The Jewish memorial prayer is called Eil Malei Rachamim, God Full of Compassion. I offer this version for the dead and for the living: Eil ma-lei ra-cha-mim, sho-chein ba-m’ro-mim, ham’tzei m’nu-cha n’cho-na ta-chat kan-fei ha-sh’chi-nah… God full of compassion, transcendent Presence, grant perfect rest under the wings of Your presence to Your precious children who Continue Reading »
This evening, we should be gathering in pure celebration — of Shabbat, of God’s creation, and of the loving fellowship of our community. Instead, our celebration is mingled with sorrow, with lamentation, as we grieve the horrific destruction of life — in Buffalo, in Ukraine, and, this past Tuesday, in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, We join with our sisters and brothers of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas in expressing our relief and gratitude for the safe release of Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and the two members of their congregation who were held hostage in a terrible act of terror and antisemitism. We are grateful for the outpouring Continue Reading »
Most of you are aware that Temple Beth-El began developing a team of Shomrim last spring. The initial purpose was to provide a watchful eye over our sacred space and our beloved temple family, in the wake of the atrocities experienced by synagogues and other houses of worship in recent years. The corps had several Continue Reading »
Our family had the opportunity to spend the holidays in London this year. I often travel there for business, but other than a lovely view of the Tower Bridge outside my conference room window, I rarely have a chance to enjoy the sights and venues of the city. This was our first trip there as Continue Reading »
Temple security is a longstanding priority at Temple Beth-El. It is an issue for which we continue to stay abreast of techniques and technologies to keep our congregants safe. To that end, we have implemented the Standard Response Protocol for emergency preparedness, upgraded parking lighting, put phones in the classrooms, and established door-locking protocols. In Continue Reading »
Purim is coming, with all its joy and festivity. We will dress up, sing songs, eat hamantaschen, drink wine (as tradition dictates), and celebrate with gusto. A good time will be had by all! It is important to remember, however, that the reason for all this frivolity is the story recounted in the megillah of Continue Reading »