Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham is excited to announce that Allison Poirier will be joining the TBS community as its first female rabbi. Poirier, who will begin on July 1, brings to TBS a track record of
energy, creativity and the ability to make immediate connections with people of all ages and is eager to engage with TBS’s goal of continued growth through outreach and innovating programming.
“In my short time with TBS, I can tell what a special place it is and how dedicated the members are,” said Poirier, who recently spent a weekend at TBS leading Friday and Saturday services and engaging in an interactive Q&A session with congregants on Sunday. “I’ve been looking for a place just like TBS. I know we will grow together.”
Poirier, 28, has a dual undergraduate degree from Barnard College and the Albert A. List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary and will receive her rabbinical ordination and master’s of Jewish education from Hebrew College in Newton this June. She currently serves as rabbinic intern at Temple Israel in Sharon where, in addition to teaching in the religious school and advising the senior youth group, she created and coordinates Chevra, a group for young professionals that she’s grown from a small group of loosely affiliated individuals to a group of nearly 100 people who come together for Shabbat dinners, educational programs and holiday and social events. Her work with Chevra illustrates her unique ability to successfully engage millennials and to bring unaffiliated professionals into the orbit of Jewish life.
Poirier also taught Talmud, social justice and Jewish studies to high-school students at Prozdor of Hebrew College in Newton. A native of Medfield, she is in the process of relocating to Framingham with her husband and young daughter and cannot wait to be a part of the Metrowest Jewish community and to meet people both at TBS and around town.
Synagogue president Evie Kintzer Shorey described Poirier as the ideal choice to lead TBS into the future. “From the moment we met Allison, we knew she was a perfect fit for TBS,” said Shorey. “She is warm, engaging and energetic. She also comes to us with rave reviews about her skills as a teacher for all ages. We look forward to welcoming her and her young family into our temple community.”
Members attending the weekend with Poirier expressed similar sentiments. “Allison is a breath of fresh air,” said a congregant. “She will infuse even more life and energy into our community, “ said another. Yet another member described her as “exactly what we need right now.”
TBS is planning several events over the the next few months to welcome Poirier. The first of these is a celebratory Shabbat on Friday, May 17, where Poirier will join the congregation for a TBS Tots “Shakin’ Shabbat,” a congregational dinner, a service led by our religious school students and a graduation ceremony for eighth-grade students. Rabbi Poirier’s formal installation will take place this fall on a date to be determined.
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