Two Synagogues Could Share Space in Brookline

BROOKLINE, MA - Two conservative synagogues with deep historical roots may become neighbors in Brookline this summer.

At a vote Wednesday night, Congregation Mishkan Tefila's board of directors and board or trustees approved the move 4-1; the board of Congregation Kehillath Israel unanimously seconded the motion the next day, the Boston Globe reported.

Before the decision is made official, two-thirds of Mishkan Tefila’s 200 member families must approve a bylaw change permitting the move out of Newton at a vote May 4, according to the Globe.

The proposed merger comes as Mishkan Tefila sells its Newton building and 24 acres to Boston College. However, though the two congregations would share the 1.3-acre Kehillath Israel building they will remain separate entities.

Kellihath Israel's campus is currently undergoing $15 million worth of renovations; the congregation has raised $10 million so far, and Mishkan Tefila announced it intends to contribute part of its $20 million profit from the sale of its Newton facility to the project.

Though the two congregations would retain their own identities, budgets and structure, they likely would share a pre-school and religious school, daily minyan services and expanded activities for teens, the Globe reported.

>>>Read the full report from the Boston Globe here<<<