Among the many revolutionary ideas of the Torah is the practice of the sabbatical year — an extrapolation of the weekly Sabbath day as a time for renewal and rejuvenation. The Torah’s vision of the sabbatical is a year in which the land is allowed to lie fallow so that it can regain its vitality Continue Reading »
Temple Beth-El’s new Ladles of Love initiative to bring comfort and good noshing to those in need is underway, with its next community cook-a-thon set for Sunday, November 28. The first cooking session, held on Oct. 21, produced 15 mini loaves of pumpkin bread and lemon cake, as well as 23 quarts of butternut squash Continue Reading »
This week we participated in a program to help us learn about privilege. In the program, we were asked questions regarding certain privileges we may have and depending on how we answered the questions, we took a step forward or backwards. I found this program very impactful, as it made us more aware of privileges Continue Reading »
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights (chag ha-urim), comes to illumine our homes and give us a spiritual and emotional lift during the dark days of winter. Chanukah celebrations include lighting the chanukiah, the special eight-branchmenorah, each night; eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes (l’vivot) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot); singing songs; playing games, especially Continue Reading »
We gather tonight with hearts that are broken for the tragic loss of 11 precious souls, men and women who were murdered for the simple fact that they were Jews. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in the history of our nation, but it was not an isolated event. It is only the latest Continue Reading »
Once again, the TBE Cantorial Concert Committee, led by Jim and Beth Lavranchuk, is laboring to bring another beautiful musical event to fruition. Our subject is a bit deeper this year, and possibly a little darker. But only by descending is it possible to rise: out of the darkness we hope to bring you light. Continue Reading »
If the Talmud had a tractate on the holiday of Thanksgiving, it would likely begin like this: “Mai Thanksgiving?” What is Thanksgiving? What is its meaning? What is its purpose? So, what is Thanksgiving? Is it merely an opportunity to gather with family and friends to eat too much turkey and stuffing, maybe watch football, Continue Reading »
TBE’s Caring Network announces a new initiative to nourish those in need with equal doses of food and caring. The initiative “Ladles of Love” will deliver homemade soup and sweet bread to those in the TBE community who need a little extra care, in times of joy and difficulty. Ladles of Love will be delivered Continue Reading »
Soon we will gather as a community to begin another year of journeying together through the Jewish year, experiencing anew the beauty of Judaism and the joys of Jewish living. The sages of our tradition, so well attuned to the needs of our people, helped make the practical observance of Judaism accessible to all, at Continue Reading »
As the last hot days of summer pass, Jews around the world prepare for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, literally translated as the “head of the year,” occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. Referred to in the Torah as Yom HaZikaron (day of remembrance) and Continue Reading »
