come hang out with the NextGen community at the Boston Synagogue for a relaxed Movie Night this Saturday!
We’ll decide on a movie to watch together, and will enjoy light snacks, drinks, and great company.Whether you’re in the mood to celebrate the weekend or just chill out for the evening, it’s the perfect chance to connect, unwind, and enjoy some great vibes with friends.
Free to attend – bring a friend along!
RSVP here.

Klezmer Jam & Workshop WITH the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music!
2025-04-27 15:00 - 18:00
The Boston Festival of New Jewish Music joins our Klezmer Jam & Workshop for a special workshop with Klezmatics vocalist/accordionist Lorin Sklamberg and Berlin-based violinist and leader of The Golden Thread Septet Craig Judelman!
The workshop with Lorin and Craig will be followed by a jam session led by Rebecca Mac and special guest Dmitri Gaskin. After the workshop and jam, The Golden Thread Septet performs at the Multicultural Arts Center!
Designed for instrumentalists and vocalists of all levels, the workshop will have two parts. First we’ll meet all together and learn/sing a Nign (hasidic melody, often without words) all together. We’ll explore a bit of traditional style and how to make it our own while fitting in the group. In the second, longer part of the workshop we will split into two groups.
Vocalists will get the distinct pleasure of working with Lorin Sklamberg, who will share some of the inspirational material from the Golden Thread Septet’s concert program, illustrated with historical information and vintage recordings. Texts, transliterations and translations will be provided and all are welcome regardless of experience, familiarity with Yiddish, or vocal training.
Instrumentalists will join Craig Judelman and dive deep into all the things we do with the notes to make a klezmer melody tell a story. From generating variations to expressive phrasing, ornaments, accents, articulations and more, this workshop will help classical players get off the page, and even for those experienced in playing klezmer it is sure to spark some new ways of approaching tunes and opening up performance to be both groovy and eloquent!
All are welcome to this workshop, though people without basic proficiency on their instrument may end up doing more listening than playing.
Admission is free! RSVP here.

Not Your Bubbe's Book Club - Liberty Street
2025-04-28 19:00 - 21:00
This Meeting’s Book: Liberty Street by Jason K. Friedman
With Virtual Author Talk!
Hosted by Richelle Gewertz
In-person one Monday per month, 7:00PM at the Boston Synagogue
Calling all bibliophiles: Do you like to read between the wines?
If you’re looking for a group that celebrates a love of both books & a good drink, then you’re in the right place! Each month, we discuss a different book from the Jewish Book Council list of hottest new reads.
BYOB – bring your own book & we’ll supply the bottle!
Drop in for some or come for all!
Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-your-bubbes-book-club-tickets-1123052092039?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp
