Young Israel of Sharon

The Young Israel is an exciting Orthodox synagogue in the suburban town of Sharon, Massachusetts, just 30 minutes outside of both downtown Boston and downtown Providence. Begun in 1972 with just a minyan of families, the synagogue now has over 120 member families. In 2001, the congregation moved into its present structure.

The Young Israel is today a youthful, vibrant community. With a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Young Israel is a true small-town country Shul. Its ideology is inclusiveness On any given day in the Shul you can see many men, women and children, from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a broad array of religious styles and approaches, all unified by a commitment to authentic Torah life and spirit. Young Israel exemplifies the ideals of Modern Orthodox: serious Torah study and practice, together with an embrace of diversity and a participatory openness to the best of contemporary culture and community.

The congregation hosts classes and discussion groups on Torah topics nearly every day of the week. Taught by Rabbi Dr. Meir Sendor and local teachers and guest Rabbis, classes for adults, teens and children attract people from inside as well as outside the congregation, from all over Eastern Massachusetts.

Subjects such as Talmud, Bible, Mishnah, Practical Halakhah, Hasidic thought, Jewish meditation and the theory and practice of Jewish Mysticism address a wide range of interests. The is also an evening enrichment program for high school students. The Shul brings in the heads of the local Kollels, every Sunday morning, for in-depth Torah study. During the year, the women’s learning program Ma’ayan, holds classes at the Young Israel. Day and night, there are individuals learning, and study partners discussing many different Jewish texts. At any time and season, there is something for everyone.

In addition to regular daily services, morning and evening, and the full Shabbat services with two morning minyanim, there are focus groups, such as the Women’s Prayer Group, Tefilat Nashim, and groups for children of various ages. Also, a babysitter is available on Shabbat and the Yom Tovim for the very young children. The Shul provides intimate setting that allow members to explore prayer and spirituality at their own pace. Youth programs are the heart of the Young Israel, which is proud of its large and active NCSY chapter. The youth groups are particularly active in community and synagogue service programs. Also, the Shul offers a wide range of social and cultural programs such as Yiddish Films, Lecture Series, Goods and Services Auction, Musical Programs, and the Purim Carnival and Party. In 1990, the Young Israel erected the Sharon Eruv, a concrete symbol of communal unity and inclusiveness. The former Young Israel building at 9 Dunbar St. houses the Sharon Mikveh, run by the women of Chevrat Nashim. Also, there is a very close affiliation between the Shul and the local yeshivah, the Striar Hebrew Academy of Sharon (SHAS). Currently SHAS serves students from nursery through the sixth grade. In every way, Young Israel of Sharon is a full-service synagogue.

After many years of tremendous growth, activity and accomplishment, the Young Israel now prepares itself for the 21st century by embarking on a campaign to purchase a new and larger facility. This expansion will allow the Young Israel to continue to serve its membership and the entire community as a leading center of Modern Jewish Orthodoxy. Those people who are interested in learning more about the Young Israel of Sharon, feel free to contact the Director of Membership, Lytal Kaufman, at (781) 784-2802. Arrangements can be made for people to spend a Shabbat in Sharon.