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.
Rabbi: rabbimichaelross@gmail.com
Education Director: education@tbshudson.org
President: president@tbshudson.org
Membership: membership@tbshudson.org
Accounting: accounting@tbshudson.org
e-Megillah
July, 18, 2024
Issue #677
Letter from Rabbi Ross
Dear TBS Friends and Family,
Hi All,
I have returned from my amazing meditation retreat for rabbis and cantors. (This was the fourth and final retreat.) I am blessed that TBS supported me throughout this 18-month program where we developed spiritual practices to ground ourselves and our communities. I will be sharing some of my insights with everyone after my month-long vacation.
In the Jewish calendar we are entering a time of serious, sober reflection. From 7/22 – 8/13 is called the “3 weeks”. This is the time that leads up to Tish B’Av. A day of communal mourning. During this time, the rabbis of the Talmud asked us to consider how our “baseless hatred for our fellows” contributed to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. They asked us to transform our “sinat chinam” or hatreds, angers and resentments into kindness and curiosity of the other. My rabbinic retreat was dedicated to developing “dibbuk chaverim,” an intimate fellowship of friends. This closeness that I feel stands in sharp counterpoint to the baseless hatred we are warned against.
As I mentioned last Friday, this upcoming month can be a time of reflection for each of us.
How are we navigating life these days?
How have the traumas of the Israel-Gaza War impacted us emotionally? How has it changed us?
How are we impacted by the political polarization in the Jewish community over this war?
How are we impacted by the political polarization in America?
I am encouraging us all to really take some time and begin to assess how our spiritual lives and spiritual needs. Get outside. Walk, hike, swim, ride. Take time to enjoy the tremendous blessings we have for living in such a beautiful location. Find stillness. Cultivate reflection. See what comes up.
When I return in August, we will begin a month-long process of preparing ourselves for the High Holidays. WE will use that time to really explore the questions above.
Have a relaxing summer filled with insights, joys, and delicious summer treats.
David Siegel Unveiling
We will have an unveiling to remember David Siegel Sunday 7/21 at 1 pm at Markillie Cemetery, 410 N. Main Street. All are welcome.
Torah For Our Times Returns this August!
We have taken the past two years to explore Jewish prayer on Saturday mornings with “Prayer Lab.” This summer we are returning to our popular Torah study class, “Torah For Our Times.” In August and September, we will focus on High Holiday themes.
Each session will be from 9:30 am – 11:15 am. We will study Torah for about an hour or so, and then have a brief morning prayer service.
Bagels and cream cheese will be served!
Important Religious School News
We are delighted to announce that Kate Palleschi has accepted our offer to become TBS’s new education director this fall! Kate has been teaching middle school for the past few years and taught our 3rd and 4th graders this past year. Our religious school will resume classes in September.
TBS will formally welcome Deb Rogers and Kate Palleschi into our community in a special service on August 30th at Hudson Springs Park.
Hillel Shabbat Dinners Begin on 8/23!
Twice a month Hillel hosts Shabbat dinners with Rabbi Michael and the college students leading a lovely Shabbat experience. TBS folks are welcome to join us. RSVPS are needed by Thursday each week. Donations are recommended. RSVP at https://www.kenthillel.org/shabbat
Donations to support Israel can be made at
Cleveland Federation:
