Welcome to Our Community Our Shul The Young Israel of Sharon is a youthful, vibrant Ortho- Young Israel of Sharon was founded in 1972 with just dox shul in the suburban town of Sharon, , a minyan of families. The community grew slowly at first, within 30 minutes of both , MA and Providence, but expanded quickly after the construction of the Sharon RI. With a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Young Eruv in 1990. Many Orthodox families were drawn to Sha- Israel feels like a true small-town shul, despite having ron by affordable houses with spacious green lots, Com- about 175 member families. Our ideology is inclusive- muter Rail access to Boston, and (not least) the friendly ness. On any given day you can see men, women and Jewish community. In 2001, YI moved to its present-day children from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a broad home at 100 Ames array of religious styles and approaches, all unified by Street. Sharon is an open Jewish a commitment to authentic Torah life and spirit. Young community where The shul mem- Israel exemplifies the ideals of Modern Orthodoxy: seri- people are comfortable bership is diverse in ous Torah study and practice, together with an embrace interacting with the many ways: religious of diversity and a participatory openness to the best of members and rabbis of background, religious contemporary culture and community. all the various shuls. observance, hashkafa, In some ways, the Young Israel of Sharon is like many Tashlich at the lake Jewish education, other Modern Orthodox communities in America. We is so special because age, number and age have daily minyanim; we’re mostly but not entirely made of that. There is much of children, place of up of married families with children; we have a Modern home hospitality and origin. Many mem- Orthodox day school in town; we celebrate strong roles continuing Jewish bers have advanced for women in Jewish and secular life. But in other ways education on so many degrees or s’micha. we are different from many other communities. We levels. People are not Our members spend embrace a laid back attitude, communal diversity, as well pretentious and do not their days working as as nature and the stand on ceremony, yet teachers, dentists, ac- Many people in our shul are environment. Halakhic observance countants, homemak- our extended family . . . . We In this packet, we needn’t be compromised. ers, professors, social workers, program- support each other through provide a summary AF, 36 years good times and some bad. description of the mers, and more. On We daven together, learn Young Israel of Sha- Shabbat, the men’s together, socialize with each ron and the Sharon section has wardrobes other, and some of us even and Greater Boston ranging from button-down shirts without ties to sweat- vacation together. communities and re- ers to suits. We pride ourselves on our down-to-earth, inclusive environment. We are united by our shared focus MS, 37 years sources. In addition to describing the on family, community, derech eretz, Jewish and secular shul and town and education, and an Orthodox way of life. We are engaged different events and resources, we try to capture a bit deliberately in modern American life without sacrificing of the spirit that makes our community special, attracts our Torah traditions. so many families to settle down here, and encourages YI Sharon has been led for 31 years by Rabbi Dr. Meir the community’s children to come back as adults to raise Sendor. R’ Sendor received his ordination from the Rabbi another generation here. We’ve supplemented the prose Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva Universi- and pictures with short comments from shul members to ty, where he studied with R’ Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l. add some personal flavor. He received his Doctorate in Medieval Jewish History from Harvard University, under R’ Isadore Twersky, zt”l, and also holds a Masters from Yale University. R’ Sendor Haftarah is chanted by another Kehilah member. The ser- teaches classes in Talmud, mysticism, meditation, and vice continues with the Musaf Amidah and then one or many other topics at YI Sharon and across Greater Bos- more of the younger girls leads everyone in the conclud- ton. He plans to make aliyah in 2016. ing prayers. During the Tefillah, an emphasis is placed on singing songs aloud. Minyanim Tefillat Nashim also meets for special occasions such as B’not Mitzvah. During a simcha such as this, the aliyot The YI Sharon offers a I love the ‘rural’ atmosphere and are layned by the bat mitzvah girl and are often inter- broad array of tefillah op- spersed with short divrei torah and brachot given to the portunities. Our shul has relaxed lifestyle of our town; and in bat mitzvah by special women in her life. These brachot two daily shacharit minya- are often poignant and reflective, and are a beautiful way nim and a daily mincha/ particular, I love the Hashkomma minyan for family and community members to share their love maariv minyan. (During with the bat mitzvah. the winter there is one with its quiet and late Maariv at shul and a respectful tone, and Women dance with a Sefer Torah on Simchat Torah and mincha/maariv b’zman serious davening. MR have a chance to layn an Aliyah. On Purim morning, as that rotates among the part of tefilah, women layn Megillat Esther, and on the three orthodox syna- evening of Tisha B’Av they gather together by candlelight gogues in town). The YI community davens together in to layn Eicha. one minyan on Friday nights. A girl who grew up in our shul and did not attend ser- On Shabbat morning, there are two options: the hash- vices regularly before Tefilat Nashim said, “Tefillat Nashim kama minyan and the main minyan. The Hashkama min- gave me a greater understanding and appreciation for yan prides itself as being commit- both the halakhic and spiritual aspects of tefillah.” ted to a quiet tefillah with proper decorum. Hashkama minyan ends with a short dvar Torah given by a minyan member. After Kiddush, many hashkama members choose to remain in shul for chavrutot or to attend a longer shiur given by one of the Sharon Kollel rabbanim. The main minyan includes a short introduction to layning as well as a longer drasha given by Rabbi Sendor. Teen minyan takes place once or twice a month. This minyan is completely teen run--from arrang- ing who will be davening to who will be reading Torah. The teens enjoy preparing and mingling at their own Kiddush. Once a year, around graduation time, the teens take charge of the main minyan. The teens carry this ex- perience with them as they advance into leadership roles Youth & Family as young adults. Our community tremendously values our children and Once a month, for the past 25 years, Tefillat Nashim their spiritual growth. We place a heavy emphasis on has met in the Beit Midrash. This group was initiated by developing and improving our youth and family program- women who wanted to maximize their participation in ming. communal prayer while staying within the framework of Over the past 5 years we’ve been fortunate to partici- halakha. P’sukei D’Zimrah, is often lead off by a young pate in the Bnot Sherut Leumi program. Two young wom- girl. Another Kehilah member leads the Shacharit service. en from Israel are welcomed into our community and run The first three aliyot are layned by different participants programs for both our shul and Striar Hebrew Academy (no B’rachot are recited). A dvar Torah follows, and the (SHAS). Current programming includes: schools, and YI itself). Young Israel has formed particular- • Tefillat Ketanim: Children ages 0-5 and their par- ly close connections with institutions such as Schneider ents join together from 11:00-11:30am on Shabbat Children’s Medical Center of Israel, which provides excel- morning for a fun and relaxed tefillah with age ap- lent medical care for children in Israel and the Palestinian propriate explanations and fun tunes. The tefillah territories, as well as pediatric therapy focusing on the is led by a rotation of parent volunteers and their treatment of anxiety, trauma and stress, and Family Ta- children. ble, the largest kosher food pantry in New England. Many We loved tefilat ketanim; members and their children volunteer in the pantry, or • Shabbat Dav- It was a fun way to deliver meals to poor families or to seniors. ening Groups: introduce key parts of Individual davening in a way my davening Inclusion very active (and loud) groups include son could be himself. And We believe that every individual in the community Pre-K/K, 1st & now, they ask to come in should feel accepted and welcome, and should be able to 2nd grade, and for the end of “big shul” participate in communal life. Through our inclusion ini- 3rd-5th grade with me to sing along! tiative we strive to increase the awareness of our mem- • Bnei Akiva KG, 9 years bers to help everyone be sensitive to the multiple visible Shabbat after- and not-so-visible needs of members of our community. noon program- Through the use of educational and social programming, ming as well as physical accessibility needs assessment, we • Friday Night Onegs & Motzaei Shabbat Activities hope to bring about this awareness and ensure that the for Teenagers Young Israel is welcoming to individuals of all ages and of all abilities. • Shabbat morning babysitting: Supervised babysit- ting room for children ages 1-5 from 9:30 am-end During our inaugural year of the inclusion initiative, of davening. 2014-15 we hosted Shelly Cohen, founder and director of The Jewish Inclusion Project, as a scholar in residence, • Mishmash: An opportunity for children (grades 1-6) and had a ramp built (for a boy’s bar mitzvah project) to learn a subject of their choice with their parents, to allow all members access to the Bimah. We hosted in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Mishmash is held our first Yachad shabbaton, that brought together chil- on Motzei Shabbat every two to three weeks from dren and adults with and without special needs through October to April. various programs over Shabbat. We are working to match • Family Succah Hop members with special needs with Shabbat ‘buddies’, • Children’s Chanukah Party whether for help following along in services or just to be a social companion. We have also created a section in our • Purim Carnival library that consists of educational and story books for • Tikun Layl Shavuot, with 100+ participants from children and adults about various special needs topics. middle schoolers to grandparents Looking ahead we plan to host our second annual Yachad shabbaton in the fall of 2015, as well as bring in other Chesed speakers and programs to educate the community further about special needs. Young Israel of Sharon has an active chesed committee, which takes action to care for each person in the commu- nity during times of need. Whether Receiving there is a birth, death, illness, need baby meals for hospitality, or helping with for eight special needs children, community weeks was members support each other with meals, visits, and charity. During the so helpful. recent recession, Young Israel also LWR, 3 years created a Family Assistance Fund, to provide help for members who lost jobs or had other economic difficulties. Young Israel members have formed relationships with many charities around the world (in addition to sup- porting local Jewish organizations like the eruv, mikveh, Programming An important component of the Scholar in Residence program is our annual Shabbat T’Lamdeini program that We enjoy various communal activities together celebrates outstanding female Torah scholarship. throughout the year. Summer Beit Midrash: Each summer we are privileged • Branch-Out Shabbat: Members expand their to host this exciting program led by Rabbi Aryeh Klapper personal kehillah by sharing a Shabbat lunch with and the Center for Modern Torah Leadership. Approxi- individuals, couples, or families with whom they mately 15 exceptional young men and women learn in- have not yet connected. tensively in the shul beit midrash for six weeks during the • New Member Social: New members gather to summer and offer chavrutot for the wider shul commu- meet each other and veteran kehillah members. nity. In addition, there are public lectures offered to the • Barbeque and Family Games shul community as well as a Shabbat with Rabbi Klapper • Chanukah Party and Raffle as a Scholar-in-Residence. • Jazz Night • Purim Seudah The Sharon Jewish Community • Yom HaShoah Speaker Synagogues Sharon is a • Yom Ha’Atzmaut Program For a small town, Sharon unique place. has a fair number of syn- Most Orthodox • Family Baseball Game Outing agogues of different de- communities outside nominations. Happily, these Adult Education Israel are in large synagogues have warm urban cities. Sharon Weekly Classes: The Shul offers weekly shiurim in relationships: YI Sharon sold is an exception and Gemara, Halakhah, Mishneh Torah, Machshevet Yisrael its old building to Tem- offers a lifestyle of (including Jewish Philosophy, Kabbalah and Hassidut), ple Kol Tikvah (where the being close to nature and a shiur in Moreh Nevukhim, as well as a rotating community mikveh is still and being Orthodox. shiur after the Hashkamah min- housed) in 2000, and bought AS yan on parshanut. All shiurim A very high its current building from are co-ed, and there is also a ratio of rabbis Temple Sinai. The members weekly Women’s Torah Circle. & teachers per of these synagogues get along well, with kids sharing A list of ongoing weekly classes capita at Young playgrounds, Little League teams, beach sandcastles, and taught by Rabbi Sendor and Israel leads to summer camps. The Sharon Community Kollel also brings other community members can an atmosphere members of different shuls together to learn, celebrate be found at www.yisharon.org/ of learning year- holidays, or sometimes just to eat. classes.html round. Our community also offers a Mikveh, Eruv, Jewish Scholar-in-Residence Pro- ES, 17 years schools and local kosher options, which are listed below. gram: Each year the shul hosts Schools 3-5 Scholar-in-Residences, featuring prominent Rabbis, scholars, and educators Sharon and the surrounding area provide a broad from the modern Orthodox world. In the past, the shul array of choices for schooling. (See the Resources section has been honored to host Rabbi Saul Berman, Executive below.) The most commonly attended Modern Ortho- Director of Edah, and Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Director dox school for YI Sharon’s children is the Striar Hebrew of the Center for the Jewish Future at Yeshiva University. Academy (SHAS) for pre-school and elementary school, and Maimonides school in Brookline for later grades. cars and houses unlocked, and kids walk or bike them- Both schools provide an excellent secular education, a selves to school. peer group of other Modern Orthodox kids, and a strong Despite its proximity to large cities, Sharon has green foundation in Jewish learning and practice. Many parents spaces and many nature activities available. Indeed, the in the community choose to send one or more children to town motto is, “A better place to live, because it’s natu- other Jewish schools, public rally beautiful.” YI Sharon schools, or home schooling. members make good use of SHAS bears a particular the many options for hik- close relationship with ing, bird-watching, biking, YI Sharon because it was boating and other outdoor established by members activities. Sharon’s Moose of the Young Israel and Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and Rabbi Sendor for Sharon’s nearby state parks offer Modern Orthodox com- trails and hiking. In the sum- munity. Additionally, the mer, there is boating and elementary school occupies swimming in our 353-acre, a wing of the shul building. spring-fed Lake Massapoag. The children’s’ artwork and In the winter, there is skiing other projects adorn the and snowboarding at New hallways and social hall, the England’s many resorts and children use the sanctuary ice skating at local ponds, and Beit Midrash for daven- indoor, and outdoor ice ing and other activities, and rinks. Sharon is also host to students have had “Ask the Rabbi” sessions with Rabbi several summer camps, and the area has multiple Jewish Sendor. camp options. Every summer our town hosts The Sha- ron Triathlon. The race takes place in and Town of Sharon around the lake starting with the swimming “Sharon is the best where family and friends line the beach Sharon is a beautiful suburban commu- place to raise chil- to cheer participants. It is then on to the nity in a natural setting, and offers a great dren (I raised five biking and running. The race finishes back Jewish environment to live in and raise kids. here). Parents watch at the park where every athlete is treated In 2013, it was rated by Money Magazine out for each other’s to fanfare. Participation from shul members as the #1 small town in America, in its list children, and infor- has grown over the years with seasoned YI of “places with great jobs, strong econo- mally help in raising member athletes helping and encouraging mies, affordable homes, excellent schools, each other’s kids.... other members to take part. It is an excit- and that special something that makes it a Topping this off, our ing day in August to stand by and cheer on great place to live.” (In 2015, Sharon ranked kids and teens (and community members ranging in age from a lowly third.) Located midway between adults) feel com- teens to seniors. Boston and Providence, it provides access pletely safe walking to both cities via MBTA commuter trains all over town.” RS Sharon is a family-friendly town, and stopping at the Sharon station, and to New many develop friendships across all denom- York City and Washington, D.C., via Amtrak inations and religions simply from meeting at nearby Route 128 station. The population of 18,000 neighbors around town and discovering shared interests lives mostly in single-family houses ranging from rela- and values. Many of our member children attend local tively modest ranches to luxury properties, with some multi-denominational or non-Jewish camps and enjoy be- younger or older families in rental properties. Many town coming friends with non-Orthodox or unaffiliated Jewish residents have second- and third-generation family roots and non-Jewish children. The camps gladly accommo- in Sharon, but the town is also notable for its diversity date the kashrut needs of our children. and openness to newcomers. Sharon is close enough to Boston for trips to cultur- Jewish Resources In & Around al activities or sporting events, but far enough away to provide peace and tranquility. Shul families enjoy the Sharon small town amenities, like concerts at the bandstand by Community Organizations the lake, or watching their kids play baseball, lacrosse or The Community Kollel of Sharon (www.sharonkol- softball. Sharon is also a safe place: some residents leave lel.org) unites all of Sharon’s diverse circles to create a unified community with a common appreciation for the rotation basis to insure that it is intact and that all neces- value of Jewish learning and focuses on the values that sary repairs are made. we all share. The Kollel runs many weekly classes, and Founded in 1990, the Sharon Eruv, was constructed runs a number of programs in collaboration with Young and maintained in close consultation with its original Rav Israel of Sharon during the year. Unfortunately, this year, HaMakhshir, Rav Shimon Eider, Ztz”l. We are thankful and after nearly 10 years, the two couples running the Kollel honored to have Rav Moshe Heinemann, Shlit”a, as our moved. The community is currently working to bring in current Rav HaMakhshir. two new families. For an Eruv Map and addi- The Center for Modern tional information, see www. Torah Leadership (www. sharoneruv.org. Eruv status torahleadership.org) mod- can be obtained by calling els and fosters a vision of 781-784-4299. fully committed halakhic Judaism that embraces Schools the intellectual and moral Striar Hebrew Academy challenges of modernity as of Sharon (SHAS): www. spiritual opportunities, and striarhebrew.org takes responsibility for the Early Learning Center for societal implications of its ages 15 months through interpretations of Torah. The Kindergarten (60 Ashcroft Center carries out its mission Road, Sharon 781-784-8700) through the Summer Beit Elementary campus for Grades 1 through 6 (100 Ames Midrash program which educates up and coming leaders Street, Sharon, 781-784-8724) to write their own Halakhic responsum after an intense six week study session. The fellows in this program often Maimonides School: www.maimonides.org. spend time learning with members of the Young Israel Middle and Upper Schools (34 Philbrick Road, Brook- community. The CMTL circulates weekly divrei torah on line, MA. 617-232-4452) line as well as maintains a website with many articles and Elementary School (2 Clark Road, Brookline, MA) audio lectures. Shaloh House: www. Maayan (www.maayan.org), provides women of all shalohhouse.com ages and backgrounds a setting to further their Jew- My years at SHAS Preschool, Infant ish learning. Weekday, evening, and Sunday classes in studying Chumash, Tanakh, Mishnah, Talmud, Jewish thought, and liturgy are through Kindergarten (50 Ethyl Way, Navi, Mishnah, and the offered at locations in Newton, Brookline, Brighton and principles of Hebrew, Sharon. In addition, Ma’ayan sponsors seminars and Days Stoughton, 781-344- and Evenings of Learning on rich themes and relevant 6334) have provided me with topics throughout the year. While most programs are an understanding of my Jewish heritage, and designed for women, men are invited to some classes and Providence Hebrew have instilled in me a many events. Day School: www. The Jewish Sharon Email List (groups.yahoo.com/neo/ phdschool.org love of Jewish learning. ER, Class of 2008 groups/jewishsharon/info) is a resource for information Kindergarten-Grade 8 on the greater Jewish community of Sharon, providing a (450 Elmgrove Avenue, discussion forum. People also solicit recommendations, Providence, RI. 401-331- make announcements, offer items for sale / free, etc. 5327) Mikveh The Sharon mikveh, run by the women of Chevrat Gann Academy: www.gannacademy.org Nashim, is at 9 Dunbar St. 781-784-7444, chevrat- [email protected], sites.google.com/site/chevrat- High School (333 Forest Street, Waltham, MA. nashim/. 781-642-6800) Eruv The Sharon Eruv is maintained under the direct super- Gateways: Access to Jewish Education: vision of Rabbi Meir Sendor of Young Israel of Sharon. www.jgateways.org With our Eruv volunteers, the Eruv is checked on a weekly Gateways’ mission is to provide high quality special Sharon also houses two mosques and several churches education services, expertise and support to enable stu- dents with diverse learning needs to succeed in Jewish educational settings and participate meaningfully in Activities in & around Sharon Jewish life. The Sharon Public Library has a museum pass program. Reserve a pass for one day and receive a discount per admission. Check out www.sharonpubliclibrary.org for Kosher Food more information. Kosher products including fresh meat and chicken are available locally. In addition, freshly baked goods at a number of local supermarkets are certified kosher by the KVH (Rabbinical Council of New England). Zayde’s Family Marketplace Canton, MA. Many vari- eties of meats, Israeli foods as well as imported goods from other countries. An assortment of homemade food is cooked daily and certified by the KVH. Sweethearts Three. Candy & Chocolatier (Certified by KVH. Shomer Shabbat) Sharon, MA Crescent Ridge Dairy Farm. National Geographic ranked Crescent Ridge among the world’s 10 best ice creams, competing with ice cream from as far away as Paris, Take yourself Cuba, and Florence. (Crescent back in time to Ridge ice cream is KVH certi- eat ice cream at Recreation fied. The toppings are not all Crescent Ridge Westgate Lanes (candlepin & 10-pin bowling, Brockton) and watch the kosher. Other products that Kings Bowling (Dedham) they sell are not under Hashga- cows. cha.) HB, 24 years Splitsville Luxury Lanes (at Patriot Place, Foxboro) Life’s A Bagel is a KVH-certi- Launch Trampoline Park (Norwood) fied fresh bagel shop located in Canton, MA. Ulin Rink (ice skating, no rentals, in Milton) Sharon Woods Inn (Glatt & Shomer Shabbat) Bed & McGolf mini-golf (Dedham) Breakfast in Sharon, MA (781)784-9401 dyarmush@ Family Funway (mini-golf, Foxboro) gmail.com. Year-round kosher bed & breakfast & Shabbat meals Nashoba Valley snow tubing & skiing Shaw’s Bakery: Canton and Sharon - Certified by KVH Blue Hills Ski Area (Milton) Stop & Shop Bakery: Stoughton and Norwood - Certi- fied KVH Outdoor/Nature Costco: Dedham - Certified by KVH Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) There are many kosher restaurants, bakeries and Moose Hill Farm (Trustees of the Reservation) butchers in Boston, Brookline, Newton, and Providence. A Ward’s Berry Farm (pick-your-own berries/pumpkins, list can be found at www.kashrut.com/travel/Boston/ and farm store, 4-H animals, playground) www.bethsholom-ri.org/kosher-food.html Blue Hills (hiking trails, skiing) Other Religious Institutions Chabad of Sharon: www.chabadofsharon.com Zoos Gotta love Etz Chayim: Orthodox. www.etzchaimsharon.com Franklin Park Zoo the lake! Temple Israel: Conservative. tisharon.org ES Roger Williams Zoo Temple Sinai: Reform. www.temple-sinai.com Capron Park Zoo Temple Kol Tikvah: Independent Reform. koltikvahsha- Davis’ Farmland (petting zoo, splash park, hayride) ron.org Museums Providence Children’s Museum Children’s Museum in Easton Boston Children’s Museum Boston Science Museum (Cambridge) John F. Kennedy Presidential Library (Boston) Edward M. Kennedy Institute (Boston) Harvard Museum of Natural History (Cambridge) Museum of Fine Arts (MFA - Boston) Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston) Fuller Craft Museum (Brockton) Decordova Sculpture Garden (Lincoln)

Historical places Freedom Trail Faneuil Hall/Quincy Marketplace Holocaust Memorial Lexington/Concord Adams Historical Area (Quincy) Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth)

Shopping Village Shoppes (Canton) Legacy Place (Dedham): shopping, movies Patriot Place (Foxboro): shopping, movies, Patriot Hall of Fame, small ice skating rink Wrentham Outlets Crafts Ceramics a la Carte (Canton) The Clayroom (Walpole) Plaster Fun Time (Dedham) Make Meaning crafting for kids (Legacy Place, Dedham)

Seasonal Many smaller apple orchards are located within a half hour drive of Sharon and larger orchards within a 1-hour drive. The Big Apple Farm Honey Pot Hill Orchards Berlin Orchards Nashoba Valley Belkin Family Lookout Farm