WHAT'S INSIDE
Rabbi: Amy L. Morrison
Rabbi Emeritus: Michael Torop
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President: Mike Shapiro
Vice Presidents: David Blum, Marianne Edmonds, Laura Horwitz, Bonnie Lurie, Jason Palmer & Abby Sterensis
Treasurer: Jared Abelman
Corresponding/Recording Secretary: Betty Gootson
Immediate Past Co-Presidents: Lisa Cohen & Stefani Margolis
Board of Trustees: Scott Barancik, Josh Bean, Brenda Breslow, Andy Gaunce, Steve Jenkins, Lee Koenig, Frieda Marhee, Jan Miller, Logan Sembler, Allison Solo, Robin Warren & Jake Wollman
RABBI
AMY L. MORRISON
Connection to Nature
Judaism’s deep connection to nature and the power of community
are woven into the very fabric of its traditions. At the heart of the Jewish faith is the understanding that the natural world is a sacred gift, entrusted to humanity for care and stewardship.
The idea of tikkun olam (repairing the world) calls on Jews to protect and nurture the environment, embracing the belief that every act of kindness or responsible action toward nature helps to heal the planet. This bond between humanity and the earth is not only a responsibility but also a profound source of connection to the divine.
Jewish texts celebrate the beauty and majesty of nature, with the Torah frequently referencing the bounty of the earth The land, the trees, and the animals are seen not just as resources, but as partners in a divine covenant Laws like shemitah, the sabbatical year, encourage rest for the land, offering a powerful reminder that balance, and sustainability are essential Through these teachings, Judaism emphasizes the idea that we must respect the earth as a living, breathing entity with its own inherent value.
One holiday that beautifully expresses this connection to nature is Tu BiSh'vat, the Jewish "New Year for Trees." Observed in February this year, this holiday is a time to reflect on the cycle of nature, to plant trees, and to express gratitude for the earth’s gifts. On Tu BiSh'vat, Jewish communities come together to celebrate the land’s fertility and the importance of environmental consciousness. The tradition of planting trees is an act of hope, renewal, and commitment to the future, reminding us that the small, intentional steps we take today will shape the world for generations to come. Like the proverb says, “You plant a tree not for this generation, but for the next generation to have shade ” As Jews, we are challenged to always think of those who came before us and those who will come after
The connection between nature and Jewish life has special meaning in my own family. I remember the first time my son, still young at the time, stood before a tree during a Tu BiSh'vat celebration. His eyes widened in awe as he touched the rough bark, feeling the pulse of life within it. “This is a tree of life, just like the Torah,” he said softly, as if the two were one. That moment struck me deeply. It wasn’t just a child’s wonder it was a recognition of something much deeper. Just as trees grow, stretch toward the light, and provide nourishment, so too does our connection to the Torah and the teachings of Judaism. In that simple act, my son expressed the timeless wisdom that the Tree of Life, referred to in the Torah, is not only a symbol of our faith but also of how we are all intertwined with nature, sustaining one another through the generations
Throughout all of Judaism, and expanding outward to all those in our community, these acts of celebration and care, teach that nature, community and Judaism are inseparable. Together, they form a foundation for living a purposeful, connected life one where each person’s actions contribute to a greater, shared vision of healing and harmony. The roots of our traditions, like the roots of a tree, run deep and strong, supporting the growth of generations to come
MIKE SHAPIRO PRESIDENT
TWait! An “ask” that doesn’t require money?
hat's correct – here is an opportunity to create and receive greater value as a member of Temple Beth-El in ways that won't cost you a penny. There is no catch. Here is the ask: Please consider donating a little of your time.
After the hurricanes in the fall, I was inspired by how this community supported those who needed help either financially, emotionally or with physical labor Many of you stepped up and helped those who were homeless or needed assistance Your willingness and desire to help was heartwarming and I am hopeful we can make that quality a part of our culture and another benefit of membership
We are a Village: We have members who don't have the support of nearby extended family to help with childcare, transportation to an appointment, illness or a last-minute school pick up At the same time, we have parents, grandparents, students, retirees, neighbors and other big-hearted individuals who I know are willing to assist those in need. Please consider offering to help our working parents, single parents and older congregants who would be eternally grateful. This is a volunteer opportunity where everyone benefits.
Welcome New Members: We have new members joining our community most every week. Please join the Membership Committee and help welcome our new friends as well as reach out to those who have been here longer.
Can you read a budget? Do you have a background in finance? Are you familiar with budgets? Help the temple be financially responsible and join the Budget & Finance Committee
Have Children or Grandchildren? Want to have input into our Religious School? Do you want to help reinvigorate our Youth Programming Join the Youth Committee and get involved Our kids matter
These are just a few ways to strengthen our community, add value to membership and offer support to members who could use the help. There are many more opportunities if you are interested.
Please, let’s continue the conversation. Reach out to me or Rabbi Morrison.
TOVAH FELD COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
WOne Small Act at a Time
e can't wave a magic wand and fix all of the world's problems in a single day—as much as we try!
Word on the street is that breaking things down into bite-sized pieces keeps us from feeling like we're drowning in a sea of despair
So, are you wondering how to tackle biggies like world hunger, climate chaos, or furry friends in distress?
Here's the scoop one small act at a time!
Want to dish out some love to the hungry? Swing by a local shelter, and whip up some meals for those in need. Or drop off goodies at a food pantry (shout-out to the Bill & Sally Israel Food Pantry at Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services—it's a gem!).
Ready to don your superhero cape for Mother Earth? Just a sprinkle of lifestyle tweaks can create a tidal wave of change! By reducing, reusing, and recycling like a pro at thrift shopping and DIY repairs you can zap those pesky carbon emissions right out of the atmosphere!
Got your eyes glued to those heart-wrenching commercials with that tear-jerking tune featuring homeless pets? Same here! But don’t fret! A quick call to a nearby animal shelter could make a world of difference Ask if they need food donations, or if they’re on the lookout for some awesome volunteers. Every little effort counts!
You'd be amazed at how a tiny gesture, which you might brush off as nothing, can create a big ripple for someone, something, and even tikkun olam!
JOSH GAMSON DIRECTOR OF TEEN & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
The Star Thrower
"Let the time not be distant, O God, when all shall turn to You in love, when all the brokenness in our world is repaired by the work [tikkun olam] of our hands and our hearts, inspired by Your words of Torah "
From our closing prayer, the Aleinu
The term Tikkun Olam literally translates to “healing the world ” It is a
process that according to the Pirkei Avot, (Ethics of our Fathers) “we will never complete, nor are we allowed to stop trying to complete.” At times it seems overwhelming. How many times do we have to give to the same charity? How many times do we have to volunteer at the same location, because few people will do the same? The answer is beyond our appreciation of time. How much is enough? While we must continue to try, it is understood that it will still not be enough. But if each of us takes the task personally, we can make a difference in the world yet to come. It reminds me of one of my favorite stories, called “The Star Thrower.”
Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions
Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water ”
The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”
The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!” - adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)
By working with our youngest members of TBE, I realize that sometimes, we all need to look no further than our kids to seek true wisdom! Remember that the next time you see you see children making the difference in the world with their actions
Sun. Feb. 2 - Religious School
Wed. Feb. 5 - Hebrew School
Fri Feb 7 - 3rd & 4th Grade Class Shabbat
Sun. Feb. 9 - Religious School
Wed. Feb. 12 - Hebrew School & Youth and Education Comm Mtg
Sat Feb 15 - BEEFY Game Night at TBE (APR)
Sun. Feb. 16 - NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Wed. Feb. 19 - Hebrew School
Sun. Feb. 23 - Religious School
Wed. Feb. 26 - Hebrew School
TARA O’DONNELL ECC DIRECTOR
TOur Impact on Tomorrow
here’s something deeply powerful about stepping into a national or state park—the kind of place
where the air feels fresher, the trees seem taller, and time slows down. For me, these parks aren’t just destinations; they’re places where I feel a profound connection to the Earth. The quiet beauty of a towering forest or the stillness of a lake reminds me of what’s at stake. Our natural world is fragile, and it’s our responsibility to protect it not just for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow
One moment that truly cemented my bond with nature happened during a family vacation to a theme park. Amid the excitement of rides and attractions, my daughter looked at me and said, “We are definitely national park people.” It was a simple statement, but it hit me in a profound way. She was echoing something I’ve always felt our hearts belong to the stillness and grandeur of national parks, not to the hustle of crowded theme parks. That moment made me realize how deeply our connection to nature has shaped our family and how important it is to preserve that world for future generations.
Taking care of the environment is a responsibility we all share The way we treat our planet today will impact the world that children like my daughter will inherit tomorrow From reducing waste to protecting wildlife habitats, every effort counts. I believe that by caring for the Earth now, we’re ensuring that the natural beauty we cherish remains for those who come after us. It’s our duty to care for the world so that future generations can continue to experience its wonders just as we do
Upcoming Events
Todah Rabah!
Dedications
from 12.24.24 to 01.29.25
in memory of Sheldon Wykell, from Nancy Roucher
Canter Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund
from Sharon Leder & Deborah Vidal
in memory of Sheldon Wykell, from Marlys Meckler
General Donations Fund from Leslie Prewitt in honor of Gila Meriwether, from Richard & Betty Greenspan
Lippman Music Fund from Charles Kichler & Nicole Bramesco
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
from Nancy Glass Kanat
Sisterhood Fund in memory of Jeanette Wilborn, from John Sternberg & Brenda Breslow
from Charles Kichler & Nicole Bramesco
Tauber Family Endowment Fund in memory of Budd Bugatch, from Phyllis & Paul Tauber
Tzedakah - GCJFCS
from Beverly Cohen
from Catherine B. Wolfe
Yahrzeit Fund in memory of Harry Schwartz & Jules Stern, from Diann & Jeff Stern in memory of Joan F. Esrick Fyvolent, from Leonard & Betsy Englander in memory of James Roberts, from Jacqueline Cappiello
Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund from Sondra Fink in memory of Adele Einstein, from Victor & Lisa Cohen in memory of Terri Heinrich, from Robin Corralez
from Charles Kichler & Nicole Bramesco in memory of Priscilla Root & Louis Greenberg, from Allen Root, M D
Sher Family Endowment for Education, Innovation & Support in memory of Fred Marsh, from Andrea & Paul Kowalski
Temple Beth-El offers you many ways to honor the lives and accomplishments of friends and family. When bestowing this honor with a gift to the Temple, you are strengthening the ability of Temple Beth-El to continue to provide a welcoming Reform community for Jewish and interfaith households to experience an uplifting and joyful sense of belonging
GENERATION TO GENERATION
Establish your connection to Temple Beth-El in perpetuity
Legacy Family
Become a member of our Legacy Family by donating a minimum of $5,000 today or later in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy. Your gift will secure the future of our vibrant Reform Jewish home for all ages and passions
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a meaningful representation of our congregational family tree, located in our Miller Founders Hall. The leaves and rocks permanently celebrate the lives, milestones, and achievements of our community and loved ones Memorial Plaques
By purchasing a memorial plaque for the yahrzeit area in the sanctuary, you are assured that the name of your loved one will be mentioned in perpetuity at the worship service on the anniversary of their death (yahrzeit)
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
are an investment to secure the future of Temple Beth-El. Every year, according to the provisions of the donor, five percent of each fund, is allocated for the designated purpose
L'Dor V'Dor Endowment Fund sustains our community on an ongoing basis and ensures a strong future Five percent of this fund is allocated to our operating budget each year
Bertha M. Jerzy Fund provides help for elderly congregants in need
Ganz Religious School Fund supports our Raymund Family Sunday School programming.
Irwin & Sonya Miller Family Building Fund ensures that our Building Fund meets its purposes
Irwin & Sonya Miller Scholarship Fund for religious school and camp scholarships
Lew Krosner Leadership Fund makes possible the education and training of future leaders of our Temple.
Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund
supports our ongoing commitment to social justice
Ruth Dikman Adult Education Fund
sustains our adult education programming
Sher Family Endowment for Education, Innovation and Support sustains innovative programs to enrich our community.
Stella Sax Scholar-in-Residence Fund sponsors scholarly programs
Tauber Family Endowment Fund supports programs to shape leadership qualities in our teen and college age Jewish community
are established by the families or our Board of Directors, to honor or remember members of our community and their enthusiasm for making our Temple a better place
Cantor Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund
supports choir expenses & build community.
Cynthia Adler Early Childhood Center Fund
supports capital equipment for the school.
Florence and Morris Lippman Music Fund
enriches our music program
Jack and Mina Jenkins Mitzvah Fund provides short-term interest-free loans to Temple members.
Sembler Library Fund enhances our Sembler Family Library.
Seymour Ripps Memorial Day Camp Fund supports Jewish Day Camp scholarships for our children.
Sol Markman Ner Tamid Dues Relief Fund
offers dues relief for our members in need
Youdovin Camp Scholarship Fund provides URJ Camp and Summer program scholarships to our children.
AUXILIARIES
Sisterhood Fund supports weekly Shabbat service Onegs, Sunday programming & assists with camp scholarships for youth
Brotherhood Fund
ensures the continuity of its mission to enhance our Temple
Youth Fund
promotes the development of our youth’s Jewish identity through youth groups.
OPERATING FUNDS
are designated to subsidize the general operations of the Temple as specified
General Operating Fund supports the day-to-day operation of our Temple.
Prayer Book Fund purchases prayer books
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
allows our rabbi to enhance our congregational life and respond to members’ needs.
Sunday School Special Projects Fund provides additional resources to elevate programming.
Security Fund
ensures the safety of our community with implemented and enhanced security measures.
Torah Commentary Book Fund purchases Torah Commentaries Yahrzeit Fund remembers our loved ones
1 - Julia Gould
1 - Isaac Campion
1 - Nancy Wygle
1 - Irv Zelig
2 - Leslie Prewitt
2 - Ann Wykell
2 - Marilyn Katz
3 - Sheppard Massar
4 - Betsy Englander
4 - Tanya Gogue
4 - Ron Rinner
4 - Maya Tatro
5 - Lonnie Kiracofe
5 - Christina Diamond
6 - Jeff Klein 6 - Teri Gilner 7 - Megan Firestone 7 - James Green
7 - Rachel Degani
8 - Donna Aksman
9 - Eva Deranian 10 - Eric Mandell
11 - Jill Silverboard
12 - Ann Soble
13 - Mike Lurie 14 - Maya Rish 14 - Rebecca Barancik
- Ken Wides 14 - Hope Griffith 14 - Tzevi Johnston 14 - Michaela Smyler McFarland 15 - Rita Gram 17 - Adeline Rose Sembler
17 - Dylan Mizels Sembler
17 - Joyce Liu
17 - Laura Berner
17 - Yvonne Brun
17 - Nan Bugatch
18 - Michele Zalkin
18 - Sloane Sperber
19 - Will Greenberg
19 - Robert Berman
19 - Laura Sher
20 - Corey Lantzman
20 - Isaac Solo
20 - Marek Gilbert
22 - Helene Allweiss
22 - Rachel Widener
22 - Lincoln Orme
23 - Josephine Lurie
23 - Sara Latham
23 - Marty Serota
23 - David Rosenfield
23 - Sarah Feld
23 - Charles Ziesing
24 - Paul Koenig
25 - Terri Ziegler
26 - Yardena Isakson
26 - Jerrold Siskin
26 - Owen Alston
26 - Emma Solo
26 - Brian Kensky
27 - Jared Lantzman
27 - Howard Cohn
28 - Debbie Leiman
MAY
THEIR MEMORY FOREVER BE A BLESSING AND A LESSON...
Nancy Michel Lambert - January 21, 2025
Sister of member Allison Solo, Wife of Gary Lambert, Mother of Jared (Candace), Josh (Cole), & Dylan Lambert, Daughter of Christine & John Holmes, Sister of Todd (Elizabeth) Michel & Bryan (Bailey) Michel, Aunt of Isaac & Emma Solo, and Meryck, Mason, & Julian Michel, Grandmother of Kendall & Jace Lambert
Sheldon L. Wykell - January 12, 2025
Husband of Ann Wykell, Father of Joshua (Melissa) Wykell and Eli (Molly) Wykell, Grandfather of 3 beloved grandchildren
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
1 - Lane & Terri Ziegler
2 - Scott & Sari Deitche
5 - Bruce & Mary Ann Marger
8 - James Frishe & Susan Burnett
14 - Peter Drotman & Carolyn Arakaki
15 - Collin & Ellen McCarter
15 - Myers & Allison Van Fossen
15 - Gordon & Michele Gilbert
15 - Charles Ziesing & Samantha Bugatch
20 - Brian & Rachel Orme
27 - Brian & Molly Auld
At our 101 Menorahs Chanukah Celebration in December, I asked you to consider giving a chaukah gift to the temple I announced that the goal was $8,000, $1,000 for each night of the holiday I also shared a video with the congregation a few days later I am pleased to announce that we exceeded the goal in just one week I was inspired by one of our younger congregants who answered the call and made a $10 donation Please know you can still give a gift if you would like to participate I apologize if the “Don't Let the Lights Go Out” theme for the fundraiser made you think Duke Energy was going to pull the plug Our temple finances are solid
“Don't Let the Lights Go Out” is a line from a Peter, Paul and Mary’s chanukah song called “Light One Candle ” It is a song about hope and encourages you to be the candle or the energy For nearly 100 years, members of this congregation have done exactly that, allowing Temple Beth-El to thrive, even when facing challenges and long odds, just like the Maccabees
In hindsight, choosing “Don't Let the Lights Go Out” as the theme was misleading I should have called it “Light One Candle ” Always better to approach from a positive Lesson learned By the way, we lit 13,000 candles! Thank you!
Mike Shapiro, President
Photos by Michael Krassner Photography
Photos by Michael Krassner Photography
Photos by Michael Krassner Photography
