Dear TBS Friends & Family, We have a full slate this weekend. On Saturday, Torah Study will focus on the lies of Jacob and Rebecca.
Rabbis’ monthly Voices of Faith column:
What are you harvesting this fall? As you and your family prepare for Thanksgiving, where are you locating gratitude, abundance, and joy in your lives? We are living in tumultuous, anxious times, and the distractedness of the daily news and social media feeds can feel overwhelming at times.
Here are a few ways that I have been nourished and sustained by my gratitude practices this fall.
This fall’s World Series was amazing! For all baseball fans, we were just treated to one of the most dramatic World Series in several decades. As a lifelong Dodgers’ fan, it was the wildest roller coaster of emotions last week when the Dodgers finally won the Series. I have been crying tears of joy ever since.
It was wonderful to have a month of baseball playoffs to take my mind off the political noise and upheaval.
In mid-October, the Gaza War ended. The hostages were released. Most of the remains of the dead hostages have been returned. Food and humanitarian aid has been reaching the Palestinian civilians who had been facing starvation.
It has been a palpable sense of relief to see the hostages reunited with their families in Israel. Can we now, slowly, intentionally, find a path towards a future peace between the Israelis and Palestinians? In last week’s Torah portion, we read about Isaac and Ishmael coming back together, after decades of separation and anger, to bury their father Abraham. We need each other to make peace. It can’t be done alone. I am breathing easier since the war has ended. I am grateful for my breath.
Last week, at Temple Beth Shalom, I resumed my new meditation group. We meet every other week, on Thursday evenings, to practice together. We explore spending time in gratitude to start each day. We explore finding groundedness and centeredness in our lives. When we can find balance and center, we can appreciate the beauty of fall, and the joys in our private lives.
I start each day with some meditation or exercise to ground myself. This helps me feel grateful for a new day. By the way, the next gathering of the Jewish Meditation Circle of Hudson will be Thursday, 11/20 at 7:30 pm at Temple Beth Shalom.
Another point of gratitude is with my spiritual community. Our Fall Jewish High Holidays were amazing. Our new Torah Study class is filled with eager learners. When we gather together, we can get out of our own heads, and hear the stories of our friends. Our new meditation group grounds and centers us.
Finally, let’s find ways to give back this holiday season. So many are in need. We must take some of our abundance and share it with our neighbors. They need our help.
Blessings for a joyful Thanksgiving.
JEWISH MEDITATION CLASSES ARE RESUMING! During the High Holidays, I spoke about building resilience during anxious times. If you are seeking a way to move on from the daily chaos and the noise, then please join me every other Thursday evening at 7:30 at TBS Hudson for our Jewish Meditation Circle.
Last May and June we held four “Intro to Jewish Meditation” sessions which were well attended.
Our second session will be Thursday, 11/20 at 7:30 pm. For both beginners and advanced meditation folks.
I am an accredited Jewish Mindfulness Meditation teacher by the Institute of Jewish Spirituality. I have been leading meditation groups for the past 15 years.
Donations are welcome!
TBS HOSTS INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE
On Sunday, Nov. 23, at 7:00 pm, TBS will host our Annual Interfaith gathering, with the clergy from First Congregational Church, Christ Church Episcopal, and Laurel Lake. Please join us for this wonderful communal event to welcome in a season of gratitude. TBS Sisterhood will host the reception afterwards.
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 9 months or so studying together. Each student will read from the Torah, lead part of a group prayer service, and deliver a D’var Torah.
NEW CLASSES ARE STARTING THIS FALL:
– Jewish Prayer Essentials – structure & meaning of prayers (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.
TBSBrotherhoodmeetings/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 Notpay 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
Kitchen Clean-Up Sunday
The TBS Sisterhood Kitchen Clean-Up Team
Moema, Robin, Julie and Kim cleaned the inside of our TBS kitchen cupboards on Sunday!
Great Job! Thank you!
Save the Date!
December 7th Sisterhood Latke Fry!
Hello sisters. Time again to make our delicious latkes. There are many tasks to help with, both in and out of the kitchen. This will be on December 7th at 9:00 am at TBS. This is an important part of what we do, both for supplying Hanukah dinners at the temple and for a fundraiser for the sisterhood. Please come. Tell your friends and neighbors they can order($10 per dozen).Also, orders need to be to Robin Rosen-Sharp at rrsdvm@gmail.com or text to (216)509-6639 by December 1st. PLEASE rsvp or questions to: kimstrausser@gmail.com New this year, please consider wearing a hat or hairnet or some sort of hair covering please.
Sisterhood president,
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
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 Zeffyfor Dues, Fees, and Donations.
Temple Beth Shalom does not pay a fee
ISRAEL DONATIONS Donations to support Israel can be made at
Cleveland Federation
News & Special Announcements!
Social Action @ TBS
•Winter Glove & Mitten Donation Drive, through December 14th Religious school students are asked to collect new or gently used gloves and mittens, sized child through adult for the Akron Snow Angels.
Waterproof gloves or mittens would be excellent but all types are welcome. There is a decorated box in the social hall for drop-off.
All are welcome to donate. • Akron Snow Angels spreads warmth and connects with the most vulnerable in our community by providing basic essentials and fostering compassionate friendships. akronsnowangels.com Contact Kim Strausser with questions.
• Akron Canton Regional Food Bank – Collection Extended Heightened food insecurity has increased demand in our community.
Our giving campaign is continuing into the winter season.
The most effective support of ACRFB is through direct monetary contributions. Each $1 donated provides three meals.
There are two ways to donate: Online at http://give.akroncantonfoodbank.org/goto/templebethshalom
By check, addressed to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
Write “Temple Beth Shalom Holiday Food Drive” in the memo so we can track our donations and mail your donation to Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307 Contact Marcy Caplin with questions.
It’s that time again. The sisterhood latke fry is scheduled for December 7th, *with orders due by December 1st* ($10 per dozen). Send an email or text to Robin Rosen-Sharp at rrsdvm@gmail.com (216-509-6639) for your order by December 1st.
TBS foodbank donations
Please consider continued giving in light of the food banks all over the country running out of food.
We have received donations and they’ve been processed! The total amount of monetary donations was $2,822, providing 8,466 meals for our community. That’s amazing, thank you so much for your continued support and generosity during this time and every year!
Calling all Acme shoppers…
TBS is participating in Acme’s Community Cash Back program.
Now through February 15, when you purchase the following brands, bring your receipts to the temple to help us earn funds.
There are two collection spots for your convenience. For questions, please text or call Eric Draper at 216-630-6075.
TBS Lending Library News! I want to offer a special THANK YOU to Jody Byrne. Jody kindly donated 6 boxes of lightly used Jewish books. It will take me a few days to get the books on the library shelves. Here are a couple of Jody’s books: Essential Judaism by George Robinson Womanist Midrash by Wilda C. Gafney
I will be at the Temple Beth Shalom lending library on Thursday, November 20th from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm before Rabbi’s Jewish Meditation Circle. Come for a book and stay to release the noise from the world. You can visit the library and take books out at any time you are at the Temple.
Please consider donating any books you want to part with.
All the best, Bill Riter wrriter@yahoo.com
gloves and mittens We’re asking our religious school students to please bring in new or gently used gloves and mittens through December 14th. The items will be collected in the social hall at TBS (look for a decorated box!) Congregation members are also welcome to donate.
Thank you!
Save the Date! February 28, 2026
Back by Popular Demand! TBSBingoNight!
Details to follow in the coming issues!
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
D E A T H S I N T H E L A S T Y E A R
Marika Andro • Tom Beasley
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.
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:
• Upcoming meetings and events are currently being planned and scheduled by the Sisterhood. Announcements will be posted as soon as they are available!
Temple Beth Shalom
Social Action @ TBS
The sisterhood latke fry is scheduled for December 7th, *with orders due by December 1st* ($10 per dozen). Send an email or text to Robin Rosen-Sharp at rrsdvm@gmail.com (216-509-6639) for your order by December 1st. 
I want to offer a special THANK YOU to Jody Byrne. Jody kindly donated 6 boxes of lightly used Jewish books. It will take me a few days to get the books on the library shelves. Here are a couple of Jody’s books:
We’re asking our religious school students to please bring in new or gently used gloves and mittens through December 14th. The items will be collected in the social hall at TBS (look for a decorated box!) Congregation members are also welcome to donate.
Save the Date!
