SERVICES STYLE
Synagogue is defined (from the Greek) as "assembly" or "house of assembly". The IJC certainly fits this definition.
Our service includes
prayers in English and Hebrew (with transliteration) that are chanted in a traditional synagogue setting. Our services also include readings, music, and prayers that are unique to our congregation.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide a welcoming community for congregants to worship together and celebrate our Jewish and spiritual values, traditions and observances.
OUR COMMUNITY
With appreciation to the many wonderful volunteers and contributors who give so generously to the IJC
Avi Teken, Spiritual Leader​
Avi Teken grew up in Israel, completing his military service as a Lieutenant in the paratroop brigade. He received a BA degree from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and an MA degree from New York University School of Education. Since 1980, he has served as Religious School Principal and Cantor in Conservative and Reform congregations.
Avi has served as the IJC Spiritual Leader since its inception. He leads our congregation during the High Holidays, as well as life cycle events, including weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, baby namings and funerals.
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Contact Avi at tekenavi@gmail.com or call 617-512-7757.
Independent Jewish Community
Board of Directors
Albie Shapiro, President
Albie is one of the founders of the IJC. His two daughters were educated and became Bat Mitzvah under the tutelage of Avi Teken. He grew up in Newton, attending a Conservative Temple, and with his wife, Carole, raised their family in Needham. He has been active in Needham youth sports and town committees during the past 30 years.
Marcia Cooper, Vice President
Marcia is a founding member of the IJC. She is active in Newton's arts organizations and she has served as President of Green Newton since 2008.
Jeff Rosenberg, Treasurer
Jeff is a founding member of the IJC and in addition to serving as its Treasurer, he has been Treasurer/Bookkeeper for the Zamir Chorale of Boston since 2005. He and his wife, Marcia Cooper, live in Newton and raised their two children here.
Adam Sisitsky, Clerk
Adam is a longtime member of the IJC community. He previously studied , and then taught at the Sunday School for Jewish Studies under Sumner Tapper and Avi Teken, and for several years helped lead the congregations High Holy Day Services. Adam also serves as member of the Board of Directors of the Target Cancer Foundation, and previously served on the Board of Jewsih Family Service of Metrowest. Adam is an attorney at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. where he co-chairs the firm's securities litigation practice. He lives in Framingham with his wife and three children.