Temple

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!

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Please send us your announcements, engagements, weddings, graduations, sports news, kid news, etc. to: e-megillah editor, hberman44236@yahoo.com no later than ONE WEEK PRIOR to the next issue.
Please include ‘e-megillah news‘ in the subject field.

We are looking for Volunteers!

• Help our Temple
• Assist with events and gatherings