Walnut Street Minyan Welcomes City Leaders, Neighbors At New Home

NEWTON, MA – Newton’s Walnut Street Minyan welcomed city leaders and residents at its first open house in the Jewish congregation’s newly renovated building on Sunday.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, State Representatives Kay Khan and Ruth Blaser, and Newton City Councilor Andrae Down’s joined community members for the congregation’s first celebration in their new home.

The independent traditional egalitarian community of more than 100 families was first established in 2021 as an offshoot of the former Newton Centre Minyan. The congregation moved into its new home at 858 Walnut St. last month.

Open house guests were given tours of the new building and Minyan members Dena Glasgow, Bill Novak, and Margery Sokoloff shared personal reflections on the community’s history and values.

The Walnut Street Minyan has no hired rabbi or any other paid staff. In addition to carrying out all the ritual functions of a traditional synagogue such as leading services and chanting the weekly Torah portion, members also fulfill all operational tasks on a rotating volunteer basis, making the Minyan a close-knit and active community whose members support one another in times of joy and sorrow.

The Walnut Street Minyan welcomes guests to its weekly services on Saturday mornings, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by kiddush (refreshments) and conversation. More information is available at walnutstreetminyan.org.