January 1, 2026
Issue #749
Letter from Rabbi Ross
Dear TBS Friends & Family,
Just like Rosh Hashanah, the secular new year is a time for reflection and assessment. It’s a time for second chances, and a time to explore how we can be honest with our shortcomings as we seek to live the best lives we can. May we use this time to find some honest humility and deep compassion for ourselves and our community.
We are living in dark times, and we will need the resources to make our way through the turmoil. My theme for last Rosh Hashanah is also my theme for the new year – building resilience. Building resilience can give us perspective. Building resilience can allow us to move from the story in our heads to the needs of others.
One of the ways to build resilience is by dedicating ourselves to self-care practices that nourish our souls. Another is to find holiness in our relationships.
A third path is to find holiness in community. This is something we can all do together,
As we greet 2026, may we find more holiness in our lives. May our souls be enlivened by this holiness. And may we our community hold each of us with love and compassion.
This Saturday at 9:45 am, we will have Torah Study and bagels to conclude the book of Genesis with Jacob’s blessing of the children. We will explore the power of blessings in our lives. At 9 am, for our adult b’nai mitzvah class, we will have our first session of Spiritual Autobiography Writing.
Shanah Tovah – Happy New Year!
EXCITING NEWS – New Book Discussion is Starting on January 17
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.)
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
Winter break will take place from 12/21 – 1/4
Jewish Meditation Circle
We are taking a break through January and will resume our meditation group in February.
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!
• 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
• 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 will hold our first organizational meeting, on Monday, January 5th at 6:00 pm in the TBS Boardroom. We will be sharing ideas and discussing how TBS can make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Please join us and bring your ideas and a desire to learn and engage. If you cannot attend but would like to be added to the Social Action email distribution list, or for more information, text or call Eric Draper at 216-630-6075. You can also refer to our web page at tbshudson.org/category/cbe/community/tikkun-social-action/ for the latest information.
• Akron Canton Regional Food Bank – Collection Extended
Heightened food insecurity has increased demand in our community.
Our giving campaign is continuing into the winter season.
The most effective support of ACRFB is through direct monetary contributions. Each $1 donated provides three meals.
There are two ways to donate:
Online at http://give.akroncantonfoodbank.org/goto/templebethshalom
By check, addressed to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
Write “Temple Beth Shalom Holiday Food Drive” in the memo so we can track our donations and mail your donation to Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307
Contact Marcy Caplin with questions.
TBS foodbank donations
Please consider continued giving in light of the food banks all over the country running out of food.
We have received donations and they’ve been processed! The total amount of monetary donations was $2,822, providing 8,466 meals for our community. That’s amazing, thank you so much for your continued support and generosity during this time and every year!
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 Atlanta, Georgia and I hope everyone has a wonderful 2026. I wish I was with you even with 20 inches of snow projected for northeast Ohio. You can visit the Library anytime you are at TBS. Take out any books you like. This week I want you to visit, peruse, and find subjects you will enjoy.
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
- Sat. 1/3, 9:00 am: Spiritual Autobiography Writing
- Sat. 1/3, 9:45 am: Torah with Commentaries & Bagel Brunch
- Fri. 1/9, 7:30 pm: Shabbat Service with Deb Rogers
- Sat. 1/17, 9:00 am: “God is Here” – monthly book discussion
- Sat. 1/17, 9:45 am: Torah with Commentaries & Bagel Brunch
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
