When We Ask for an RSVP – Here’s Why It Matters

Everyone is always welcome at HBT—no RSVP is ever needed to attend services. Whether your visit is planned or spontaneous, we’re so glad you’re here.

 That said, if you plan to stay for a meal or attend a special event, we kindly ask that you RSVP. This helps us prepare enough food and seating, ensures we have the right level of staff and volunteers, and allows our security team to plan appropriately. Your RSVP helps us create gatherings that are safe, smooth, and welcoming for everyone.

 Thank you for helping us build joyful and well-run community experiences.

 With much appreciation

Honoring Our Spaces, Embracing Our Future

TEMPLE HILLEL B’NAI TORAH

Honoring Our Spaces, Embracing Our Future

Celebrating growth, memory, and possibility as we expand our Chaverim School and make room for what’s next.

Support HBT’s Next Chapter Explore Chaverim School

Our Update

This summer has been a season of growth and transformation for our building. To meet the needs of our expanding Chaverim School, the Board created a Chaverim Space Task Force to explore how best to accommodate the year ahead. After thoughtful review of several options, the Task Force recommended—and we implemented—an exciting plan that adds two new classrooms by dividing the Chapel and re-imagining the John Cotton Kiddush Room as a flexible, fully enclosed learning space.

In a masterful design led by Moreno Guzman, Facilities Manager, the original ramp was moved behind a new wall and a new door to the lobby was added. The room now has three separate doors—one to the lobby and two to the interior hallway— allowing it to function as a single large classroom or, by closing the folding wall, as two independent classrooms. This smart reconfiguration gives our children, teachers, and programs the flexibility they need to thrive.

We also know that every space in our building carries meaning and memory. The Chapel and Kiddush Room have hosted countless services, celebrations, and moments of community. Even as we embrace change, we honor those connections and the stories they hold. As we move forward, we hold two truths together: the importance of honoring our past and the necessity of making room for our future.

“These changes reflect a vibrant, growing community—we look forward to the new memories we’ll create together.”

— HBT Leadership

Take a Look Inside Our New Classrooms

Bright, flexible spaces designed for learning, creativity, and connection. These new classrooms reflect the heart of our Chaverim School, where children grow, explore, and build Jewish community together.

Who Was John Cotton?

The John Cotton Kiddush Room honors John H. Cotton ז״ל (2009–1948), a beloved leader of Temple Hillel B’nai Torah and a pillar of its growth in the 1990s.

John served first as Vice President and then as President, guiding the challenging early years of our Hebrew School. His steady leadership and gift for collaboration helped transform a fledgling idea into a thriving program that continues today.

John and his wife Vicky Cotton were active members of the West Roxbury Chavurah, and their daughter Rachel grew up in our congregation.

Professionally, John was Senior Vice President and a Board member of the Segal Company, renowned for his clear analysis and candid advice. A lifelong Yankees fan and avid runner, he was admired for his humor, warmth, and dedication to friends and colleagues alike.

John’s sudden passing in 2009 was felt deeply by all who knew him, but his legacy endures. Every gathering in the Kiddush Room honors a man whose vision and devotion helped lay the foundation for our congregation’s future.
It is with בְּכָבוֹד וּבְהַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב — B’kavod u’v’hakarat hatov (“with honor and gratitude”) — that we rededicate these rooms in his memory.

1996 Was His Moment

Every generation at HBT reaches a turning point, a moment when the future calls and someone steps forward to lead. In 1996, that moment belonged to John Cotton. Ten years after the West Roxbury Chavurah joined HBT and helped spark a quiet renewal, the congregation was again poised for change.

Membership was growing. We had just hired Rabbi Barbara Penzner, whose leadership brought an entirely new way of doing things. There was energy and excitement, but also the real work of figuring out how to sustain it, how to pay for what we were building, and how to grow responsibly. As president, John met that moment with steadiness and care. He supported the families who were creating the new Hebrew school, adding his own expertise in organization and leadership to help turn their ideas into action while guiding the congregation through a time of transformation.

Under his leadership, what began as an idea became a cornerstone of HBT’s identity: a place where children learn, families gather, and generations grow together. 1996 was John’s time. And now, as we dedicate new classrooms within the John Cotton Kiddush Room, this is our time to carry that same spirit of commitment and renewal forward, honoring John and the circle of leaders, teachers, and families who shared his vision.

Project Milestones

• Spring 2025: Chaverim Space Task Force formed; options study begins.
• Summer 2025: Plan approved by Board; construction scheduled.
• August 2025: Chapel divided; wall added to Kiddush Room creating enclosed learning space.
• September 2025: New classrooms opened for Chaverim School and community programs.

Make a Gift

With Gratitude

Chaverim Space Task Force: Jason Silver (Lead), Andi Lipman, Becky Shapiro, David Goldberg, Matthew Smith, Rachel Young, and Sarah Bob

Hillary Engler — Education Director
Julie Tishler — VP of Education
Aaron Schleifer — VP of Operations
Moreno Guzman — Facilities Manager
Benita Block — Director of Administration and Communications

With support from the Board of Directors • Posted September 9, 2025

HBT Pesach Observance

Shabbat Hagadol - Saturday, April 12 - 10:00am – 12:30pm

Erev Pesach begins Saturday night April 12 with the first seder

Pesach Day 1 Service - Sunday April 13 - 10:00am – 12:30pm

Welcome spring and liberation with song and inspiration.

Pesach Day 2 - Monday, April 14 - Office Closed

Pesach Day 4 - Wednesday, April 16 - Chaverim School 4:30 - 6:00pm

Pesach Day 7 - Shabbat- Saturday, April 19 - 10:00am – 12:30pm

Join Rabbi Aliza and the HBT Band Sing Hallel together and comfort one another as we remember our loved ones at Yizkor.

Pesach Day 8 - Sunday, April 20 - No Chaverim School- Office Closed

Clothing Donations for Immigrants

HBT is collecting donations of spring clothing for adults and children plus toiletries and standard baby clothing and supplies for the Brazilian Welcome Center (Allston) (BWC). Non clothing Items Include:

Menstrual Pads, Body Wipes, mosquito repellent, NIDO powdered milk, Diapers, size 4 and 5, Baby wipes and Boxes of chocolate milk and whole milk. Leave donations in HBT Lobby. Also options to order online and Send to: Brazilian Workers Center: 14 Harvard Ave, Floor 2, Allston, MA 02134. Also check donations can be sent; put FWC in memo line.  For more info on donations go to https://Brazilian center.org/way-to-give/. 

BWC is a clearinghouse for new immigrants providing crucial information and referral services.  

 For questions email sflashman@gmail.com