Isabelle Abrams*
Leonard Apter*
Sophie Aronoff*
Samuel Barrabee*
Ida Bernstein*
Joseph Cieman*
Bertha Cohen
Linda Horn Damewood*
Alan Dee
Henry Dlugopiat
Pearl Ehrlich
Edith Estin
Jessica Etsten
Edna Feit*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Hyman Fortunoff*
Shirley Frieman*
Ellen Frohlich*
Louis Goldstein*
Sidney Herman
Sophie Herzog*
Eugene Higer*
Louis Leibowitz
Roslyn London Mazer
Dick McInnis
Maxwell Miller
Jack Pecharsky*
Mariane Plotkin
David Rascoe
Minna Reed
Evelyn Roseman
Dorothy Shavlan*
Stanley Silverboard
Dorothy Silverstein*
David Skalka*
Joseph Sugerman*
Hortense Valenstein
Sidney Wasserman*
Isaac Wides
Ida Zelig
Peter Zumberg*
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
Reach out to us with any questions.
Amy L. Morrison - Rabbi
727-347-6136 - RabbiMorrison@TempleBeth-El com
Tracy Nash - Bookkeeper
727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@TempleBeth-El.com
Tara O’Donnell - Early Childhood Center Director
727-350-5885 - Tara@TempleBeth-El.com
Josh Gamson - Director of Teen & Youth Engagement
727-347-6136 - Josh@TempleBeth-El.com
Tovah Feld - Communications & Engagement Coordinator
727-347-6136 - Tovah@TempleBeth-El.com
Allison Fowler - Executive Assistant to Rabbi 727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat Vayikra, while focused on the laws of sacrifices and offerings, speaks to the deepest parts of our hearts and our relationships with one another. At first glance, it may seem like it s all about rituals and procedures, but when we look closely, we can feel its profound message about love, connection, and the importance of caring for each other.
The offerings described in Vayikra were not just physical gifts given to God – they were expressions of vulnerability, repentance, and a deep longing to restore harmony in one ' s relationship with the divine and with others Each act of sacrifice was meant to open the heart, to acknowledge mistakes, and to show a desire to heal In the same way, when we hurt someone, whether through a harsh word or a thoughtless action, we must come from a place of humility and make efforts to repair that relationship. Love isn t just in grand gestures; it’s in the small, daily acts of reaching out, apologizing, and making things right.
The Torah reminds us that to truly honor God, we must first learn to love each other. It’s through the way we treat those around us that we manifest our connection to the divine. Vayikra calls us to reflect on how our actions impact others and encourages us to be compassionate, kind, and forgiving. It's not just about rituals or following rules it’s about a heartfelt commitment to care for each other, to uplift and support one another in every moment.
This Parsha moves us to understand that love is the truest offering we can give not just to God, but to the people in our lives. When we act with love, we repair the world around us, one heart at a time. Scan Here to RSVP!
Announcements
Saturday, Apr. 5
10am - 11:30am - “Mini Minyan” with Ezra Sembler
7pm - BEEFY Youth Lounge Mural with Ezra Sembler
Sunday, Apr. 6
8:45am - Brotherhood Schmooze
9:30am - Sunday School & Art with Ezra Sembler
Tuesday, Apr. 8
8:50am - TBE Walks
Wednesday, Apr. 9
5pm - Hebrew School
Thursday, Apr. 10
7pm - 8pm - Choir Rehearsal
7pm - Boomers Go To HAIR
Upcoming Events
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
OPEN COMMUNITY CREATES ENGAGING & DIVERSE JEWISH PATHWAYS
Located in St Petersburg on Floridas beautiful west coast, Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish congregation that has served this area since 1928 and is focused on strengthening relationships and making connections. We are a welcoming Reform community for Jewish and interfaith households to experience an uplifting and joyful sense of belonging as we seek to connect our members with each other and the greater community and world around us.
Enjoy and have a Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Portion
Parashat Vayikra: Leviticus 1:1-5:26
Saturday, April 4, 2025 / 7 Nisan 5785
God instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered in the sanctuary:
The olah or "burnt offering" was a voluntary sacrifice that had a high degree of sanctity and was regarded as the "standard" offering. The entire animal, except for its hide, was burned on the altar. (1:1-17)
The minchah or "meal offering" was a sacrifice made of flour, oil, salt, and frankincense that was partly burned on the altar and partly given to the priests to eat. (2:1-16)
The zevach sh'lamim or "sacrifice of well-being" was a voluntary animal offering from one ' s herd, sometimes brought to fulfill a vow. (3:1-17)
The chatat or "sin offering" was an obligatory sacrifice that was offered to expiate unintentional sins This offering differs from the others in the special treatment of the blood of the animal. (4:1-5:13)
The asham or "penalty offering" was an obligatory sacrifice of a ram that was required chiefly of one who had misappropriated property. (5:1-26)
Relax! God put the wiggle in children Don’t feel you have to suppress it in our sanctuary or chapel.
Sit towards the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what is happening on the Bima They tire of seeing the backs of other’s heads.
Quietly explain our rituals and sing or clap when appropriate. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you
If you need to leave services with your child, do so, but please come back.
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Remember that the way we welcome children in synagogue directly affects the way they respond to coming to synagogue, to God, to one another. Let them know that they are welcome in this house of worship, here, at Temple Beth-El.
