June 19, 2025
Issue #720
Letter from Rabbi Ross
Dear TBS Friends & Family,
This Friday is our annual meeting, mortgage burning and Shabbat Service. Below is my year-end report that I will present at the annual meeting.
I am so very proud of the Legacy Drive, the fundraising effort that we have done for the past 10 months. We have made a clear, strong commitment to the future of Jewish life in Hudson with this meaningful and sustaining work. This happens at a time where Jewish life and Jewish community are under being questioned and challenged on a regular basis.Our communal response to this challenge is Hineynu, we are here!
Iran
The new war in Iran is challenging us as well. Iran has been dedicated to the destruction of Israel for more than 40 years. I don’t know how this will play out, but I do think the Middle East is being reshaped before our eyes. It’s therefore essential to pay attention and explore the ramifications of these actions.
We have friends trapped in Israel awaiting their return. We have friends whose summer travel was upended. We have colleagues who have lost their homes or work locations in Israel.
May we find peace soon.
Rabbi Michael’s Year-in-Review:
Shabbat & Holiday Celebrations – Welcoming Deb!
Last summer, we welcomed our new cantorial soloist, Deb Rogers, to our community. She brought in lovely new music for Shabbat and the High Holidays, and she often featured her small handful of choir singers. Deb’s spirit and musicality is enlivening our joyful services in wonderful new ways
Last fall, we commemorated a poignant memorial service to honor the memory of 10/7 victims and hostages.
Our holiday celebrations this year have been terrific: our Hanukkah party was a special treat, our Purim Megillah reading was a joy, our communal seder was amazing, and Deb’s “Choir Shabbat” was excellent!
Religious School
We had a wonderful Family Rosh Hashanah Service to kick off the new school year. We hosted an Akron Zoo zookeeper for a visit to study about Noah and the animals last fall. In January, we joined JHub for a special Sunday focused on play at Rock the Spectrum – Kids’ Gym.
In February, our education director, Kate Paleeschi’s father died. Kate needed to step away from her duties to take care of her father’s estate. Morah Jean and I have resumed our interim directorship of the school
We also hosted a botanist from Kent State in February to teach us about Tu Beshvat before our annual Tu Bishvat Family Seder. Our Purim Carnival, and Family Passover Seder were delightful. Deb joined us on Sundays in May to celebrate Israel with some special cooking projects and Israeli music. We are planning to have Deb be a more regular part of our religious school next fall.
Adult Education – Adult B’nai Mitzvah & Jewish Meditation
Last fall I began a 2-year adult b’nai mitzvah program where we studied prayer in-depth, and joined the Torah Study regulars for wonderful learning. In the winter, Jean Beasley taught an “Intro to Hebrew” class for this group. A few weeks ago, they began a summer class on “Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way.”
Yes, we are accepting more adult b’nai mitzvah students to join us as we gear up for a year of preparations for these amazing lifecycle events next spring and summer.
In May, I began a new “Intro To Jewish Meditation Class” to navigate the chaos of our current affairs. I am planning to continue this group in the fall. Our final session for this semester is Thursday, June 26.
Jewish Lifecycles – B’nai Mitzvah and Welcoming Ceremonies
We had an amazing year of b’nai mitzvah celebrations with four of these over the past 12 months: Jesse Warman – last July, Eli Lazear in November, Gabe Brown-Ross in December, and Danny Cinotti last week,
We had five “welcoming ceremonies” for our recent Judaism 101 graduates including: Alex Casparis, a Kent student and Ravenna resident, Mark Itibrout who is now in grad school at Brandeis, Brian Krum who recently graduated from Akron, Reese Woods who has relocated to Finland, and Michelle Touve Holland who finished her conversion process a few weeks ago.
I am planning another handful of these ceremonies in the coming months.
Professional Development – An Awakened Heart
Last July, I completed my amazing and transformative “Clergy Leadership Program” with the Institute of Jewish Spirituality. I have continued my weekly study sessions with my rabbinic colleague, and I have continued my daily spiritual practices that I developed there. I am deeply grateful for TBS’ support of this program. My new meditation group is a direct outgrowth of this work.
Intro to Jewish Meditation Class
On Thursday, 6/26, at 7:30 pm, I will lead an “Introduction to Jewish Meditation.” Our first two gatherings in May were amazing. In these chaotic days, finding a grounding practice has been invaluable for me. We will explore basic mindfulness practices as we spiritually prepare for Shabbat.
This group will be for both beginning students and advanced students.
We will take a summer break after next Thursday’s class and resume this group in the fall.
REMINDER TO ALL TBS CONGREGANTS
TBS Annual Meeting
Friday, June 20
6:30-7:00 pm
Wine & Cheese in the Social Room
7:00-7:30 pm
Annual Meeting in the Social Room
7:30-7:45 pm
BURN THE MORTGAGE CELEBRATION in the side yard!
8:00-8:45 pm
Shabbat Services in the Sanctuary
8:45 pm
Celebration Oneg in the Social Room
Meeting Agenda
• Review of 2024-2025 Temple Business
• Presentation of 2025-2026 Budget
• Presentation & Vote on new slate of officers for 2025-2026
All TBS congregants are encouraged to attend!
TBS Legacy Fund Update
Participation hits 70%.
Thank you to those who responded to my email. Those who haven’t, please, please join us in this mitzvah of owning our building and ensuring our Temple’s survival for years to come. With less than 15% left to go our goal is within reach! Please help push us over the top.
We all look forward to burning that mortgage at our annual meeting on June 20.
Plan on being there for this exciting occasion!
Blessings to all,
Larry Terkel
TBS President
TBSBrotherhood meetings/events
• Brotherhood Membership
The Brotherhood performs much needed projects for TBS. Even if you cannot participate in Brotherhood, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION. This will help to complete the many TBS projects planned for 2024 – 2025. Please contact treasurer Art Busch, ascyb34@yahoo.com with any questions.
* Please Do Not pay along with your Temple dues.
• We meet throughout the year in the spirit of friendship and good humor. We sponsor social events, fundraisers and building beautification projects to support and enhance the TBS community. Announcements will be posted as soon as they are available!
Contact: Mike Miller at: mikemillercsi@roadrunner.com
Thank you for your support!
TBSSisterhood
meetings/events
• Join the Sisterhood and support us with a dues donation. Please email Robin Rosen-Sharp (rrsdvm2@gmail.com) if you need a membership form and would like to mail your payment.
* Please Do Not pay along with your Temple dues.
• Upcoming meetings and events are currently being planned and scheduled by the Sisterhood. Announcements will be posted as soon as they are available!Thank you for your support!
Temple Beth Shalom
Website Notes and Links
*Receive our weekly e-newsletters!
Please email your First Name, Last Name, and Email Address
to: hberman44236@yahoo.com
PAST NEWSLETTERS Please contact the temple or join our Facebook group for the passcode.
Past e-Megillahs can be found on Media > e-Megillah Newsletters page
CALENDAR PAGE View upcoming services and events
SHABBAT SERVICE ID: 861 4959 4595, Please contact the temple or join our Facebook group for the passcode.
Available when noted on the Upcoming Events schedule
TORAH STUDY ID: 844 3145 6155, Please contact the temple or join our Facebook group for the passcode.
Saturday Prayer Essentials and Torah Study
MAKING PRAYER REAL The book for Saturday classes can be ordered here
KENT HILLEL SHABBAT Candle-lighting, Service/Community Discussion, FREE Dinner (*Registration is REQUIRED and will close each week on Thursday at 2:00pm)
KENT HILLEL Providing a comfortable atmosphere for socializing, studying, or connecting spiritually for students
Zeffy We can now use Zeffy for Dues, Fees, and Donations.
Temple Beth Shalom does not pay a fee
ISRAEL DONATIONS Donations to support Israel can be made at
Cleveland Federation
News & Special Announcements!
We love to share News & Announcements at TBS
Please include ‘e-megillah news‘ in the subject field.
• Help our Temple
• Assist with events and gatherings
• Participate in Brotherhood & Sisterhood
• Support & Enhance the TBS community
JOIN the TBS CHOIR!
Come hear and support our very own member Shabbat choir!
Contact Deb Rogers: debrogers912@gmail.com
Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom!
***Non-members who wish to attend High Holy Day services at Temple Beth Shalom***В
You can purchase guest tickets. В To request tickets, please contact Amy McCormick, ticket coordinator, at e-mail: membership@tbshudson.org. In your e-mail, please leave your full name (first and last) as well as your phone number and best contact e-mail so Amy can get back to you.
Temple Beth Shalom is a dynamic congregation of about 100 families, under the leadership of Rabbi Michael Ross. Known as the Synagogue of the Western Reserve, we are a Reform Jewish congregation, affiliated with the national organizations of that movement.
Although the Temple has grown over the years, it endeavors to maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Please come join us so we can share who we are today and our vision for the future.
The Temple is located in a beautiful, historic building at 50 Division Street in Hudson. Friday night services are held twice a month at 7:30 p.m. For a schedule of services and other activities, see our Calendar page.
Address: 50 Division Street, Hudson, OH 44236
P.O. Box 2230, Hudson, OH 44236В В
330-656-1800,В Please Note: there is no on-site staff and there may be a delay in retrieving and returning messages left at this number.
Office hours vary; please email for appointment.
Rabbi: rabbimichaelross@gmail.com
Education Director: education@tbshudson.org
President: president@tbshudson.org
Membership: membership@tbshudson.org
Accounting: accounting@tbshudson.org
