On the sunny first day of the secular New Year, I sat down at the piano to take a peek at Gershwin’s First Prelude, also known as the last piece I tried to play before I gave up piano lessons as a kid. Every once in a while, I look at it and attempt to Continue Reading »
When we light candles, we usually do so to enjoy their light. We put tapers on the table to set the mood for a lovely dinner. Shabbat candles are intended to light up our homes, to dispel the darkness, so we will have “light and joy,” “ora v’simcha,” when we gather to celebrate. Light is Continue Reading »
The Sisterhood is excited to announce that our Woman of Valor for 2016 is Cindy Scott, a former two-term Sisterhood president, as well as Temple Beth-El board member and College Connection coordinator. Most of us have seen Cindy doing many different things around temple, without adding up everything she actually does for us. For example, Continue Reading »
Help the Reform Movement Demand Equality at the Western Wall last winter, the Israeli government approved an egalitarian space for prayer at the Western Wall. The long-awaited plan is to create a new area by the Western Wall where the Conservative and Reform movements will be permitted to hold egalitarian prayer services. Under the agreement, Continue Reading »
November Mensch of the Month: Gregory Hirsch Our Mensch of the Month for November is Gregory “Greg” Hirsch. If you were introduced to Greg only by reading his long CV, you’d discover that he’s a local OB/GYN. You’d see that he’s served in hospitals and clinics and in private practice and has focused his career Continue Reading »
The Temple Beth-El Sisterhood, a member of the Atlantic District of the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), is thrilled to share with the entire Temple Beth-El family that our own Lisa Friedman has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Jane Siegel Tikkun Olam Award. This award is presented at each WRJ district’s biennial Continue Reading »
Last winter, the Israeli government approved an egalitarian space for prayer at the Western Wall. The long-awaited plan is to create a new area by the Western Wall where the Conservative and Reform movements will be permitted to hold egalitarian prayer services. Under the agreement, this egalitarian prayer section will be located at the southern Continue Reading »
Who are most honorable? Those who honor others. — Pirkei Avot There are those who seek honor. From them, says the Talmud, honor runs away. On the other hand, those who do good for the sake of the deed and for the betterment of others are truly worthy of our respect. To honor such people is Continue Reading »
It seemed as if all through the Holy Day Season, I couldn’t wait to get to the next holy moment. During the month of Elul, I couldn’t wait to get to S’lichot. At Selichot, I couldn’t wait to get to Rosh Hashanah. During Rosh Hashanah, I couldn’t wait to get to Tashlich. After that, I Continue Reading »
It was wonderful to see you during the Holy Days. Many people told me the words I shared on Yom Kippur were inspiring. My remarks are excerpted below. I wish you all a wonderful couple of months with much to be grateful for on Thanksgiving, a bright and joyous Chanukah and a happy and healthy Continue Reading »
