Welcome to Congregation Beth Elohim
Welcome Membership Contact Us Home What's New The Star Star Lite Calendar Education     Family program     Adult ed program     Hebrew School Brotherhood SisterHood Bookstore Donate      Donate on line      High Holy Days Appeal Scrapbook Acton JCC Early Learning Center		Shalom and Welcome This website is meant to give you a sense of who we are, what we are, and what we can offer you as part of the Beth Elohim Jewish Community. Congregation Beth Elohim is located in Acton, Massachusetts and also draws its membership from surrounding towns including Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, and Westford. Because Congregation Beth Elohim offers a focus for Jewish life, it has served as a magnet, attracting Jewish families to the area. It has created a viable, expanding center for Jewish worship, culture, and social life where, a short time ago, there was none.
		Mission Statement Congregation Beth Elohim commits itself to continue fostering a Kehilah K'dosha, a caring, welcoming synagogue community that provides a range of opportunities for spiritual development and the preservation and transmission Jewish traditions, values and culture. Being located far from areas of high Jewish concentration and drawing members from over nine surrounding towns, we view ourselves as a community synagogue; maintaining a progressive orientation which combines an appreciation for the sanctity of Jewish traditions with a sensitivity to the needs of a population which is religiously quite diverse. We welcome the involvement of families of mixed religious backgrounds who are committed to raising their children as Jews. We have remained, by choice, independent, maintaining an approach to religious observance and worship which is inclusive, egalitarian and spirited. (We have been described as occupying that point on the spectrum where the most traditional wing of the Reform and the most progressive wing of the Conservative movements overlap.) We are committed to the sacred task of creating a community of learners; improving the Hebraic and Judaic literacy of adults and children; providing a quality program which actively engages all learners in a nurturing and respectful environment. We see as a major responsibility reaching out to those on the periphery of Jewish life, providing a variety of entry points and encouraging their growth as Jews. As we carefully manage the challenges that continued growth brings to our congregation, we commit ourselves to preserving our current sense of community; providing our congregants with the support and comfort engendered by belonging to an extended Jewish family, facing together the joys, sorrows, and challenges of life.
		Our Goals No Congregation can be all things to all people, But at Congregation Beth Elohim, we strive to accommodate the needs and wishes of our particular population while keeping the sanctity of Jewish tradition.
		Our success has come from the combined effort of the many members and staff who pull together, making all the parts work as a whole community. We welcome any questions you might have concerning Congregation Beth Elohim and look forward to having you join us, as a guest or as a member. We are located at 133 Prospect Street in Acton.  Click here for directions to the Temple.  Our Mailing address is P.O. Box 2218, Acton, MA 01720.  For further information, please   call 978-263-3061.
		Where We Came From In 1963, The Jewish Community Group of Acton consisted of 15 families led by lay people, meeting in the homes of its members. By 1967 the Acton group was sharing space with Congregation Rodoff Shalom in its Maynard Synagogue. Congregation Beth Elohim was incorporated in 1969 and seven years later purchased land in Acton for its own building. Membership grew substantially through the 70's and, after much debate and planning, a building was constructed on that land. On May 4, 1980 Congregation Beth Elohim's 86 member families, along with community friends and officials, dedicated and consecrated our synagogue. Once the building was a reality, the Congregation drew still more newcomers and, in just seven years, it was once again necessary to build to meet our growing needs. Plans for the expanded building more than doubled the existing space, providing a larger sanctuary, a social hall, new classrooms, a caterer friendly kitchen and a lounge for our youth. Dedication ceremonies were held in the new sanctuary May 1, 1988. This time nearly 200 member families and community friends were in attendance. In less than 2 decades, the local Jewish community and Congregation Beth Elohim had come a long way. With the procurement of adjacent land in 1997, a long range plan was established that recognized the congregation's continued growth and need for additional space to accommodate our ambitious programming plans.  In 1999 a building committee was established where all aspects of our synagogue's facility needs were scrutinized. At our annual meeting in May of 2000, the congregation voted to go forward with the building expansion. Designs called for a expansion that would triple the size of the building to 22,000 ft2 with significant on-site parking. In 2001 we had our groundbreaking for what would be a challenging 14 month construction period.  All programming including Congregation Bath Elohim's religious services and school programs were held off-site.  We are especially grateful to the kindness and generosity of St. Mathew's Church, the AB Regional High School and many others within the community for providing us with required facilities during this transition period. Our beautiful new synagogue was completed just in time to accommodate the high holiday services in the fall of 2002.  Today, the CBE congregation is approaching 350 families with an ever expanding range of religious, educational and social activities for children, teens, adults and seniors. In addition, CBE has a special partnership with the JCC, who leases a portion of our facilities to provide a Jewish oriented pre-school program to families within the surrounding communities.  We are  proud of our past and look forward to Congregation Beth Elohim's continued future growth.  We welcome you to join our congregation  and share with us in all we have to offer.
		Who We Are Typically, people do not join a congregation until their children are ready for religious school, yet Congregation Beth Elohim has succeeded in attracting high numbers of those who join without that specific need. Congregation Beth Elohim is a congregation comprised of families and singles within many social groups.  Families with school-age children, adults with grown children, couples with no children, single parent families, those who are single, widowed and divorced are all counted among our membership. Within this melting pot there have developed various social and special interest groups to appeal to almost everyone in the community. The Friendship Club for members 50 and above, a mixed marriage discussion group, the Social Action Committee, a group for mothers of preschooler, and our talented choir are a few examples. Children from third grade on can also find a social setting outside the religious school in Young Judea. Teens are eligible to join our award-winning BBYO chapter.
		Publications Our newsletter is called "The Star". It is our written link to the entire community. Published at month-end, The Star is posted here and also mailed to members and friends of the Congregation to keep everyone up-to-date on news, events and a calendar of scheduled services and happenings. We also publish an electronic mail digest, "Star-Lite" mid-month and occasionally on a special basis to keep Congregants informed regarding time critical and activities and events of interest in between Star issues. You do not have to join the Congregation to receive either publication.  Contact the Congregation office by phone (978) 263-3061 or by E.Mail to be added to the distribution lists.
		Religious Style and Practice Congregation Beth Elohim is a community synagogue with a liberal orientation which combines an appreciation for the sanctity of Jewish traditions with the sensitivity to the needs of a population which is religiously quite varied. We are, by choice, independent, drawing membership from varying backgrounds including traditional, Conservative, Reform and secular. Over the years we have developed an inclusive, egalitarian and spirited approach to religious worship and celebration. Religious policy is set by a consensus of the Religious Committee, the Rabbi and the Board of Directors. Our weekly Sabbath and various holiday services stress congregational participation and music as well as explanatory material presented throughout the Hebrew liturgy. Our religious style may best be described as located along the part of the spectrum where the most traditional aspects of Reform overlap with the most progressive aspects of Conservative practice. Each month, a variety of Sabbath observances is held including regular Friday evening services; early Friday evening services for families with young children and our tot shabbat; Sabbath morning services; occasional Mincha/Havdalah experiences; and, during the winter months, Sabbath morning Torah Study with the Rabbi; combining brief worship with a lively text-centered give-and-take. If you're lucky, herring might follow! Each of the holidays of our calendar year is celebrated in its unique and special way with emphasis on family participation and enrichment.
		Get Involved! There are numerous committees and groups in which to participate. They are active in a variety of areas.  The list of committees and groups include: Adult Education Because Jewish education is an ongoing process, Congregation Beth Elohim provides its adult population with a number of opportunities to widen its horizons. Lecture series, text studies with the Rabbi, Lunch 'n Learn Discussions, and Hebrew and Yiddish language studies are presented throughout the year for interested adults. The committee is always open for suggestions in programming if something you want has yet to be offered.  Brotherhood The Brotherhood serves as an auxiliary service and social arm of the congregation.  Ongoing monthly breakfast-speaker meetings, facility maintenance, religious school programs, bagel drive, elegant dinner, sports and social events are among the activities and services provided by the group.  For more info contact   Buildings & Grounds Buildings & Grounds is concerned with keeping the physical aspects of the buildings and grounds well maintained and in good repair. A broad variety of skills are needed from landscaping, gardening, carpentry, HVAC or electrical or plumbing expertise, to basic repair talents.  Communications The Communications group is involved with the timely dissemination of information and news of interest to the congregation.  The Communications group produces the monthly Star hardcopy newsletter and the Star-Lite electronic mail digest. Growth opportunities exist within the group to formalize publicity and community outreach.  Family Education The Family Education committee plans Jewish educational events that enable families to enhance their Jewish experience at home. Heidi Lovitz facilitates the grade-based events while congregation volunteers organize the community-based events. The activities offer Beth Elohim families the opportunity to connect with each other.  Fund-Raising Looking for high energy and creative people to brainstorm on fund-raising ideas, help with one time events (ie. auction) and/or ongoing fund-raising activities.  Library The Library Committee needs a few volunteers to staff the library during Hebrew School hours. No experience needed. Volunteers would need to be in the library at a time they define from once a week to once a month.  A group of volunteers could join together and agree to cover one time period. Rather than the Hebrew School rush of drop-off and pickup wouldn't you rather relax in the library. You could even read a book!  Membership The membership committee helps to welcome new members into our community by delivering welcome baskets (with Shabbat candles, a bottle of wine, tape of our Shabbat songs and a welcome note), calling to invite new members to events, and helping to coordinate membership events.  Operations The Operations group addresses the physical well being of the congregation by activities such as planning improvements, hiring contractors, responding to Town and neighbor inquiries, organizing work days with the schools and building and grounds people. Also this group develops building and kitchen use policies and works with Town on all inspections.   Ritual The ritual committee oversees and periodically reviews religious policy. It establishes, with the rabbi, congregant participation in the High Holy Day services. The committee is responsible for ritual objects of the Congregation and the ordering and placement of memorial plaques.  Sisterhood The Sisterhood serves as an auxiliary service and social arm of the congregation.  The Sisterhood also provides ongoing support for synagogue operations. School Committee The school committee provides consultation and support to CBE's religious school activities and operations. We act as an interface between the CBE community and the religious school, bringing issues to the attention of the education director and providing information back to the community on school-related matters. We organize events such as Back to School Night, Am Ha Sefer and the Faculty Appreciation Service. To participate or receive more information, please contact Social The CBE Social Committee is a small group of fun loving folks putting together social events that appeal to the greater community.  We primarily look to entertain and facilitate people mingling and meeting new and long standing congregants.  Some upcoming events on the calendar are a a Bowling night, Wine Tasting, a Theater outing (or two), a Progressive dinner, a Game Night, a cooking demonstration and possibly an activity to appeal to our creative selves like working with clay.  Would you be interested in some Yoga on a weekly basis?  Perhaps a pot luck just to hang out?  We are always interested in hearing new ideas for events.  We welcome new members at anytime to join the committee or to pitch in for just one event. Share your thoughts. Social Action The conscience of the congregation, the Social Action committee is involved with Jewish and other community outreach programs and activities with the objective of performing good deeds or support for the downtrodden or those in need of an advocate.  Strategic Planning The VP of Development is responsible for the congregation's strategic planning, and specifically for planning and activities related to membership growth and financial development (other than through dues, tuition, and fees, which are set through the congregation's budgeting process).  Coordinating the congregation's fundraising activities with those of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood falls under this position. The membership and fundraising chairpeople work together with the VP/Development.  The Programming group is currently recruiting representatives from various populations in the congregation to work on long term strategic planning. We are in particular need of representatives from seniors, families with young children, empty nesters, new members, singles, GLBT congregants, families with school age children, and interfaith families.  (Chair Open) Youth The Youth committee gets involved with planning and coordination activities of primary interest and in conjunction with CBE's teenage congregants. Youth group programing at Beth Elohim is unique in its approach to keeping teens connected to Jewish life. We have an active, social youth group for 6th and 7th graders. For 8th graders and above, we have teamed up with two other local congregations to form multiple interest based "chugim" or clubs, including an athletic group, drama group, and a field trips group, each with a Jewish aspect incorporated into it. .
		Our Rabbi Since 1976, Rabbi Lewis Mintz has served as religious leader of our Congregation,having been involved in nearly every aspect of our dramatic growth and development in that time. He studied at Brandeis University, concentrating in Near Eastern and Judaic studies. He holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from Antioch University and studied Rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He was ordained Rabbi by the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York, a unique cross-denominational seminary founded over 40 years ago, whose graduates serve in Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Independant congregations throughout the country. A loyal alumnus, Rabbi Mintz served on the Academy's Board of Trustees for 8 years. Rabbi Mintz has been with Beth Elohim for over 25 years and brings to his efforts over 30 years' experience in Jewish education and community work, including having served as Chaplain to Jewish students at Wellesley College and at Bentley College. In addition to his involvement in Congregational programming, our Religious School and adult education, Rabbi Mintz serves the Congregation and the general community as a resource person regarding all matters of Jewish interest. Rabbi Mintz can be reached via email at .
		Our Education Director Leann Shamash was born in Medford. She participated in the Young Judaea's Year Course in Israel after graduating from high school which helped form and nurture a lifelong commitment to Judaism and Israel.   After returning from Israel, Leann returned to Massachusetts and studied at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where she received a BS in Plant and Soil Science with a minor in Judaic Studies. Leann taught kindergarten at the Merrimack Valley Hebrew Academy in Lowell for thirteen years, where she also taught music.  Leann returned to school for her Master’s degree to Brandeis University where she attended the Hornstein Program in Jewish Communal Service, with a concentration in Jewish education.  She was the Director of Education at Temple Sinai in Brookline for six years before becoming the Education Director in Acton.  During summer vacations Leann has worked for ten years at Camp Yavneh in New Hampshire where she happily directs the CIT play each summer.  Leann is married to Hooshang and they have four children, Zohar, Eytan, Aviv and Orry. Leann Shamash can be reached via email at Our Cantor/Pastoral Associate We would like to welcome Sarra Allegra Spierer who joined Congregation Beth Elohim on August 1st as our first pastoral associate and cantor. In this role, Sarra will assist Rabbi Mintz in supporting the community in prayer and spiritual expression, in learning, in celebrating lifecycle celebrations, and in coping with lifecycle challenges.  Sarra will also work closely with children and families who are preparing for Bar and Bat Mitzvah and participate as the Cantor during religious services.  Sarra comes to CBE from Manchester, New Hampshire’s Jewish community.  She graduated from the Cantor-Education Program (CEP) of Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts in June 2006, receiving her Cantorial Ordination as well as a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education.  She has also completed an intensive training program in clinical pastoral education at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.  In 1996, Sarra began her undergraduate studies in Occupational Therapy at Boston University.  While in Boston, she began voice lessons with Raisa Shapiro and sang with the Zamir Chorale of Boston.  After graduating from Boston University’s College of Communications in 2001, Sarra moved back to Manchester, where she began studying with Rabbi Jacob Rosner, and where she served as the High Holiday cantorial soloist at Temple Israel.  It was on the bimah that New Year that she realized she wanted to become a cantor.  Sarra’s experience includes leading Shabbat and holiday services, guiding children and adults in preparing for B’nai Mitzvah, and teaching classes in Conservative, Reform, and non-denominational congregations. She is also an active participant in interfaith learning and meditation, especially as a form of healing and prayer. Sarra Spierer can be reached via email at Our Religious School Nearly 250 children attend classes at the Beth Elohim Religious School which has programs for students in grades Kindergarten through Confirmation. Beginning in 2005, our programming will extend to post confirmation students as well. Torah, Jewish history, customs, current events Israeli music and dance are all part of its comprehensive curriculum. Hebrew instruction begins in grade 2, our Bet class. Beginning in 3rd grade (Kitah Gimel), children attend school on Sunday and one additional weekday afternoon (Tuesday or Wednesday) . Kindergartners, first and second graders have classes on Sunday mornings only. Preparation for Bar and Bat Mitzvah is a part of the school's curriculum. In addition to classroom instruction, these pupils study individually with a tutor and with the Rabbi. A three year confirmation program provides an educational opportunity for older students to broaden their understanding of Jewish thought, practice and contemporary experience. Parents of special needs children are invited to meet with the Educational Director to discuss ways the school can assist in providing an appropriate and meaningful religious education for those students. In addition to the professional Education Director, school matters are under the responsibility of the Religious School Committee.

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