e-Megillah, July 25, 2024

Thursday July 25, 2024
Issue #678

Letter from Rabbi Ross

Dear TBS Friends and Family,

In the Jewish calendar we are entered a time of serious, sober reflection. The period from 7/22 – 8/13 is called the “3 weeks.” This is the time that leads up to Tishah B’Av, or the 9th day of the month of Av. It’s 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 recent 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 our spiritual lives and our 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.

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 our new cantorial soloist 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: 

  ISRAEL EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN  

TBSBrotherhood                                            meetings/events

• Brotherhood Membership
Please contact treasurer Art Busch, ascyb34@yahoo.com with any questions. Your financial support is much appreciated.

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 for TBS.
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
TBSSisterhood                                                    meetings/events

• Come to dinner! We will have dinner at the Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls 1970 State Rd Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 (a slightly closer site for our Sisters living to the west).  Dinner is Sunday July 28th at 6:15 pm.  Please RSVP soon to Beth Madis at madisb@gmail.com because it is a small restaurant.

• Come to Brunch!  On Sunday Aug 18th at 10:00 am we’ll have a potluck brunch at Jeanie’s house (3036 Vincent Rd, Sliver Lake, OH 44224) to talk about next year!  RSVP to jeanrhodes16th@gmail.com Bring ideas for ourselves and in service to our beloved TBS community. If you are early we’ll have plenty of coffee available at 9:30 using large coffee makers (last year’s coffee drought has been addressed!).

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  

                  

We are looking for VOLUNTEERS
to help our Temple!
Backup our Email newsletter • Setup/takedown for Temple activities • Sponsor an Oneg • Coordinate Zoom services
Other activities to match your interests, abilities and availability

Thanks to Barbara Leukart for volunteering to coordinate security for TBS services and events!
Thank you, Barbara, for donating your time to TBS. We are very grateful to have your help!

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