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Temple Shalom Emeth, Burlington, MA

Temple Shalom Emeth of Burlington, Mass is a reform temple that has been providing spiritual direction and services to its congregation since 1968. The temple contributes to a broader community through participation in, and donations to, various programs sponsored by the towns and cities in which its members reside, including help with the local food pantries, participation in multi-cultural festivals, interfaith community outreach programs, and benefit events to raise funds for those in need.

House (hous) n.: 1. A building used as a dwelling by one or more families. 2. A dwelling for a religious community or for students.

Home (hom) n.: 1. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; household. 2. An environment offering security and happiness; a valued place regarded as a refuge.

A temple is referred to as a "house of worship", but for more than 150 families from Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Lexington, Lynnfield, North Reading, Stoneham, Reading, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn, Temple Shalom Emeth is their "home of worship".

Our Rabbi
Rabbi Susan Abramson has been our spiritual leader for over 20 years, and has been seen leading Shabbat services on Friday nights, naming the children of people she had the pleasure of helping Bar/Bat Mitvah years before, and dressing up in silly costumes for our annual Purim Shpiel.

Our Music
The temple loves its music, and is thrilled to have a wonderful cantorial soloist, Don Levey, who leads us in song for Shabbat services and also teaches music during religious school. Don also provides direction for Sh'ma Kolaynu, our sanctuary band. Steve DiOrio directs Rockin' Ruach, our holiday and special events band, and Kidz Jam, an enthusiastic group of youngsters who not only perform at special Shabbat services, but also perform at multi-cultural concerts and at local nursing homes.

Our Children and our Education
Steve is also our Jewish Life Educator. Steve has created and facilitates a series of workshops for each religious school grade each year; and with his wife Lisa, leads an always engaging monthly adult discussion group called Topics in Judaism. Steve also lends his humor and guidance as leader of the junior youth group for our 6th - 8th graders.

The high-school aged senior youth, SEFTY, does great things. In the college connection program, families can register their college students so that gift packages can be sent to them at Chanukah and Passover.

Even our youngest members play an important role in the temple. Kindergarten kids can attend Pre-Hebrew school, where they get a fun introduction to Jewish holidays and traditions. Kids of all ages are called up to the bimah for the blessings over bread every Friday night and can participate in the Kidush Club, a pizza or ice cream party for all of the children that have attended enough Friday night services.