History

Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills builds upon roots deep and wide in the communities of Milton, Quincy, and Boston. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a group of Jewish families, many of whom were World War II veterans, searched for a suburban community with better educational and recreational facilities to raise their young families. With parents and relatives close by, Boston just a short distance away, and a bucolic setting, Milton seemed like the perfect place. But most important to them was the fact that a group of pioneers had earlier established the Milton Hebrew Center, later named Temple Shalom. They raised funds and built a small one-story building, consisting of one small hall, and dedicated it on September 11, 1949. In the early 1950s and 1960, as Temple membership grew, additions were made to the original building, reflecting how “in a short span it had grown from a handful of determined pioneers to a vibrant, active community.” For more information on Temple Shalom please read this PDF study written by James Rosenbaum, January 15, 1978.

More recently, we joined with our brothers and sisters in faith from Temple Adas Shalom of Quincy and Temple Beth El of Quincy. Our lay leaders are drawing on the history and traditions of all of our founding congregations, which have been proud, vibrant parts of local religious life for over half a century, to form our combined Jewish community.

Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills is fortunate to benefit from a legacy of passionate spiritual leadership. Rabbi Jacob Hochman, a World War II veteran and former Army chaplain, Rabbi Jerome Weistrop, who served Temple Shalom for 28 years, and Rabbi Jacobs, long time Rabbi of Temple Beth El, created a community synonymous with friendship, caring, learning, belonging, personal growth, and commitment. Our current Rabbi, Alfred Benjamin, builds on this foundation with innovative programming, partnerships, and interfaith leadership in Milton and surrounding communities.

Click here to read Tributes to Rabbi Hochman (PDF).

Today, thanks to the generosity of Marvin and Andrea Gordon, long-time members of our congregation and active residents of the town of Milton, we have the amazing opportunity to create a new house of worship, built on the first Jewish-owned property in Milton. Bertha and Samuel Shoolman, Mr. Gordon’s grandparents, purchased 10 acres in 1920, which they farmed for 29 years, producing and distributing kosher milk. These origins provide the bedrock for our new center for prayer, study, and fellowship.

As we move into a new period of our shared history, we are building a permanent spiritual home for Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills that reflects our combined values and vision, and will enable us to be an anchor for Jewish life on the South Shore for future generations. We encourage you to join us on this journey and help make it possible by donating generously.