Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Israel I. Mattuck explains that “The Exodus is about a quest for freedom the freedom to worship God. Yet in worshipping God we take on a responsibility. Indeed, Freedom and Responsibility are intimately related. Freedom is a necessary condition of responsibility; and the assumption of responsibility gives worth and meaning to freedom.”
This Shabbat let us continue to work on our individual and collective responsibility to maintain our Jewish value of seeking freedom for all. Judaism teaches that as long as ‘ one is not free…we are all not free.’
Announcements
Saturday, Jan. 25
1pm - 4pm - Art Festival Beth-El Private Preview
6pm - 7pm - Art Festival Beth-El Private Preview
7pm - 10pm - Art Festival Beth-El Opening Cocktail Reception - $50 per person
Sunday, Jan. 26
10am - 5pm - Art Festival Beth-El - Free & Open to the public
10am - 12pm - Religious School Off-Campus at Congregation B’nai Israel
Monday, Jan. 27
10am - 5pm - Art Festival Beth-El - Free & Open to the public
Upcoming Events
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
OPENCOMMUNITYCREATESENGAGING&DIVERSEJEWISHPATHWAYS
Located in St. Petersburg on Foridas beautifu 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 ShabbatShalom!
Torah Portion
Parashat Va-eira: Exodus 6:2-9:35
Saturday, January 25, 2025 / 25 Tevet 5785
Despite God's message that they will be redeemed from slavery, the Israelites' spirits remain crushed. God instructs Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt. (6:2-13)
The genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and their descendants is recorded. (6:14-25)
Moses and Aaron perform a miracle with a snake and relay to Pharaoh God's message to let the Israelites leave Egypt. (7:8-13)
The first seven plagues occur. God hardens Pharaoh's heart, and Pharaoh rescinds each offer to let the Israelites go. (7:14-9:35)
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
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.
This Weekend! This Weekend!
Isadore Alpert
Lillian Bandes
Sophie Bresler*
Charles Davidoff*
Charles Goldwater*
Louis Greenberg
Marion "Mickey" Hurwitz*
Belle Israel*
David Kichler
Samuel Klausner*
Morris Krock*
Daniela Lahav
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Rita Levey
Isaac Levinson
Herbert Newberg
Emanuel Packard
Hilda Paskal*
Sam Pastrovich
Ethel Peltz*
H Bernard Peltz*
Teresa Graff Phillips*
Steven L. Premack*
Rose Pronk*
James Roberts
Priscilla Root
Oscar Rothstein
Gertrude Saltzman*
Edith Silverglied Lisansky Gomberg
Henry Simon*
Abraham Singer
Jared Brett Slutzky
Harriet Sperber
Helen Springle
David J. Susskind*
Leonard Temko*
Nathan Torop
Reva Wollock*
*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
Bobby Gerry - Maintenance Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Maintenance@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com
