What is so unique about B'nai Moshe?

We are not just another local neighborhood synagogue. During our 72 year history, we have become a Metropolitan synagogue serving the greater Boston Jewish community.

Bnai Moshe is located in the Cleveland Circle at the intersection of Brookline, Newton and Boston.

Bnai Moshe is a Conservative congregation whose congregants are increasingly young professional men and woman who have come to study at universities and medical centers that surround Bnai Moshe, and to remain to work in the Boston area.

Our membership and congregants come form every part of the U.S. and the world. Many families have been part of the American Jewish community for five and six generations.

Many have come to us from Israel, Russia, Argentina, Lebanon, Egypt, Romania, China and other far away places.

Bnai Moshe is a very cosmopolitan congregation. Our people are involved in the world of business, finance, medicine, law, science, industry and academia.

Our History

A handful of men and women gathered in 1932 to plan for the spiritual welfare of the Jewish people who were coming to Brighton in great numbers. With the nearest house of worship three miles away, the group continued to meet in a store on Chestnut Hill Avenue, the former home of Judge Thomas Connelly of the Brighton Court.

These early Jewish settlers remodeled the house at a cost of $8,000, and the little synagogue at 96 Chestnut Hill Avenue was dedicated on September 10, 1933. Ohel Moshe was the first name given to the Temple, but later the name was changed to Temple B'nai Moshe. Eventually, Temple B'nai Moshe became known as one of the most thriving and progressive congregations of Greater Boston.

Rabbi Joseph Shalom Shubow was installed as the first Rabbi of the Congregation on October 28, 1934. A schoolhouse was built adjacent to the Temple on 60,000 square feet of land purchased from the city, and enrollment grew to 300 children. Four years later, it was necessary to hire the nearby American Legion Post for High Holiday services.

Our Building and Facilities

With a view towards building a new Temple, land was acquired on Sidlaw Road and 1845 Commonwealth Avenue. The beautiful monumental edifice, designed by Krokyn and Browne, Architects, was constructed on the site of the old Sinai Temple. The new Temple was dedicated in 1954.

Our large sanctuary is a stunning example of the art deco style. Our more intimate chapel is where Friday evening services are held. Our recently renovated ballroom is suitable for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, lectures and other functions.

Directions

By the T:

Take the Green Line "B" train to the "Chiswick" stop. ^This stop is at the corner of Chiswick Street, & Commonwealth Ave. 1/2 block from the temple.

Or take the Green Line "C" train to the "Cleveland Circle" stop (last stop outbound from Boston). Take a right onto Chestnut Hill Avenue and walk to Commonwealth Ave. Cross Comm Ave., and turn right. Temple is on left about 1/2 block down.

Or take the Green Line "D" train to the "Reservoir" stop. Take a right down the hill across Cleveland Circle onto Chestnut Hill Avenue, pass Blockbuster video and walk to Commonwealth Avenue. Cross Commonwealth Avenue, and turn right. Temple is on left about 1/2 block down.

Coming from downtown Boston:

Take Commonwealth Avenue from Kenmore square/Back Bay area. Stay on Commonwealth avenue past Boston University going towards Boston College. Just before Chestnut Hill Avenue (Cleveland Circle) Temple B'nai Moshe is on your right.

Map of the area: