Temple Beth Shalom - Needham, MA - Synagogues on Waymarking.com

In Needham, in the section called Needham Heights, stands Temple Beth Shalom, a Jewish synagogue, at the corner of Highland Avenue and Webster Street.

The temple is a brick structure with white trim, and windows. The driveway is off Webster Street and passes by the main entrance to the parking lot. The main entrance has glass doors that open to an airy lobby. The auditorium is on the main floor to the left of the lobby. The children school is in the wing to the right.

Services (Shabbat) are influenced by the sunset plus other events planned such as dinner. Check the web site for a schedule of services. There is also morning service on Saturday, on 8:30 am (Minyan) and 11:00 am.

There are many social and educational opportunities at this temple, including a Brotherhood, a Sisterhood, a Garden Club, and a Job Seeker's Network. There is also Bar/Bat mitvah education as well as adult education.

The history of the temple goes back to 1945, when Jewish families in Needham established the Needham Jewish Community Center, forerunner to the temple. In 1950, the Hebrew was established. In 1955, the land at Webster St. and Highland Ave. was purchased. In November 1958, ground was broken for the building. The dedication was made in October 1959. Originally, the temple had only one room that served several functions. The room was named the Simon Room, for a sizable donation from the Simon family, whose parents were the first Jewish family to settle in Needham. In 1963-5, a new wing was built. In the 1980s Ralph Sonsino became Rabbi of the temple. He started many social programs at the tempe and his books brought the temple national attention. More renovations were done to the sanctuary in 2004.

The temple continues to thrive and anticipates many years of serving its Jewish community.

Status: Active house of prayer Denomination/Group: Reformed Address: 670 Highland Avenue Needham Heights, MA United States of America 02494 Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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