Letter from Rabbi Ross Dear TBS Friends and Family,
This Saturday at 10:30am is Eli Lazear’s Bar Mitzvah at TBS! Join us as we celebrate this wonderful student and his family! Beforehand, we will host the Prayer Essential class at 9:00 and Torah Study at 9:30.
Sunday at 4:00 pm is the Hudson Interfaith Prayer Service at Laurel Lake. I will talk about the Jewish idea that our souls are pure, and every morning we wake up and utter gratitude for our lives. All are welcome.
Here’s my Voices of Faith column for this weekend’s newspapers:
Interfaith work is always a delicate process. For clergy folks, we enter into interfaith spaces never entirely sure how we are seen by folks who have different backgrounds than we do. Somehow, we feel called to do the work despite these possible differences.
In 2011, the First Congregational Church of Hudson, Temple Beth Shalom, Hudson and the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent came together on the first Sunday after Labor Day weekend, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 massacre. First Serve is an annual “day of service” in North Hill. We have continued this interfaith collaboration every September and now, First Serve runs service projects all year long, and is highlighted by our annual interfaith day of service in North Hill each September.
After the Pittsburgh shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in the fall of 2018, the ministers from two churches and one synagogue came together to support the Hudson Jewish community during a time of crisis and anxiety. Out of this warm, supportive response to this crisis, we developed an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Our gathering this year will be at Laurel Lake, Sunday, 11/24 at 4pm.
I have been part of multi-faith dialogue projects between Muslims and Jews for the past two decades. I had collaborated with the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center and its leaders on a weekend study session before the pandemic broke out. Masroor Malik, the founder of CVIC, and I had participated in a project with Chris Mikolay on his “3 Questions, 3 Drinks” podcast two years ago.
After the war broke out a year ago, much of that dialogue work seemed to disappear. On the anniversary of October 7, Masroor reached out and shared his blessings of comfort to me and my community as we were navigating our painful anniversary. I sent him blessings of comfort for the pain that his community was experiencing over the loss of civilian life in Gaza and Lebanon.
A few weeks later, Masroor reached out to me and dozens of other interfaith partners asking us to attend and support CVIC at a Solon City Council meeting in late October. A Solon neighbor had presented an online petition criticizing CVIC of alleged antisemitic behavior. Those of us who had worked shoulder to shoulder with Masroor and his wife, Simee, knew nothing could be further from the truth. Masroor and Simee were, and continue to be, dedicated peace builders who are seeking to build interfaith relationships on an ongoing basis.
The night of the Solon City Council meeting, Rabbi Josh Caruso from Beachwood and I attended, representing the Jewish community, in support of our beloved interfaith partners. More than 20 other interfaith clergy showed up as well. Hundreds of members of CVIC came in support. Rabbi Caruso and a dozen other interfaith partners spoke lovingly of Masroor’s leadership and of the warm embrace they received when they visited CVIC. The interfaith relationships were long standing and reinforced by numerous experiences of trusted work together.
In this week’s Torah reading, we read about the death of Abraham. Abraham’s two sons, Ishmael and Isaac both come back together after being estranged from their father, as they bury him. The text says Abraham died “contented.”
A rabbinic commentary, or midrash, says the reason that Abraham was content at the end of his days was because the two brothers had reconciled. Additionally, I want to add that I think Abraham was also “content” at the end because he had reconciled the traumas he had inflicted upon them.
May Jews and Muslims find inspiration from this sacred story as they seek a path towards coexistence and shared society. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the delicate work of building bridges with my interfaith partners.
ZOOM LINK for both of this Saturday morning’s classes: TORAH STUDYLINK
Meeting ID: 844 3145 6155, Passcode: tbstorah
TBS’ Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class Starting this fall!
Have you wanted to transform your adult understanding of Judaism into a meaningful ritual? We are forming an adult b’nai mitzvah class this fall. We will spend the next 18 months studying together. Each student will read from the Torah, lead part of a group prayer service, and deliver a D’var Torah. Rabbi Michael Ross and Jean Beasley will be the instructors. Costs will be determined by enrollment. CLASSES: – Jewish Prayer Essentials – structure & meaning of prayers (Fall ’24: Saturday mornings before Torah Study, from 9:00 – 9:45 am) – Making Prayer Real – the art of prayer (Spring ’25, Saturdays before Torah Study, from 9:00 – 9:45 am) – Basic Hebrew (Winter and Spring ’25, class time to be determined) – Torah Reading & Chanting (Fall ’25) – Spiritual Autobiography writing (Fall ’25 or Spring ’26)
From the President Legacy Fund Update:
So far so good. We have exceeded 30% of our goal and really haven’t kicked it into high gear yet. Our committee is still putting its plan together to reach out to everyone. Thank you to all who have already stepped up. The future is bright. Let’s ensure it.
B’Shalom,
Larry
TBS Legacy Fund Drive
As members of Temple Beth Shalom, we have a unique opportunity to insure the legacy of our temple here in the Western Reserve. While we are a religious minority in our area, TBS stands as a shining example of the survival of the Jewish people and the role Judaism offers to a challenging world. That TBS is here, that we have survived for decades, that we have grown when other temples have struggled or, proves that we offer a meaningful contribution to our society and culture.
And now, we can ensure that legacy in a number of ways:
• The most immediate and visible way is to pay off and burn our mortgage. We are faced with a balloon payment, due early next year, in an environment of higher interest rates than we had before. Hey, let’s just pay it off! Let’s truly own our historic and loveable building here in Hudson, and let’s never let anyone take it away!
• But let’s not stop there. We know our building needs tender-loving care so let’s build a legacy fund that insures that care. Whether we need a new roof, fresh paint, a new boiler or unforeseen repairs, let’s make sure we have the means to handle it.
• Not only that, instead of paying interest we’ll be making interest, which will really help our bottom line.
• Also, let’s be clear about two principles TBS has held firm. One is that unlike almost every other temple we know, TBS has never imposed a building fund. In many temples that cost can be as much as their dues. For many that has been an attractive incentive to join TBS, so let’s try to keep it that way!
• The other principle is we do not turn people away who can’t afford our full dues. Everyone, and we mean everyone, is welcome to seek solace, spirit, community and peace within our doors so let’s pass that on to future generations.
• Finally, we have never been a temple constantly pushing fund-raising campaigns. Unlike some temples, where there is on-going pressure, this is our first capital campaign in 20 years. (That’s when we raised the money to buy the building.) Yes, we know many of you have responded to our suggestion to voluntarily add a donation to your dues. Those donations have helped us balance our budgets and to help fund those who can’t afford to pay our full dues. Let’s do this so we can try and keep the pressure low for the next 20 years as well.
What is our goal and how can we reach it?
Your board has set a goal of $200,000. That will pay off our approximately $80,000 mortgage and give us about a full year of revenue to have in reserve, a number we feel will insure our future for the next 20 years.
We are asking everyone able to first consider donating the equivalent of one year’s dues. (Note: we did not raise dues or school fees this year.) The problem is that will not even get us halfway to our goal. So, we are asking those with available resources to dig deeper. To those of you already planning on leaving a legacy to your future generations, we are asking you to make this contribution part of that legacy. You will be insuring a Jewish presence here for future generations as well. That is why we are calling it the TBS Legacy Fund.
We are also asking for volunteers to join our Legacy Fund-Raising Committee. You will not have to apply pressure to anyone. We simply want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in this mitzvah. All contributions, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged. Please direct your questions to any of our board members: Larry Terkel Larry@LarryTerkel.com 330-714-6346 Wendy Hess wendykhess@hotmail.com 330-666-1944 Laurie Frankino lfrankino@gmail.com 330-620-2020 Mark Schildhouse markschildhouse@gmail.com 330-342-1146
Donations to support Israel can be made at
Cleveland Federation:
Temple Beth Shalom can now use Zeffy for donations, membership dues or other payments. On the Dues/Fees/Donations tab on tbshudson.org is the option Zeffy, which works like PayPal except Temple Beth Shalom does not pay a fee. Dues/Fees/Donations Link
TBSBrotherhoodmeetings/events
• BrotherhoodMeeting – 12/8 at TBS
• 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 projects planned for 2024 – 2025 for TBS. Please contact treasurer Art Busch, ascyb34@yahoo.com with any questions.
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. Contact: Mike Miller at: mikemillercsi@roadrunner.com
TBSSisterhoodmeetings/events
• Time for the Sisterhood Latke fry! Please save December 8, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to help with our annual fry. Details will follow.
• Please send orders for latkes to Robin Rosen-Sharp ‘s email. $10 per dozen. rrsdvm2@aol.com Last day to order is Dec 5.
• Join the Sisterhood and support us with a dues donation. Please email me, Robin Rosen-Sharp (rrsdvm2@gmail.com) if you need a membership form and would like to mail your payment.
Please Do Notpay 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!
Eli Lazear Bar Mitzvah
With great pride, Noah and Lisa Lazear invite you to join their family as they celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Eli, on Saturday, November 23 at 10:30 am in the TBS sanctuary. Please join them for an oneg reception following the ceremony in the social hall.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 24 at 4:00 pm at Laurel Lake.
Invitation to Oy, Mi Gente! – Please save the date!
Jeffrey Rockland, one of our members at TBS who is on the faculty at Kent State University would like to share an invitation to the premier of his new ballet Oy, Mi Genté! He states: “After October 7th, creating this ballet has given me a way to share my Jewish identity and perspective at a time when Antisemitism on campus is a concern. Sharing my Sephardic longing was the starting place.” Please click the link for more information about the event and purchasing tickets for Nov 22-24th.
Get tickets link: TICKET INFORMATION
Gabriel Brown-Ross’ Bar Mitzvah – Fri. 12/20& Sat. 12/21
With tremendous joy and pride, Rabbi Rachel and I invite you to our son’s Bar Mitzvah celebrations!
– On Friday evening, 12/20, at 7:30 pm, Gabe will lead part of the evening service. The entire community is welcome to join us for the special oneg that follows, sponsored by TBS. Please RSVP for Friday’s service to Laurie Frankino by 12/9.
– On Saturday morning, 12/21, at 9:00 am, the celebration will continue at Congregation Shaarei Tikvah, in Beachwood, 26811 Fairmount Blvd. Beachwood, OH. Gabe will chant from the Torah and Haftorah and lead musaf, the additional service. Kiddush lunch sponsored by Rabbi Rabbi Rachel I will be served to the community around noon. No RSVPs needed for Saturday.
Temple Beth Shalom Website Notes
• Past e-Megillahs can be found on Media/e-Megillah Newsletters page: E-MEGILLAH NEWSLETTERS
You will need to use the password TBSHudson
You can view upcoming services and events on the Calendar page: CALENDAR PAGE
Welove to share news & announcements at TBS
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 to help our Temple!
Activities to match your interests and abilities
are still available!
D E A T H S I N T H E L A S T Y E A R
John Andro • Jane Litt• Jack Scanlon Norman Taer • Karen Touve • Mark Varney
A monthly yahrzeit list of TBS family loved ones will now be published in the e-megillah
as well as read during Shabbat services.
N O V E M B E R Y A H R Z E I T S
Susie Axelrod • Esther Blazey • Marilyn Eisen
Dorothy Kirchheimer • Richard Kirchheimer • Todd Alan Sanders
Annette Schildhouse • Maxine Shiffman • Maria Telesman
Betty Terkel
If you have names to add, please send them with their yahrzeit date to:
Laurie Frankino, Ritual Chair, at lfrankino@gmail.com.
• Upcoming meetings and events are currently being planned and scheduled by the Sisterhood. Announcements will be posted as soon as they are available!
Legacy Fund Update:
As members of Temple Beth Shalom, we have a unique opportunity to insure the legacy of our temple here in the Western Reserve. While we are a religious minority in our area, TBS stands as a shining example of the survival of the Jewish people and the role Judaism offers to a challenging world. That TBS is here, that we have survived for decades, that we have grown when other temples have struggled or, proves that we offer a meaningful contribution to our society and culture.
Temple Beth Shalom can now use Zeffy for donations, membership dues or other payments. On the Dues/Fees/Donations tab on 
Temple Beth Shalom