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TEMPLE SHIR TIKVA

Our History

Temple Shir Tikva began as the Jewish Congregation of Wayland in 1978. During our first year, the congregation gathered in rented facilities at the First Parish Unitarian Church in Wayland to celebrate Shabbat services and holidays. Volunteer members conducted their own services and enacted an organization structure. In 1979, Rabbi Michael Mayersohn joined us as our first rabbi, helping us celebrate our first Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services and we established our religious school. The congregation expanded to include members from all of the surrounding towns, soon outgrowing our rented facilities.

In December 1980, the congregation purchased the current Boston Post Road site. Formerly the Wayland House Restaurant (historically Seiler’s or Robin Hood Ten Acres, a roadside dance hall), the facility was renovated to provide six classrooms, an office, library and an all-purpose sanctuary/social hall. The new site was dedicated in 1981.

The next 10 years brought enormous growth to our temple. Our membership, religious school, adult education programs and social offerings expanded to the point of overflowing our facility. In September 1992, we completed the first phase of a major building project, creating a beautiful and dignified sanctuary for worship, a large social hall with a catering kitchen and greatly needed classroom space. In 1998, the second phase of the the building project, our Educational Center, was completed. This facility includes 13 classrooms, five of which were specifically designed for young children, a library, informal space, a youth room, expanded office and conference space and a beautiful light-filled Beit Midrash. The Beit Midrash is used as a chapel, meeting room and a sacred space to study Torah.

Rabbi Blumberg began his tenure as Rabbi in 1986. Under his leadership, from 1986-2005, the congregation flourished and our spiritual and educational programs expanded enormously. During this time we are also grateful for the services of Rabbi Andrew Vogel and Cantorial Soloists Norman Janis, now Rabbi Janis, and Marcie Jonas, now Cantor Jonas. In 2001, Cantor Hollis Schachner became Shir Tikva's first full time invested Cantor. Rabbi Blumberg retired and was installed as Rabbi Emeritus in 2005. His tenure at Shir Tikva was one of growth and harmony. To express our respect and admiration for his leadership, wisdom and kindness, the Beit Midrash was named in his honor.

We appreciate the gifted teachers and leaders who have blessed our temple over the past many years since our founding:

Rabbi Neal Gold: 2005-2015

Associate Rabbi Greg Litcovsky: 2007-2012

Associate Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz: 2012-2017

Rabbi Douglas J. Kohn (Interim): 2016-2017

 

In July 2017 Rabbi Danny Burkeman joined Temple Shir Tikva as Senior Rabbi. 

Temple Shir Tikva has been blessed with clergy who share their love of Torah with joy, energy and deep insight.

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784