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Standing Together at Sinai, Soul to Soul: A profile of Russ and Barb Johnston

Posted on January 15, 2020

For years, Barbara and Russ Johnston have been a fixture at TBE. They’ve been the friendly faces at the Bagel Cafe, Sisterhood and the temple choir. But what you may not know about the Johnstons is their special love story – not just for each other, but for Temple Beth-El, the community that first brought Continue Reading »

A Letter to My Grandchildren

Posted on May 1, 2018

To my future grandchildren, I don’t know you yet. You haven’t been born or conceived; your mothers aren’t even in serious relationships! Yet I think of you. I wonder what you will know of me, whether we will share our holidays, whether you will think of yourself as Jewish. I deeply hope so. There’s a Continue Reading »

Why do I miss my non-Jewish mother on Passover?

Posted on March 1, 2017

My mother, Amy Heinel Garthly, of blessed memory, passed away in 2009. Not surprisingly, there are many moments when I miss her and yearn to be able to tell her of some news, or hear her advice on some issue. My mom was wonderful at many things, and a patient and loving presence. It is Continue Reading »