January 22, 2026
Issue #752
Letter from Rabbi Ross
Dear TBS Friends & Family,
On Wednesday, the Reform Movement joined with Reconstructing Judaism and the Conservative Movement to criticize the violence that has been a part of the ICE raids in Minneapolis and elsewhere. (ICE vehicles have been spotted in Kent, Cuyahoga Falls and Akron this week.) The full statement is here:
https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/story/jewish-cross-denominational-statement-against-violent-immigration-enforcement
Today, my treasured rabbinic study partner, and my beloved rabbinical school mentor joined with nearly 100 other rabbis in Minneapolis to protest the cruelty and inhumanity of the recent ICE actions in Minneapolis. They are joining together with hundreds of Christian clergy at Friday’s protests.
As spiritual leaders, we must take a stand for the harassment and abuse of immigrants. 36 times in the Torah, verses implore us to love the stranger, because we were strangers in Egypt.
Last weekend, my wife and son visited the Statue of Liberty with other Cleveland teens in New York. What are we teaching these young people today about how Americans welcome immigrants?
We are in the opening weeks of the reading of Exodus. We read about a new king who arose who didn’t know Joseph. In his fear and distrust, he decided to objectify and diminish the Israelites, oppressing them with slavery. Last week, we read about the Pharaoh’s hard-heartedness. This week we read that the ninth plague is the plague of darkness — a darkness so thick it can be touched.
As I mentioned last week, our spiritual task is to not give in to the crises, to not become hard hearted. My spiritual work for the past few weeks has been about bringing compassion to self and to others as we face these stressful times.
This Shabbat is a Shabbat in our homes. May we take a break from the noise, and welcome in the holiness. May we be inspired to help others who are less fortunate, who are facing darkness and oppression.
We can also participate in our new Tikkun Olam/Social Action Group that formed after the first of the year. Their next meeting is Monday, 2/2, 5:30 pm at TBS. This group is led by Eric Draper, and is discussing how we can make a difference in our community.
EXCITING NEWS – New Book Discussion is Starting
Once a month, for the next several months, we will have a discussion about Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s new book, “God is Here.” It looks at the role of metaphor as we reimagine our ideas about God and holiness. These discussions will take place from 9:00 am to 9:45 am, with Torah Study following afterwards. While the group is primarily for our adult b’nai mitzvah students, it’s open to our entire community. Please purchase the book in advance of the class:
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250764492/godishere/
(Fyi, used copies are available at Amazon for a good discount.)
Please read chapters 3 and 4 for Saturday 2/21.
TBS’ Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class Starting this winter!
On Saturday mornings, we will be working on Torah Service liturgy and spiritual autobiography writing for the next few months.
We will be studying Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s new book, “God is Here” as well
– Spiritual Autobiography Writing & “God is Here”: Saturday mornings before Torah Study, from 9:00 – 9:45 am
– Basic Hebrew (with Jean and Art, Tuesday evenings)
– Torah Study with Commentaries – Rabbi Michael will teach a new Torah Study as we explore the weekly readings through the eyes of the classic commentators like Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Ramban. For both beginning and advanced students. All texts will be in English, with Hebrew as needed.
TBS Religious School News
We will alert our school families Saturday evening by text and email about whether this weekend’s snow storm will cancel Sunday’s classes.
Jewish Meditation Circle
We are taking a break through January and will resume our meditation group in February. I will be attending a rabbis’ meditation retreat in early February, and hope to bring back insights to our community in the coming months.
TBS Brotherhood meetings/events
Please reach out to Eric Chupack ericchupack@gmail.com or 216.402.7262 with questions if you plan to donate silent auction items so we can be ready with the supporting marketing (description, quantities, retail value, photo, etc.) for your items.
Bingo is always well attended with scrumptious appetizers and desserts.
This year will be NO exception!
** For those not attending, financial donations are also welcome!
**Next Brotherhood Meeting**
January 25th @ 10:00 am
• 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!
TBS Sisterhood meetings/events
Attend the Zoom planning session for game night
On the 23rd of January we are going to have a zoom session on planning for game night on April 18th. So in order to try and accommodate the most people we will do this by zoom at 3:00 to 4:00 on the 23rd of January.
ZOOM SESSION LINK
Please join us!
Take care of yourself, and if you can, someone else too.
– Stephen Dubner
• It’s that time again to support sisterhood with your membership dues. Please contact Robin Rosen-Sharp at Rrsdvm2@gmail.com for a membership form. Please DO NOT send dues with your Temple dues or to the Temple Zeffy account. Robin can provide you with a Zelle link if you want to pay online. Thanks for your support!
Thanks, Robin
• 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
Social Action@TBS
• Hudson Food Pantry Requests Assistance
Hudson Food Pantry is in need of laundry detergent donations for our neighbors in need. Each month we are asking three TBS families to donate 2 large liquid detergents (total of 6 per month). Families can sign up for a single month or multiple months. The detergents can be dropped off at TBS when open, i.e. Friday services, Saturday study sessions, Sunday school, etc. To sign-up to help go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FABAF2EA3FE3-61572875-tikkun
For more information about the pantry, see http://www.hudsoncsa.org/food-pantry. For questions about the donation process, please contact Michelle Draper at mldraper@yahoo.com. Thank you!
• Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
If you wish to help make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond, keep your eye on this space for information about upcoming social action events. Until then, please consider helping with the Hudson Food Pantry’s urgent request above, either now, or in the months to come. You can also refer to our web page at tbshudson.org/category/cbe/community/tikkun-social-action/ for more information.
• Social Action @ TBS will hold our next meeting on Monday, February 2nd at 5:30 pm in the TBS Boardroom. Your ideas are welcome. Please text or call Eric Draper at 216-630-6075 for more detail and to be added to the organizers email communication.
Calling all Acme shoppers…
TBS is participating in Acme’s Community Cash Back program.
Now through February 15, when you purchase the following brands, bring your receipts to the temple to help us earn funds.
There are two collection spots for your convenience. For questions, please text or call Eric Draper at 216-630-6075.
TBS Lending Library News!
Greetings from the road. I am driving from Atlanta to Stuart Florida. You can visit the Library anytime you are at TBS. Take out any books you like. I am enjoying the books I borrowed. Jewish history is nothing short of amazing and inspirational.
I would like to make the Library interactive. If you have a book you enjoyed and would like to recommend it to the congregation email me and I will share the title. (The book does not need to be in the Library) We can help each other learn more about our history and where we are today.
Please consider donating any books you want to part with.
All the best, Bill Riter
wrriter@yahoo.com
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
• E-Megillah digital newsletter co-editor
- Fri. 1/30, 7:30 pm: Tu Bishvat Musical Shabbat – with Deb Rogers
- Mon. 2/2, 5:30 pm: Tikkun Olam/Social Action Committee Planning Meeting
- Sat. 2/7, 9:00 am: Spiritual Autobiography Writing – monthly sessions
- Sat. 2/7, 9:45 am: Torah with Commentaries & Bagel Brunch
- Fri. 2/13, 7:30 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat – with Deb Rogers
- Sat. 2/21, 9:00 am: “God is Here” Discussion Group – monthly sessions
- Sat. 2/21, 9:45 am: Torah with Commentaries & Bagel Brunch
activities, please refer to the temple website:
Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom!
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.
50 Division Street, Hudson, OH 44236
330-656-1800 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.
Please Note: there is no on-site staff and 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
