Synagogues in Newton MA & Brookline: 2026 Guide

Featured image: Temple Ohabei Shalom on Beacon Street in Brookline. Photo: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).

Brookline and Newton have one of the largest clusters of synagogues in New England, covering Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Sephardic, Chabad and Jewish Renewal congregations within a few miles of each other. This guide lists congregations in the two towns with addresses and movements, drawn from each synagogue’s own website and the JewishBoston directory run by Combined Jewish Philanthropies, as checked on Oct. 22, 2026. Most congregations welcome visitors, but many now ask guests to register or call ahead, especially for Shabbat and High Holiday services, so contact the office before you go.

Synagogues in Brookline, Massachusetts

Reform synagogues in Brookline

Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon St., 617-277-6610. The congregation describes itself as a Reform temple marking 180 years of community.
Sinai Brookline (Temple Sinai), 50 Sewall Ave., 617-277-5888, a Reform congregation.

Conservative synagogue in Brookline

Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard St., 617-277-9155, in Coolidge Corner. Its website lists office hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

Orthodox and Sephardic synagogues in Brookline

Young Israel of Brookline, 62 Green St., 617-734-0276. The Orthodox shul says it was founded in 1953 and works with Maimonides School on Bnei Akiva youth programs.
Beth Abraham Synagogue of the Sephardic Congregation of New England, 18 Williston Road, which follows Sephardic prayer customs.
Maimonides Minyan, 34 Philbrick Road, on the campus of Maimonides School.

Synagogues in Newton, MA

Conservative synagogues in Newton

Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton Centre.
Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Auburndale (Newton). Hebrew College lists the same street address.

Reform synagogue in Newton

Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., West Newton.

Orthodox, Sephardic and Chabad congregations in Newton

Congregation Shaarei Tefillah, 35 Morseland Ave., Newton Centre, a Modern Orthodox congregation.
The Adams Street Shul, 168 Adams St., 617-630-0226. JewishBoston describes it as a historic Orthodox shul.
Beit Sasson, the Sephardic Congregation of Newton, 556 Ward St., 617-244-3956, which follows Middle Eastern and Spanish Jewish traditions.
Beth Menachem Chabad, 349 Dedham St., Newton Centre, 617-244-1200.

Jewish Renewal in Newton

B’nai Or of Boston, listed at 19 Kappius Path, Newton, a Jewish Renewal congregation that says prayer there includes music, meditation and dancing.

How to choose a synagogue in Brookline or Newton

The main movements differ in how they approach Jewish law and worship. Reform congregations generally pray in a mix of Hebrew and English and seat families together. Conservative congregations use more Hebrew and follow traditional law with some modern changes. Orthodox congregations follow traditional law closely, with separate seating for men and women, and members typically live within walking distance because they do not drive on Shabbat. That is a major reason Orthodox life in Greater Boston is concentrated around Brookline, Brighton and Newton Centre. Many congregations offer trial memberships, reduced dues or free events for newcomers, so it can help to attend a Friday night or holiday service at more than one before joining.

Visiting a synagogue for the first time

Call or email ahead. Many congregations share service times and visitor instructions only with registered guests.
Expect a sign-in or security check at the door at many congregations, and bring a photo ID.
Dress modestly. Head coverings (kippot) are usually available at the entrance for men.
Avoid using phones or taking photos during Shabbat services at traditional congregations.

More for Jewish Boston

Hanukkah begins Dec. 4. Our Hanukkah 2026 in Boston guide has candle-lighting times and confirmed events. After services, our kosher restaurants in Greater Boston guide lists certified places to eat nearby, and our Jewish community resources guide covers CJP, the JCC and social services.

Additional details

Congregation Mishkan Tefila, long based at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway in Chestnut Hill, voted in 2015 to sell its property to Boston College, so that building is no longer a synagogue site.
The JewishBoston directory lists many more congregations across Massachusetts, including Brighton, Cambridge, Sharon and the North Shore, and is searchable by town and movement.
Several Boston-area colleges have Hillel houses that hold services open to students, including Harvard Hillel at 52 Mount Auburn St. in Cambridge.

Sources

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Synagogues in Brookline and Newton: A Guide to Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Sephardic Congregations