Congregation Shirat Hayam was founded in 1996, with 20 Family Members as a Reconstructionist Jewish community serving families and individuals on Massachusetts’s South Shore. From its beginnings, the congregation was rooted in values of inclusivity, participatory worship, and thoughtful engagement with Jewish tradition.

The community first gathered in a small room at the old Duxbury Town Hall.  In 1977,  we moved to the Grange Hall, which was at the intersection of Franklin and Temple Streets. We met there until the building was condemned. From there, we moved to  Bay Farm Montessori for religious school and High Holiday services.  As we continued to grow, we needed more space, so in 2001, we rented space from Sanctuary Church in Marshfield.  When Sanctuary couldn't accommodate us, we moved to the First Parish Universalist Church in Duxbury, MA. 

Against demographic odds, we have enjoyed 29 years of Shabbat and holiday worship, watching our children grow up, learning about Judaism, becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, getting together to celebrate life milestones, mourning unfortunate losses together, and always supporting each other and the greater community as Jewish families on the South Shore.

Today, Congregation Shirat Hayam continues its long tradition of adaptability, partnership, and resilience. While its physical home has changed over the years, the congregation’s commitment to meaningful Jewish life, community, and welcoming all who seek connection has remained constant.