Jewish Life in Boston | JewishBoston

Hawaij Roast Chicken Tagine With Chickpeas, Zucchini, Olives and Butternut Squash

LIEVENS, The Feast of Esther, 52_9_55-1(3)

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Queen Esther, Heroine Muse of the Art World

A new Boston exhibition reveals how Queen Esther became a Renaissance icon—and why her story still resonates today.

By Laura Conrad Mandel

For Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture

Watch / Jew(ish)

How You Can Use Massachusetts’ Antisemitism Report

Learn how to turn the Commission’s recommendations into practical action where you live, work, and learn.

By Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism

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Janet Applefield with her nephew, Isaac Milley, at the New England Holocaust Memorial (Photo: CJP)

Event / August 25, 1:30 pm

Holding Community in Uncertain Times

Hosted by Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

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Janet Applefield with her nephew, Isaac Milley, at the New England Holocaust Memorial (Photo: CJP)

Event / September 2, 7:00 pm

Israel’s Elections: What They Mean for Israel’s Future

Hosted by Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore, Epstein Hillel School, Lappin Foundation, Temple B'nai Abraham, Temple Emanu-El (Marblehead), Temple Ner Tamid, Temple Sinai of Marblehead

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Finding “Shalom Street”: Uncovering the North End’s Hidden Jewish History

Discover the little-known history of the North End’s once-thriving Jewish community and the effort to preserve its stories before they’re lost.

By Nikki Stewart

For Old North Illuminated

Olivia Link, Haylee Denham and Gabriela Amy-Moreno in “Do I Want to Remember” by Rachel Linsky (Photo: Olivia Moon Photography)

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Community Creative Fellowship: Seven Years Later

From music and film to dance, food and visual art, discover how the Community Creative Fellowship helps Jewish artists make a lasting impact.

By Laura Conrad Mandel

For Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture

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Boston-Area Jewish Students Making a Difference as LIAT Fellows

These Boston-area LIAT Fellows are proving that the next generation of Jewish leaders is already making a difference on campus.

By Leaders in Advocacy Training Fellowship

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The Childhood Choices That Helped My Mother Survive the Holocaust

A Krakow exhibition sheds new light on how Janet Applefield survived the Holocaust—and the agency children had in shaping their own fates.

By Jonathan Applefield

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Jews, 4% of Massachusetts Residents, Targeted in 83.3% of Commonwealth’s Religion-Bias Hate Crimes in 2025

The state’s data “affirms...that we are in the midst of an ongoing and unprecedented experience of being targeted as Jews,” said Jeremy Burton, CEO of the local JCRC.

By Rebecca Szlechter & Menachem Wecker

For JNS

Jewish gravestones at the American cemetery in Normandy (Courtesy Susie Davidson)

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See the Good: Groups Correct Gravesites of Jewish Soldiers Buried Under Crosses

Nonprofits Operation Benjamin and Operation Levi work to identify soldiers’ remains in cemeteries that were incorrectly buried under a cross instead of a Jewish star.

By 7 News Boston

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From Fake Burps To Reverse Tashlich, New Children’s Books Bring the High Holidays to Life

A bumper crop of new kids’ books about the High Holidays is hitting shelves in 2026, surprising close observers of Jewish children’s literature.

By Penny Schwartz

For Jewish Telegraphic Agency

explore Arts & Culture in boston

event / August 22, 11:00 am

Rosh Hashanah-Themed Storytime With Author Joy Nelkin Wieder

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event / August 23, 3:00 pm

Sunday Afternoon Mahjong

Hosted by Temple Sinai Brookline

event / August 23, 7:00 pm

Album Release Nigun Circle With Joey Becker

Hosted by Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge (Tremont Street Shul)

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event / August 26, 5:30 pm

America and Its Jews at 250

Hosted by Brandeis University

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event / August 27, 6:30 pm

“Have a Cheap Day”: Remembering Building 19 Advertising

Hosted by Jewish Heritage Center

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event / August 29, 1:30 pm

Tu Corazón: A Sefardi Prayer of the Heart for Elul

Hosted by Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley

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event / August 30, 2:00 pm

Jewish Crafternoon Paint & Sip: Pre-High Holiday Fun

Hosted by The Boston Synagogue

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event / September 2, 6:30 pm

Pre-High Holiday Musical Evening: Song & Soul

Hosted by Beth Menachem Chabad

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event / September 3, 8:00 pm

The Jewish Studio Process: Opening Up

Hosted by Jewish Studio Project, Lehrhaus

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Rays of Awe by Emily Sper_18 x 24 photograph_Psalm 27 exhibit

event / September 9, 5:00 pm

Art Opening: “Psalm 27: A Dialogue with Text and Art”

Hosted by Hebrew College

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Welcoming Shabbat

Find recipes, activities, events like community dinners and more.

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Moon among stars at night in blue watercolor background.

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Welcoming Shabbat: A Guide to the Blessings and Rituals of Friday Night

Download our free Shabbat guide.

By JewishBoston

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Challah, Soup and More: Comforting Shabbat Recipes

Challah, sangria, meatballs and more!

By JewishBoston

Read / Young(ish)

Challah French Toast Roundup

Ten quick and easy French toast recipes for you and your leftover challah.

By JewishBoston

Read / Plus Kids

Shabbat Activity Book

Download our free Shabbat activity book for kids ages 5-7.

By JewishBoston

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Shabbat Word Search Puzzle

Take a puzzle break during your Shabbat preparations!

By JewishBoston

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Read / Plus Kids

Shabbat Craft Project: Shabbat in a Jar

Create colorful candleholders to welcome Shabbat.

By JewishBoston

Read / Tradition

A Guide to the Havdalah Ceremony

A step-by-step printable booklet on how to do Havdalah at home, including all the blessings and the type of candle and spices you need.

By JewishBoston

Read / Plus Kids

Kid-Friendly Shabbat Recipe: Sweet Meatballs

A sweet-and-savory recipe that’s perfect for little helpers.

By Mari Levine

For JewishBoston

celebrate shabbat in community

event / August 21, 6:00 pm

Shabbat on the Beach

Hosted by B’nai Torah MetroWest

event / August 21, 6:00 pm

Erev Shabbat Services

Hosted by Temple Sinai Brookline

Two lit Shabbat candles in front of challah

event / August 21, 7:30 pm

Erev Shabbat Service With Sharon Gillett

Hosted by Kerem Shalom

See more and register

Little singing girl. Shot over blue background.

event / August 22, 11:30 am

Shabbat Singalong

Hosted by Temple Shalom of Medford

event / August 28, 5:15 pm

Camp Shabbat With Omri Shklar

Hosted by Temple Shir Tikva - Wayland, Massachusetts

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event / August 28, 5:15 pm

Open House and Shabbat Under the Stars

Hosted by Temple Shalom of Medford

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event / August 28, 5:30 pm

Shabbat at the Beach

Hosted by Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore

See more and register

event / August 28, 6:00 pm

Kabbalat Shabbat at Preston Beach

Hosted by Temple Sinai of Marblehead

Baked in a cast iron skillet, you'll have more time to entertain guests

event / August 28, 6:30 pm

Kabbalat and Kugel

Hosted by Temple Beth Israel (Waltham)

See more and register

event / August 29, 10:00 am

Newcomers’ Shabbat With Lunch

Hosted by Havurat Shalom

New to greater Boston? Start Here.

Find the people, places and resources to help you feel at home.

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Jewish Day School Directory

Jewish day schools in the Greater Boston area, including pluralistic, Orthodox and more for kindergarten through high school.

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What Are the Pillars of a Jewish Education?

We explore the role of day schools in modern life.

By Kara Baskin

For JewishBoston

Read / Plus Kids

A Primer on Jewish Day Schools

Whether you’re finding the right fit for a kindergartner or looking to to enroll your pre-teen or teen, here’s some advice.

By Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Explore Local Synagogues

See all the temples, minyans, Chabads and more in Greater Boston, including pluralistic, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist.

View Directory

Social Networking events

Two Young Family With Babies Sitting On Sofa At Home

event / August 20, 10:30 am

Support Group for Parents of Newborns

Hosted by Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Temple Shir Tikva - Wayland, Massachusetts

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event / August 20, 7:00 pm

Ignite: Summer Social

Hosted by CJP Young Adults, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

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event / August 21, 7:00 pm

The Tzomet Games: Shaping the Jewish Future, Together

Hosted by Israel Policy Forum’s IPF Atid

See more and register

event / August 23, 3:00 pm

Sunday Afternoon Mahjong

Hosted by Temple Sinai Brookline

event / August 25, 7:30 pm

Gesher 30s and 40s Honey Pairing

Hosted by Gesher – 30s and 40s, Temple Emanuel of Newton

See more and register

event / August 28, 6:30 pm

Kabbalat and Kugel

Hosted by Temple Beth Israel (Waltham)

See more and register

sveta_zarzamora iStock Rosh Hashanah Apples Honey Pomegranates

event / August 30, 11:00 am

Rosh Hashanah Celebration for Adults With Disabilities

Hosted by Jewish Family & Children’s Service, New England Yachad

See more and register

event / August 30, 2:00 pm

Jewish Crafternoon Paint & Sip: Pre-High Holiday Fun

Hosted by The Boston Synagogue

See more and register

event / September 8, 7:30 pm

The Apple Galette Social Bake

Hosted by YJP Boston

See more and register

event / September 9, 7:00 pm

Bake It Forward

Hosted by Lappin Foundation, Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore

Read / Jew(ish)

Boston’s Top Jewish Facebook Communities

Find your niche and start connecting.

By Kara Baskin

For JewishBoston

Read / Young(ish)

Eat This: A Guide To Jewish Bites Around Boston

Second date? Hungover brunch? We’ve got a spot for that. Here’s where to nosh in Boston.

By Kara Baskin

For JewishBoston

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Jewish Assistance Network

Enter your ZIP to find local basic-needs support—including legal, financial, housing, transportation, food assistance and more—all in one place.

By Jewish Assistance Network

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The Top Jewish Sites in Greater Boston

Although Jews arrived relatively late in Boston, there’s still plenty of history to explore.

By Judy Bolton-Fasman

For JewishBoston

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8 Delicious Things To Know About Kosher Boston

This busy Facebook group solves all your dining dilemmas.

By Kara Baskin

For JewishBoston

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Jewish Learning

Find adult education opportunities, including Torah study groups, lectures from rabbis and experts, ongoing classes about Jewish tradition, history and parenting, as well as open houses for Jewish day schools and more.

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Welcoming Shabbat

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New to greater Boston? Start Here.

Explore Local Synagogues