Temple Beth Avodah 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton, MA 02459

"I joined Temple Beth Avodah 8 years ago when my husband and I moved to Newton with our then foster children. I was hesitant at first as it had been over a decade since I had set foot in a temple. My husband was Roman Catholic and my kids were born Christian. Our desire for a community led us to meet with the staff and we immediately knew it was the right place for us. Since then, TBA has become an integral part of our lives. My husband converted alongside my oldest son at his Bar Mitzvah. My fears of not being accepted as gay parents are long gone. I have made lifelong friendships and feel unconditionally loved. What makes TBA different? Change. Despite many of the congregants being multi-generational legacy members, there is a movement towards changing how things "have always been." Rabbi Stern and Cantor Glickman are moved to action by the state our world is in. Every gathering at TBA reminds us of our calling to be a change agent, to fight oppression and racism, to be a light during dark times. Our Executive Director Becky Oliver, alongside our lay leadership, keeps us honest about the hard work ahead and is not intimidated about overcoming those hurdles. We are marching in the Boston Pride Parade. We are teaching our children social justice. We are standing up to hatred and injustice. We are making a difference and pushing ourselves further. Ultimately, the best review I could leave for TBA lies in the path my children have taken. Their path has not been easy. The education and support that they are provided through TBA is nothing short of parental. I am certain that as my 3 boys grow older and inventively face down the trauma that haunts them, our TBA family will be there to support us no matter what. And what could be better than that?"

"Great temple, real life rabbi."

"Rabbi Stern is a very charismatic speaker"

"Welcome to anybody. Great Hebrew school. Conviniently located as well for me"