E-Megillah March 5, 2026

e-Megillah
Thursday March 5, 2026
Issue #758

Letter from Rabbi Ross

Dear TBS Friends & Family,
Please join us this Friday at 7:30 pm for our special Purim celebration and Megillah reading. We all need community in the face of the war in Iran. I have found great relief to be in community as these events are unfolding. Please wear a silly hat!

I haven been riveted to the news cycles as the war in Iran develops this week. Here’s my column for this weekend’s newspapers.

Holding Complexity: Hope, Fear, Uncertainty

  I have been thinking a lot about my Iranian connections the past week. In 1983 and ‘84, I had my first job out of college, co-teaching a kindergarten class in a Jewish Day School in Beverly Hills. Thousands of Iranian Jews escaped from Iran in the late 70s, and they made up perhaps a third of our student body.
The Persian parents volunteered in the school, and for each holiday they would make their Persian delicacies for the students and faculty. On Purim, they outdid themselves, serving up a Persian feast in honor of the Persian Queen and her victory over hate.
It was an exhausting job, as any kindergarten teacher will tell you, but it was so rewarding connecting with those precious students and their parents. Those kids and their parents dreamed of returning to visit Iran one day. 47 years after the fall of the Shah, they still have that dream. Today they are closer than they have ever been.
I was listening to an interview with Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, whose parents escaped Iran in the ‘70s. She has been serving this community in L.A. recently, and she spoke of supporting the recent women’s protests in Iran a few years ago. She spoke about organizing protests in L.A. last month, as tens of thousands of Iranian protesters were massacred.
For this rabbi and for my former students, witnessing the death of the Ayatollah is a sign of hope.
My Israeli colleagues, teachers, and family have been shuttling in and out of bomb shelters for the past few days. One rabbinic colleague, Rabbi Steve Burnstein, said he has rushed to his kibbutz’s bomb shelter more than 30 times in the past 3 days. They huddle in their safe rooms waiting for all-clear signals. Some bombs get through, most are shot down. Their Purim celebrations, parties and parades were moved to their living rooms and backyards this year. No public gatherings are permitted currently.
Rabbi Burnstein asked us to partner with him in his prayer for Purim this year: “Please join my prayers for Israelis who have been running to shelters, doing their best to protect and comfort their families, friends and communities. We also pray for the innocents of Iran and all our neighbors. May we all heed the words of Pirkei Avot and “Be of the disciples of Aaron—a lover of peace, a pursuer of peace.”
Israelis have been terrorized by Iranian threats and terrorist activities for decades. For them, this current war is an extension of the “Twelve-Day War” last June when Israel and America heavily damaged three Iranian nuclear sites.
Israelis are praying for relief from this existential dread of Iranian terror.
And in the pit of my stomach, I notice a deep anxiety that sits alongside these hopes. The leaders of America and Israel have been working to dismantle public trust on a daily basis for the past year or so. Now, when they ask for our trust, it is hard to summon it from thin air. In 2003, I also felt this lack of trust, when President Bush asked for support in his war against Iraq.
This week’s Torah section is the story of the Golden Calf. When do we create false idols? How do we respond to mob behavior? How do we keep perspective as the war in Iran develops?
I recognize the desire to overthrow tyranny. I also fear both the motivations to begin a war of choice, and the lack of clear goals as the war develops.
It is hard to be joyful on a holiday where hope and fear mix together at alternating moments.It is rewarding and deeply meaningful to be together in community  as we face these hopes and fears together.
So I join with my colleague Rabbi Steve Burnstein, and pray for peace and safety right now. May the Compassionate One of Blessing, spread a shelter of peace and wholeness over Iranian civilians and Israeli civilians and civilians facing violence today.

EXCITING NEWS – New Book Discussion March 21 
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 5 and 6 for Saturday 3/21.

TBS Religious School News
Save the date, our Purim Carnival will be this Sunday, March 8!

Jewish Meditation Circle of Hudson is Meeting!
Our Jewish Meditation Circle will resume its twice a month sessions on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 pm. 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 Passover.

These sessions are for new, beginning students and advanced students as well. All are welcome. Donations are welcome.

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!

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     News & Special Announcements!     

Challah Bake! with Deb Rogers!

Come join the Women of TBS for a 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

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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

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TBS Lending Library News!

Thank you again for all the donations that have been dropped off while I was gone. It was wonderful to see everyone at Bingo night. I am going to highlight a few of the new books.  Please feel free to view all the wonderful books TBS has available.

STARS OF DAVID  — Prominent Jews talk about being Jewish
IT TAKES TWO TO TORAH — Discussion of MOSES between an Orthodox Rabbi and a Reform Journalist
DOES GOD HAVE A BIG TOE? — Stories about stories in the Bible

These three books and hundreds more are available to borrow and enjoy.

All the best, Bill Riter AJL
wrriter@yahoo.com

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We love 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!

• Help our Temple
• Assist with events and gatherings

• Match activities to your interests & abilities
• Participate in Brotherhood & Sisterhood
• Support & Enhance the TBS community
• E-Megillah digital newsletter co-editor

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   D E A T H S  I N  T H E   L A S T  Y E A R   

Marika Andro • Tom Beasley • Frances Berman
Marlene Chevette • Lynn Mickovic
Jack Scanlon • Linda Schulman

A monthly yahrzeit list of TBS family loved ones will now be published in the e-megillah
as well as read during Shabbat services.