In 1959, a small group of Jewish families primarily from Randolph met together and decided that they wanted a place to pray that was warm and heimish, a place with liberal values but with a sense of Jewish tradition that would allow their children to grow up knowing who they are as Jews but not feeling the restrictions that a more observant Jewish lifestyle required. They had a vision for a traditional Reform synagogue that would be the perfect place for their families to grow, pray, and learn. In 1961, a charter was recorded and Temple Beth David of the South Shore was born.
Our story is best told by the deeds of all who have created a community with a vision and a mission that affirms our commitment to being “the little temple that makes a big difference. Our commitment is to traditional Reform Jewish values and worship practices. Our liturgy is one that celebrates Hebrew prayer while inviting us to bring our own kavanot (intentions) to the experience, making it meaningful and relevant to each individual. Our commitment is to the inclusion of those who are often outside the center: interfaith families, GLBT, people with disabilities, the Jewish deaf, etc. At TBD everyone is not only welcomed but embraced. But what makes TBD so special is that we know that we are all in this together—at TBD the machers and the schleppers are one in the same. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. We have come a long way because of our continued dedication to that vision.
