E-Megillah March 12, 2026
e-Megillah
Thursday March 12, 2026
Issue #759
Letter from Rabbi Ross
Dear TBS Friends & Family,
I have spent this week with nearly 130 of my Reconstructionist Rabbinical Colleagues at our Biennial Conference in Philadelphia, where I was appointed to their national board. We studied about preserving democracy during difficult times. We were encouraged to bring forward our moral leadership as a counterpoint to the noise and the confusion. We explored the role of expanding holiness in our communities.
We continue to carefully monitor the war in Iran. My Israeli colleagues want us to know that they see this war as a continuation of the war against Hamas and Hezbollah, Iranian-backed proxies. We pray that the citizens of the Middle East will know real peace soon.
EXCITING NEWS – New Book Discussion March 21
Once a month, we will have a discussion about Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s new book, “God is Here.” 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 5 and 6 for Saturday 3/21.
TBS Religious School News
This Sunday, 3/15, we will have a fun Seder Station Game as we prepare for Passover. Our REligious School will be on Spring Break from Sunday 3/22-Sunday 3/29. All of our TBS Families and Religious School families are invited to our Community Seder on Friday 4/3 where we will have special family pricing.
EXCITING NEWS – Our Jewish Meditation Circle Meets on 3/19 at 7:00 pm!
Our Jewish Meditation Circle will resume its twice a month sessions on Thursday, March 19 at 7pm. During these chaotic times, finding a sense of groundedness can be a challenge. We will learn basic practices together. Our opening session will focus on preparing our hearts and souls for liberation at Passover.
These sessions are for new, beginning students and advanced students as well. All are welcome. Donations are welcome.
All are welcome. Donations are welcome.
Dear TBS Friends,
Attached is the invitation and information for our Community Seder to be held on April 3. Please review and if you plan to attend, complete the reservation slip before March 24 and pay for your dinners on our website. Please note, this year for the first time, children under 17 are free.
How Do We JEW This?: PASSOVER EDITION!
Passover’s over after two seders, right? Nope!
What do we do to celebrate Passover in our homes?
There’s only ONE WAY to make Charoset, right? Not nearly!
Don’t you need WHEAT to make a decent cake? NO!
HOW DO WE JEW PASSOVER?
Join Chef David Holland and Cantorial Soloist Deb Rogers
as we rev up the TBS kitchen for Passover!
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Charoset, charoset, and charoset!
Decadent flourless chocolate cake for the TBS seder
…and even some Kasher-l’Pesach cookies!
Where: TBS Kitchen and Social Hall
When: Sunday, March 29th, 1-4 PM
RSVP to Deb no later than Sunday, March 22!
for Recipes, Food, Friends, Laughter, and Learning
debrogers912@gmail.com
This program is appropriate for all ages.
Under 13? Bring your favorite adults!
TBSBrotherhood meetings/events
• 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
Sisterhood Game Night
April 22
Hello to all. Wendy Hess has done an awesome job getting donations and many of you have already donated, but if you haven’t yet there is still time to add items. This promises to be fun and a good fundraiser. We have fine art, designer jewelry and clothing, theatre tickets, and more. Gift cards from a shop you support are more than welcome. I can pick these items up or they can be dropped off at TBS and I will take them from there. If you need a donation letter printed on TBS stationary please let me know.
redtailsky@mac.com
(440)292-6421
Aviva
Julie Lakas
Take care of yourself, and if you can, someone else too. ~ Stephen Dubner
• Come learn and play mahjong!
Mondays at 1:00 PM at TBS.
This is for those who want to learn and those who know how to play already.
Aviva
Julie Lakas
• 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!
Temple Beth Shalom
Website Notes and Links
*Receive our weekly e-newsletters!
Please email your First Name, Last Name, and Email Address
to: hberman44236@yahoo.com
PAST NEWSLETTERS PW: TBSHudson
Past e-Megillahs can be found on Media > e-Megillah Newsletters page
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
Our religious school students are encouraged to offer donations to our local Hudson food pantry during the months of March and April. Donations will be collected in a marked bin in the social hall until April 30th. Currently the pantry is in need of the following items:
Peanut butter • Rice sides • Refried beans
SpaghettiOs • Chef Boyardee
FYI: During Passover, the bin will be relocated to the board room.
Information about the Hudson Food Pantry:
The food pantry is part of the Hudson Community Service Association which notes its mission is to promote the general welfare of our neighbors living in the Hudson City School District Boundaries.
Thank you very much!!
Kim
Challah Bake! with Deb Rogers!
When: Sunday, March 22, 9:30 AM (will likely last until 1:30 or 2)
What: Learn to prepare, braid, and bake challah! Deb will entertain us while we wait for the dough to rise, and we’ll enjoy lunch provided by the Women of TBS during the final rise after braiding. We’ll each go home with a challah and Deb’s prized Challah recipe!
Cost: Sisterhood Members, $15. Non-Members/Guests, $20.
Julie Lakas
Take care of yourself, and if you can, someone else too. ~Stephen Dubner
I am only one.
But still, I am one.
I cannot do everything.
But still, I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse something that I can do.
– Edward Everett Hall (from Susan Terkel)
• Collecting Funds for Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry for Purim
The Social Action Committee is requesting donations to the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry for Purim, in the spirit of Shalach Manot, giving food to others so they have enough to celebrate this holiday.
Donations may be made online using the form at their website:
https://kosherfp.org/donate-2/
On the donation page please enter Temple Beth Shalom-Purim in the “Message Box,” so the TBS donations can be tallied. Similarly, please indicate Temple Beth Shalom-Purim on donations made by mail to their address at: 2004 South Green Road, South Euclid, Ohio 44121. In addition to welcoming those who need food assistance to the pantry, food deliveries are made to those with limited mobility. There are also opportunities to volunteer to pack food boxes for delivery. Please email cheryl.butensky@gmail.com with
• Continuing Collection for Hudson Food Pantry questions
TBS has stepped up to fulfill a need of the Hudson Food Pantry. Your monthly donations of laundry detergent have been truly appreciated by our neighbors in need. Let’s keep the momentum! We are asking for three TBS families to donate 2 large detergents — liquid, powder, or pods — each for a total of 6 per month. Families can sign up for a single month or multiple months. The detergents can be dropped off at TBS when open, i.e. Friday services, Saturday study sessions, Sunday school, etc. To sign-up to help go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FABAF2EA3FE3-61572875-tikkun or scan the QR code:
The pantry has also made a special request for body wash, deodorant and hand sanitizer. These items can also be dropped off any time during the month. and there is no sign-up for these items.
For more information about the pantry, see http://www.hudsoncsa.org/food-pantry. For questions about the donation process, please contact Michelle Draper at mldraper@yahoo.com. Thank you!
• Our next meeting date is to be announced
Our next meeting date is Monday, March 16 @ 5 pm in the TBS Boardroom. If you would like to help with the organizing efforts, please text or call Eric Draper at 216-630-6075 to join our meetings and communication.
• Disaster Rebuilding Opportunity in Augusta, Georgia
As announced at Friday services, I am traveling to Augusta, GA in early June to help with rebuilding efforts in a low-income community that was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and is still recovering. This work is through NECHAMA, a Jewish disaster relief organization.
If you or someone you know are interested in joining the effort, please reach out to me for more details.
Volunteers will be helping with tasks such as drywalling, painting, and installing flooring. Basic housing accommodations are available at a nearby church if needed. Volunteers from all backgrounds and walks of life are welcome (not just Jewish folks), and no prior experience is required. Tools, PPE, and training are all provided.
Currently, I plan to spend 4–5 days volunteering, plus a couple of travel days—about a week total, but have some flexibility on dates. Plus, there are additional deployment dates in April, May, and June for projects in Augusta, GA and in New Bern, NC. Here is a FAQ for these deployments, volunteer FAQ sheet.
If you have a moment, I highly recommend checking out NECHAMA’s origin story History of NECHAMA — it’s truly inspirational.
Eric Draper, 216-630-6075
I hope everyone had a wonderful Purim celebration. Funny hats were great additions to our normal attire. The TBS library has great books for both children and adults explaining the Jewish holidays past and future. Please take out books of your choice. Purim and Passover are top of mind now.
These holiday books and hundreds more are available to borrow and enjoy.
Thank you for your continued book donations.
All the best, Bill Riter AJL
wrriter@yahoo.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS
- Sat. 3/14, 9:00 am: Spiritual Autobiography Workshop – monthly sessions
- Sat. 3/14, 9:45 am: Torah with Commentaries & Bagel Brunch – a short service will follow the study
- Thu. 3/19, 7:00 pm: Jewish Meditation Circle – new time!
- Sat. 3/21, 9:00 am: “God is Here” Discussion Group – monthly sessions
- Sat. 3/21, 9:45 am: Torah with Commentaries & Bagel Brunch – a short service will follow the study
- Sun. 3/22, 9:30 am: Challah Bake – with Deb Rogers
- Fri. 3/27, 7:30 pm: Musical Shabbat – with Deb Rogers
- Sun., 3/29, 1:00-4:00 pm: How Do We JEW Passover? – TBS Kitchen and Social Hall – with Chef David Holland and Cantorial Soloist Deb Rogers
- SAVE THE DATE: Fri. 4/3 – Community Passover Seder – RSVPS needed
- Wed. 4/22: Sisterhood Game Night
please refer to the temple website: