Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By simmons on August 5, 2017

Anna Burgess The Enterprise @AnnaBurgess_ENT

After nearly two transient years, the congregation of Temple Beth Emunah will have a new home in Easton inSeptember.

Temple Beth Emunah, which was located on Torrey Street in Brockton until October 2015, will begin holding services next month at 15A Plymouth St., in South Easton.

For almost 100 families in the Beth Emunah congregation, Plymouth Street will become our own, distinct home, said Rabbi Andrea Gouze.

Gouze has been the rabbi at Beth Emunah for almost a year, and is thrilled to bring her new congregation to its new location.

Im incredibly enthusiastic and optimistic about what well be able to do with the synagogue, Gouze said. The way the space is configured will allow for lots of different types of programs, so we can take a very holistic approach to meeting the needs of the Jewish population of this region.

After a long search for a space that fit their needs, synagogue leaders signed the lease for the Plymouth Street building in June.

Gouze said theyre restructuring some of the rooms within the building, expanding the sanctuary area for larger services, and adding a handicapped-accessible bathroom.

Synagogue president Howard Shore said Easton officials have made the permitting process very easy, which he appreciates.

Shoresaid hes excited the synagogue is moving to Easton, because many members live in town, and he hopes the relocation is attractive to other Jewish families who are currently unaffiliated with a congregation.

Shore said they also anticipate the return of a number of families who have been on the fringes of the congregation since it left Torrey Street.

The synagogue, which was founded on Cottage Street in Brockton, was then located at the corner of Torrey and Pearl Streets in Brockton for 45 years, Shore said.

When it left that space in 2015, it marked the first time in 125 years that Brockton was without a Jewish place of worship.

SinceOctober 2015, Temple Beth Emunah has existed in a more fluid fashion, holding services at members homes, other synagogues, and even outdoors, at Sheep Pasture in Easton.

Though Temple Beth Emunah discussed apossible merger last year with Temple Beth Am of Randolph, Gouze said the congregation ultimately decided it was not a direction we wanted to go in.

Temple leaders will dedicate the new space on Sept. 10, and services will begin that week.

Less than two weeks later, the congregation will mark the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Its very nice to feel those dovetail together, Gouze said. A new year, and a new synagogue.

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Former Brockton synagogue finds new home in Easton - Wicked Local Randolph

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