BI in the News

Keep the Faith: For graduates, 'You can steer yourself any direction you choose'

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, June 10, 2023

Rabbi Fellman reflects on journeys and transitions as we celebrate our high school graduates. 

Keep the Faith: 'Cracked Whole Hearts'

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, October 15, 2022.

Rabbi Fellman offers thoughts on brokenness and wholeness, loss and joy.

Keep the Faith: 'In God's Image' - Pride Month!

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, June 25, 2022.

Rabbi Fellman reflects on LGBTQ Pride month and the Jewish imperative to respect the dignity of all people.

Keep the Faith: Costumes, Candy, and Community

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, October 30, 2021.

Rabbi Fellman considers the issue of Jews celebrating Halloween, from both a religious and a personal point of view.

Keep the Faith: We need the time to reset, renew

Worcester Telegram & Gazette, August 28, 2021

Rabbi Fellman reflects on lessons from the Shmita year for our experience during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Reopening the Synagogue for In Person Services

The Jewish Advocate, August 14,2020

Rabbi Aviva Fellman reflects on the emotional impact of being able to safely hold Tisha B'Av services in our sanctuary after months of closure due to COVID-19.

Former South High Teacher in Worcester Celebrates 100th Year

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, July 18, 2020

Profile of BI Member Sylvia Webman, on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Worcester Area Religious Leaders United in Support of Efforts to Combat COVID-19

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, May 6, 2020

Rabbi Fellman is a signatory to this open letter in support of public health measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Kitniyot - Kosher for Pesach Conservative Rules

The Forward, March 25,2020

The Forward's article on the Conservative Movement and Kitniyot quotes Rabbi Fellman on her experience as an Ashkenazic Jew marrying into a Sephardic family.

Area Houses of Worship Making Adjustments to Curb the Spread of Coronavirus

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, March 13, 2020

Update on what places of worship are doing in Worcester and environs to worship safely.

Torathon Returns to Congregation Beth Israel

Worcester Telegram & Gazette, November 14, 2019

Profile of Torahthon at BI

95 and Non-Stop

Worcester Telegram & Gazette, October 27, 2019

Profile of BI Member Irving White and his commitment to working out at age 95.

Keep the Faith: Who needs a building if God is everywhere?
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, July 6, 2018
Rabbi Fellman shares her inspiring words from the Hanukkat Habayit ceremony in this opinion piece.

Beth Israel Synagogue Dedication
Worcester Telegram & Gazette photo, June 25, 2018
This great image captures the wonderful ruach of our Hanukkat Habayit rededication of our beloved Beth Israel!

Hanukkat Habayit: Beth Israel to rededicate its newly renovated home
Massachusetts Jewish Ledger, June 13, 2018
The story of our renovation and planned celebration.

Picnic Perfect at BI!
Massachusetts Jewish Ledger, September 14, 2017
A good time was had by all at our annual membership picnic on Sunday, August 27.

Conservative Movement Overturns 800-Year-Old Passover Ban on Rice and Legumes
The Forward, April 14, 2016
Rabbi Fellman is featured in this report about the recent dramatic shift in the Conservative Movement's stand on kitniyot for Passover. Rice and beans are no longer off limits for Ashkenazic Jews.

Of Every Kind: On Parashat Bereshit
matankids.org, October 7, 2015
Read Rabbi Fellman's D'var Torah on inclusion, written for Matan, an advocacy organization for Jewish students with special needs. Matan empowers students and their families, while educating Jewish leaders, teachers and communities, so that all Jewish children have access to a rich and meaningful Jewish education.

Installation at Beth Israel a Celebration of Rabbi Aviva Fellman's First Year, Massachusetts Jewish Ledger, May 14, 2015
A lot of great things have happened at BI since Rabbi Fellman's arrival. Story by Laura Porter.