Whats NU?
News & Updates from Temple Beth El
Temple Beth El is affiliated with the URJ
(Union of Reform Judaism)
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February, 2022 - Adar, 5782 |
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Join Temple Beth El's Shabbat services with Rabbi Tuviah and experience the warmth and beauty of Shabbos. Learn something new in our expanded educational offerings. Enjoy our Jewish community. Worship, Learn, Celebrate, Participate! Be a part of something special. |
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My Message - By Rabbi Tuviah
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Shalom, Shalom!
I’d like to begin my very first message for our What’s NU Temple newsletter with thanksgiving and gratefulness. Nancy and I very much appreciate the warm welcome we received by many of you when we arrived for our first official Shabbat service this year. It can be quite daunting to arrive and be considered the “spiritual leader” of a congregation you barely know. Your welcoming attitudes made it a most easy transition for the both of us.
Since this is my introduction to all of you in written form, I feel it's important to share some of my thoughts, ideas, and hopes for the future as your Rabbi. I envision Temple Beth El as a place that can offer much to each and every soul. At its core, it should be a place where worship flows freely, and where the ruach, the spirit, can move and touch each person in just the manner in which that person needs most.
Shabbat comes once a week so perhaps we can see our temple as a type of re-fueling station, a place where we can come and fill or tanks after a long week. What can we fill it with? Well, first and foremost, we can mine the vast resource the Jewish people have been gifted with, the very words of Torah and all its commentaries. Through weekly messages, liturgical practices, holiday observances and educational classes, we have an endless path for discovery. With these holy words seeping out of our pores, just think of the impact we can make on the world!
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Additionally, Temple Beth El should be a place of community, where everyone feels welcome and a part of something bigger. A community that respects and supports each and every individual; a community that shares simchas, and a community that supports one another in times of despair. Quite honestly, without this, the temple is nothing more than an empty vessel storing holy books. I know we are, and can continue to be, much more than that. Lastly, we should rejoice with the beautiful children who are such an integral part of our family. L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, is the method in which Judaism has survived and thrived for thousands of years. It must be the goal of this Temple to continue this tradition, sharing the splendor of Shabbat, the richness of our heritage, and the beauty of our traditions with our precious little ones.
So there it is…a very brief glimpse into just a few of my thoughts. Rather than write a novel, I will simply spread my ideas over future newsletters. I thank you for taking the time to read this and I’d like to leave you with one more tidbit. You should know that as Rabbi, it is my heart-felt desire to first acknowledge all the incredible work that has already been done at TBE by our amazing group of volunteers and past clergy. And then, with all hands on deck, we will move on to a bigger and brighter future, thus assuring that Temple Beth El “be a light to the nations” spoken of by our prophet Isaiah. I truly look forward to taking on this task together!
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Tuviah
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Upcoming Events
Friday Night Services: In person. Every Friday Night at 7 pm.
Torah Study: Saturdays at 10:00 am. A worship service first, a light lunch, and then Torah!
Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16 – Adult Ed Class 7:00pm on Zoom.
The Sh'ma, a Mystical Experience
February, 10 - Valentine Trivia Night at TBE 7:00 pm
Thursday, February 17 - Sisterhood meeting on Zoom 7:00 pm
February, 20 - Men's Club Breakfast at Salt &Pepper 9:30 am
Thursday, February 24 – An Evening with Rifka Glatz- Holocaust Survivor at TBE
Wednesday, March 2 - Sisterhood Luncheon at Peridia Country Club 11:45 am
Saturday, March 5 - Havdalah Celebration, 7:00 pm at TBE
Wednesday, March 18 - Purim Shabbat at TBE - Costumes! 7:00 pm
See your Weekly Wrap email for more detailed information
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What do the Months Tell Us?
By Nancy Baltran-Schreiber
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This year, Adar I 5782 begins February 2. Adar is the 12th month of the Jewish calendar starting from Nisan. We celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar. It is also on the 7th of this month that Moses was born and died.
Our sages teach us that, “When Adar comes, joy increases.” This year is a leap year and therefore, we get to extend this joy for two months into Adar II. Adar’s joy is so great, in part, because it serves as the opening to an even greater rejoicing: the miracles of Passover.
For the past three months we have been quietly, introspectively healing - it was dark and we went inward. Adar is the time to nurture the intentions we’ve set for ourselves as we sat in the dark. Now, like Queen Esther, we remove our “masks” and reveal our truest selves.
“How?” you ask?
Begin this month by turning up some tunes and having a dance party (alone or with others). That’s right – movement and happy music equals a happy mood. And we all think better/clearer when we are happy.
Dedicate time to asking yourself some important questions: What/who brings me joy? How often do I spend time doing what makes me happy? What mask do I wear? – What could happen if I remove it? What do I notice in my body when I laugh?
Make an effort to notice the joy around you, acknowledge it and share it! Share it with friends, with your spouse, with your TBE family, with anyone really! “Happy” is contagious!
May the month of Adar bless us with an abundance of joy!
Chodesh Tov!
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Would you like to celebrate, commemorate, honor, or remember a person or event? Sponsor an Oneg for Shabbat. |
Birthday, anniversary, graduation, Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Make anything extra special with your Oneg sponsorship. Each sponsorship helps subsidize the costs of providing delicious treats for Shabbat attendees. You can sponsor a Friday evening or Saturday morning Shabbat, or both. You can also customize the Oneg by selecting from a menu of options. Contact the TBE office if you are interested in more information or to reserve a date.
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Religious School - A New Way, An Exciting Way! |
No longer on Sunday, now "Hebrew/Religious school" happens every Saturday starting at 9 am. and is Shabbat School! After their studies, the children join the congregation in the Sanctuary for services. It is a delight for all. Children are included in the true celebration of Judaism. They become a part of their religion in a meaningful, practicing way, participating along side their parents or grandparents and the rest of the congregants. This is the way learning was meant to be. If you would like more information, including Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations and how to enroll, contact Joel Auerbach, Director.
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Sandwich Mitzvah Project Expands
Temple Beth El has been working with the Salvation Army since the spring of 2020, providing peanut butter sandwiches for the people they feed and shelter. People staying at the shelter also need health and beauty aids, everything from soap and shampoo to Vaseline and sunblock. These items are only available as they are donated. Hopefully we can begin adding these products to our donation. Please consider donating to this worthwhile project. Items can be sent along with your peanut butter sandwiches or brought to the Temple
If you are interested in participating in this program, send a message to Ken Handelman or text at 941-840-4132.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made here
Meals on Wheels Needs Volunteers
TBE will once again participate in produce packing for Meals on Wheels on Monday, February 7 from 8:30 to 11:00 am. Meals on Wheels is located at 811 23rd Ave. East. This will be an opportunity to prepare healthy food for 650 Manatee County shut ins. The kitchen where we will be working is now a big roomy space with open doors and safe distancing. Anyone who wants to sit can do so, and there is no lifting required.
Please email Ken Handelman know if you plan to attend. You can also send a text to 941-840-4132.
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Do you have a facebook page? Have you “liked” TBE’s page? Go to our FaceBook page and hit “like”. Keep up with everything going on at the Shul. Also, consider joining the “Jewish Community of Manatee” on facebook too. We can comment and support each other there. For questions about using Facebook, contact Robyn Spirtas 941-962-0884 or email here.
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Simcha Grams
TBE sends Birthday, Anniversary, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and other celebration "Simcha Grams" to members in honor of their special day. This is a great way to contribute to your Synagogue and to send your TBE family good wishes.
Names must be received at the office by the 20th of the month prior to the birthday, anniversary or special event. Include a note with your name(s), the name(s) of whom and what you are honoring and how you would like your signature on the card they will receive. The donation is $3.00 per name. In the memo area of your check write "simcha gram" and mail to: Temple Beth El, Attention: Simcha Gram. 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton, FL 34203.
If you wish to pay by credit card use the "DONATE" button below.
The card will be mailed to those individuals prior to their special day. If we have somehow overlooked your Simcha or made an error in printing the date, please accept our apologies and call the temple office at 941-755-4900 or send an email so that we may update our records.
Bonnie Krasik - Helen Hammerman's Birthday
Meg Weinberg - Sisterhood and Men's Club
Meg Weinberg - Cantor bard and Jean Steiger
Marlena Johnsky - Bat Mitzvah of Meg Weinberg and Jean Steiger
Meg Weinberg - Thank you to Albert Rosenstein
Howard Hammerman - Birthday Helen Hammerman
Joel Auerbach
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Donations as of December 17 to January 30 |
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Sandra Clark
David Meier
Juliet Koversmith
Everette Hensley
Joseph & Iras Robeck
Susanne Koniea
Beverly Hurowitz
Rise Bausch
Bette Zaret
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Julie Intelisano
Roy Manas
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Sandra Clark
Ron Eiseman
Robyn Spirtas
Neil SpirtasI
Florence Shulman IMO Alice Shur
Robyn Adelson
Marlena Johnsky IMO Harry Klein
Kate Richmond IMO Louise Richmond
Bevery Safrom IMO Henry Hartwich
Diane Hart IMO George Roth
Jill Salazar
In Memory of Jean Ellis:
Bonnie Krasik
Karen Knoell
Alice Anderson
Marlena Johnsky
Judie Littell
Marion & Marvin Howard
Barry & Patti Schneider
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Thank you to all of our generous donors. Your gift helps keep Reform Judaism alive in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. |
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February BIRTHDAYS
1 Evan Kozmits
2 Beverly Hurowitz
7 Karen Knoell
7 Graham Hadesman
12 Ishmael Baal-Shem
13 Irv Zamikoff
14 Staci Rosenstein
17 Beverly Safron
18 Jean Steiger
21 Lois Gerber
If you are a member of TBE and don't see your birthday or anniversary listed please contact the office so that you can be listed here.
February/March Yahrzeits
Yarzheits for Feb. 4th & 5th
Loren Hoffman remembers Morris Hoffman
Yarzheits for Feb. 11th & 12th
Larry Leiberman remembers Lillian Lieberman
David Klain remembers Benjamin Klain
Yarzheits for Feb. 18th & 19th
Craig & Linda Hoffman remember Gilbert Okun
Howard Hammerman remembers David Hammerman
Marlena Johnsky remembers Marcella Johnsky
Ishmael Baal-Shem remembers Howard M. Drusin
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(Yahrzeits Continued)
Yarzheits for Feb. 20th & 21st
Pearl Friedman remembers Richard Scarfman
Judy Rothauser remembers Eugene Rothauser
Yarzheits for March 4th & 5th
Judy Rothauser remembers Elisabeth Rothauser
Florence Shulman remembers Henry Shur
If you are a TBE member you will receive a written reminder of your loved one's yahrzeit which will include the date on the Hebrew calendar.
It is traditional to light a Yahrzeit candle on the evening of observance. In addition, we urge you to attend services to honor the memory of your beloved and of course to recite Mourner’s Kaddish on the Yahrzeit. If you are staying safe at home, please observe through our YouTube service. May your memories of the departed always be a blessing.
To commemorate your beloved, it is also customary to memorialize the departed by making a donation to the synagogue. You can donate below or mail your check to the Temple at 5150 Peridia Blvd East, Bradenton 34203
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You can place your ad here. Contact here for more information. Prices start as low as $35 a month for a business card size ad. Please patronize our advertisers who help support Temple Beth El.
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