History of CDT
History of Dorshei Tzedek
Six households created Congregation Dorshei Tzedek (CDT) during the summer of 1991. We sought to establish a Jewish congregation committed to Reconstructionist principles and philosophy. We envisioned a welcoming, participatory and inclusive community with a rabbi, strong lay leadership, a religious school, lifelong education, Shabbat and holiday services, and lifecycle observances. We chose the name "Dorshei Tzedek" which means "seekers of justice."
To create Congregation Dorshei Tzedek's first High Holyday services, each founding household contributed $500 for initial funding. Services were held at Brandeis University's Sacher Auditorium. We bought a modest number of High Holy Day prayer books and engaged Rabbi Mordechai Liebling to help us lead services. We advertised in the Jewish Advocate, local Newton newspapers, and on community bulletin boards and held our breath!
To our amazement, services were a great success. We were able to pay all our bills, make an appropriate contribution to Brandeis Hillel, and even had a little left over. More importantly, several families joined us right after the holidays. We applied for membership in the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation and were accepted at their next board meeting.
Over the next two years, we held regular Shabbat services, celebrated holidays, and organized a board. We knew we needed to grow and to do that we needed a rabbi and a religious school.
By our third year as a congregation, we were able to start our own Religious School, starting with a Gan-Aleph (K-1) class and adding another grade each year until we had a full Gan-Zayin school. Rabbi Liebling, at that time the Executive Director of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, continued to serve as our High Holy Day rabbi. As our congregation grew to almost 30 households, he advised us to hire a student rabbi for one Shabbat weekend per month plus High Holy Days. Rabbi Linda Potemken served our congregation for the last three years of her rabbinic schooling, from 1994 until 1997.
With a regular rabbinic presence, our membership grew steadily, and by the time Rabbi Potemken graduated we had reached 60 households. At that point, we were able to raise enough money to guarantee a half-time salary for two years. We were incredibly fortunate to bring Rabbi Toba Spitzer to Boston in 1997.
For several years, we held High Holy Day services at the Solomon Schechter School in Newton. Since 2007 we have celebrated High Holy Days at the Gann Academy in Waltham. Our religious school, adult education and holiday programs, and especially our commitment to tikkun olam, continue to grow thanks to Rabbi Spitzer's guidance and our dedicated membership.
Tue, February 18 2025
20 Shevat 5785
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Tuesday ,
FebFebruary 18 , 2025Mindful Mornings
Tuesday, Feb 18th 8:30a to 9:15a
This twice-weekly gathering combines guided and silent meditation to develop our capacity for mindful awareness and to cultivate qualities of patience, gratitude, and compassion. -
Tuesday ,
FebFebruary 18 , 2025Reconstructing Judaism: Writing Disability Torah
Tuesday, Feb 18th 1:00p to 2:30p
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Thursday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2025Mindful Mornings
Thursday, Feb 20th 8:30a to 9:15a
This twice-weekly gathering combines guided and silent meditation to develop our capacity for mindful awareness and to cultivate qualities of patience, gratitude, and compassion. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2025Disability Justice Discussion Group
Thursday, Feb 20th 7:00p to 8:00p
The Disability Justice Discussion Group meets the third Thursday of every month to discuss disability Torah. Join us for any or every session! -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2025Member-led Shabbat Morning Services and Disability Torah
Shabbat, Feb 22nd 10:00a to 12:00p
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2025Tot Shabbat
Shabbat, Feb 22nd 11:00a to 12:00p
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Tuesday ,
FebFebruary 25 , 2025Mindful Mornings
Tuesday, Feb 25th 8:30a to 9:15a
This twice-weekly gathering combines guided and silent meditation to develop our capacity for mindful awareness and to cultivate qualities of patience, gratitude, and compassion. -
Tuesday ,
FebFebruary 25 , 2025Tuesday Religious School
Tuesday, Feb 25th 4:00p to 6:00p
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Thursday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2025Mindful Mornings
Thursday, Feb 27th 8:30a to 9:15a
This twice-weekly gathering combines guided and silent meditation to develop our capacity for mindful awareness and to cultivate qualities of patience, gratitude, and compassion. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 1 , 2025Rosh Chodesh Adar Contemplative Shabbat Mini-Retreat
Shabbat, Mar 1st 10:00a to 1:30p
Zmanim
Alot Hashachar | 5:14am |
Earliest Tallit | 5:46am |
Netz (Sunrise) | 6:38am |
Latest Shema | 9:18am |
Zman Tefillah | 10:12am |
Chatzot (Midday) | 11:59am |
Mincha Gedola | 12:26pm |
Mincha Ketana | 3:07pm |
Plag HaMincha | 4:14pm |
Shkiah (Sunset) | 5:21pm |
Tzeit Hakochavim | 6:03pm |
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