e-Megillah, August 8, 2025

Thursday August 8, 2025
Issue #727

Letter from Rabbi Ross

Dear TBS Friends & Family,
This Friday we celebrate Tu B’av, Jewish Valentine’s Day. Last Sunday marked the commemoration of Tisha B’av. It was a fast day akin to Yom Kippur. It was a communal day of mourning and grief. Traditionally, this grief is associated with the destruction of both the First Temple in 586 BCE and the Second Temple in 70 CE. For the past three weeks the Jewish community has been preparing for this solemn time during what’s called “Bein Hametzarim” – between the narrow places. As I mentioned last week, these preparations intensify during the “9 Days” that precede Tisha B’av. In Israel, this means no meat in many restaurants. It means avoiding musical performances.

This year, the ache in my heart during this period has been over the starvation issues that are running rampant in Gaza. A week ago, the Reform movement issued the following statement decrying the starvation and criticizing both Hamas and Israel’s leadership on this nightmare. I encourage each of us to take a few minutes and read this carefully. LINK: https://urj.org/press-room/reform-movement-statement-starvation-gaza

Israeli voices from the left, center and right have been critical for the past week or so about this issue. France, England, Canada, and Australia, each with significant Jewish populations, have been critical as well. Last week, President Trump distanced himself from Benjamin Netanyahu, and said the starvation must come to an immediate end.

The joint U.S.-Israel experiment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, set up after Israel halted all aid for 80 days, has been a terrible failure. Food distribution is a mess.

“For these I weep,” my fast this year on Tisha B’av, focused on the pain and agony of the 50 remaining hostages, and the civilian population of Gaza who is bearing the brunt of this tragedy.

And still there are glimmers of hope. Israel has begun to airdrop some food. Cessations of violence for 10 hours a day are allowing some access for food distribution. It’s not enough. Daily, more children are dying of starvation. Strong, direct intervention is needed to flood Gaza with food, and drive down the black market prices that continue to soar.

The fast of Tisha B’av ended on a hopeful note. The afternoon reading ended with the final words from Lamentations: “Take us back, Adonai – Let us come back to you. Renew in our time the days of old.”  Our hope is to return to holiness and God will respond in kind. We have to take the first step. Jewish tradition teaches that the fast ends as the birth of the messianic dream begins. It’s followed by Shabbat Nachamu, a Shabbat of comfort.

May we find meaning in our solemnity this week. May we find the courage to return to a life of holiness next week.

Temple Beth Shalom
ANNUAL FAMILY & FRIENDS
COOKOUT & SHABBAT SERVICE
Hudson Springs Park, Mays Pavilion FRIDAY, AUGUST 29th 5:30 PM – DUSK          

Please join Rabbi Michael Ross and Cantorial Soloist Deb Rogers for the annual end of summer family cookout and musical service under the stars. Current TBS members, friends and potential members and friends are most welcome.
Dinner 5:30-6:45 pm     Service 7:00 pm 

Burgers, hot dogs, side dishes provided by TBS.
Vegetarian option available upon request.
Side Dishes and Dessert Donations welcome!

Please RSVP to Laurie Frankino, Ritual Chair, lfrankino@gmail.com
so we have an accurate count of attendees

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.

Blessings to all,
Larry Terkel
TBS President

TBSBrotherhood                                            meetings/events

• Brotherhood Annual Cookout – 8/29, 6:30 pm at Hudson Springs Park.

• 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!

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Temple Beth Shalom

Website Notes and Links

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   PAST NEWSLETTERS     PW: TBSHudson  
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   CALENDAR PAGE     View upcoming services and events

   SHABBAT SERVICE     ID: 861 4959 4595, PW: shabbat 
Available when noted on the Upcoming Events schedule

   TORAH STUDY     ID: 844 3145 6155, PW: tbstorah
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

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