E-Megillah January 15, 2026

Letter from Rabbi Ross

Dear TBS Friends & Family,

This Saturday, 1/17, we have our new book group, “God is Here” at 9:00 am, and our Torah & Bagels group at 9:45 am. A short service follows at 10:45 am. Join us!

Last week we began reading the Torah story of slavery in Egypt, where a new king arose who didn’t know Joseph. This week, we read the first seven plagues. (The other three are read next week.)

During the first five plagues, Pharaoh hardened his own heart, rejecting Moses’ pleas. In the final five plagues, God hardens Pharaoh’s heart. In light of the idea that humans have free will, both Maimonaides and Nachum Sarna write that Pharaoh had become habituated to his hard-heartedness. Pharaoh has no choice, but to continue to have his heart hardened by his refusal to change.

Where are we noticing our hearts closing, or hardening? What can we do when this process develops? How do we navigate the polarization, the fear, the hate? Between Venezuela, Minneapolis and now Jackson, Mississippi, it might be easier to shut down, to block out the confusion and the distress. What if we noticed the rise of fear and anger, and stayed connected to our hearts? What if we asked ourselves to greet the news with compassion to ourselves and compassion towards others?

Can we try and maintain a connection to our compassion? Can we try to maintain a connection to our obligations to others? R’ James Jacobson Maisels, a mindfulness teacher in Jerusalem, teaches that one of the goals of studying the Exodus story in our lives is to re-awaken compassion. To develop an awakened heart is to soften the heart.

May we focus our compassion on the needs of our community. May we move beyond our own individual needs and try to find the soft, beating heart of our TBS friends and family .

For those of you who want to assist the Jews of Jackson, you can send Tzedakah here:
https://www.bethisraelms.org/

As I write this ICE has begun raids in Cleveland. Our compassion and concern is needed by our Westside neighbors.

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.)

Please read chapters 1 and 2 for this Saturday.

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
We will not have classes on 1/18 to celebrate Martin Luther King Weekend.

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!

**Next Brotherhood Meeting** 
January 25th @ 10:00 am

• 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

Attend the Zoom planning session for game night
On the 23rd of January we are going to have a zoom session on planning for game night on April 18th. So in order to try and accommodate the most people we will do this by zoom at 3:00 to 4:00 on the 23rd of January.
   ZOOM SESSION LINK   
Please join us!
Take care of yourself, and if you can, someone else too.
– Stephen Dubner

• 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