Founding of Temple Adath Israel by 25 families from southeastern Germany who broke from Ohabei Shalom along with Rabbi Joseph Sachs

Purchase of the Wakefield Cemetery

Dedication of Columbus Avenue synagogue building: Indicative of the growing size and wealth of congregation, influence of its members and leaders.

Founding of Auxiliary Society – This society was the first internal temple organization dedicated to social service, cultural activity, education, and social functions

Dedication of Commonwealth Avenue Temple built by Clarence Blackall: Attended by prominent Jewish and political leaders, the dedication of the new temple building demonstrates the growing size of the congregation, as well as the rising influence of its members and leaders in the community

Installation of Rabbi Harry Levi led to changes within the religious school by implementing new policies such as paying teachers, establishing branch schools, and refocusing the curriculum on more traditional Jewish subjects

First Congregational Seder: “For the first time we liberal Jews indicated that we wanted to participate in old Pesach traditions with our own version,” Abram Vossen Goodman. This seder was the first to follow the Reform-sponsored Union Haggadah.

Radio Broadcasts: Rabbi Levi’s first radio broadcasts of sermons launched a new era of interfaith educational efforts by taking advantage of Levi’s “genius for selling Judaism to Christians,” his speaking ability, and advances in radio technology led to his being known as the “Radio Rabbi”.

New Meeting House: The building of a new meeting house represented the congregation’s commitment to Jewish education, social and cultural activities, and its growing membership.

Social Action Committee: With his installation in 1954, Rabbi Gittelsohn brought a new commitment to social action to Temple Israel during his tenure. Some important projects included the Boston Ruleville Interfaith Committee (BRIC), and Rev. Martin Luther King’s visit to Boston in 1965.

Israel Week/Expo Israel: These celebrations demonstrate Temple Israel’s new connection with Israel, its heritage, and its current political plight.

Installation of Murray Simon as the Temple’s First Cantor

Completion of a new sanctuary as part of the expanded Riverway campus. Sculpture, Sky Covenant commissioned by Jewish sculptor Louise Nevelson placed in front of entrance

Rabbi Mehlman becomes senior rabbi and remains in this position until 1999

First gay family joins the congregation of Temple Israel

Opening of the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center under director Helen Cohen

Rabbi Ronne Friedman succeeds Rabbi Mehlman as Senior Rabbi

150^th Anniversary of Temple Israel; after Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize gay marriage, gay marriage ceremonies are held at Temple Israel

Publication of Becoming American Jews: Temple Israel of Boston by Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan, Susan L. Porter, and Lisa Fagin Davis (Waltham: Brandeis University Press, 2009). Every member family is entitled to a copy of Becoming American Jews, courtesy of the Wyner family, and Emily’s Table, courtesy of the friends of Emily Mehlman, z”l.