Please check our High Holiday schedule and High Holidays COVID policy.
What Makes Us Different?
Shir Hadash is a small, inclusive, participatory, egalitarian congregation (havurah) affiliated with the Reconstructionist branch of Judaism. Our name, Shir Hadash, A New Song, comes from psalm 98.
We focus on the spiritual, educational, social and pastoral needs of adults. Many of our members are empty nesters. We embrace mixed-faith couples, participants of any age, and LGBTQ members.
Our small size (70 people) fosters a close-knit, caring community. It’s easy to form friendships, partner with learning mentors and take on leadership roles.
We feature the best of both worlds - a small independently run havurah with access to rabbis and educational resources of a larger congregation through our partnership with Temple Ohabei Shalom (TOS)
Members work together on matters of ritual, education and decision-making, fostering empowerment and mutual learning
Pastoral care available via TOS: Rabbi Audrey Marcus Berkman (formerly Rabbi of Shir Hadash) and Rabbi Jenn Queen
Member-led hesed committee reaches out to members in times of need
We offer varied Shabbat experiences: breakfast-studies, rabbi-led (with TOS) or member-led services and Torah discussions
Friday night potlucks in member homes
We don’t own a building: spending centers on programs and services for members.
Strong lay leadership and transparency in all decision-making.
Voluntary member contributions (not set dues).
Conveniently located on the Green line (member-led services at Lutheran Church in Newton Centre; rabbi-led services at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline. Directions.