Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat Yitro not only offers practical advice on delegating leadership but also highlights the spiritual dimension of leadership When Jethro advises Moses to appoint trustworthy leaders, he is teaching Moses a valuable lesson in trust not only in people but also in God. By empowering others to share in the leadership, Moses demonstrates his trust that God’s guidance can flow through others and that divine wisdom is not limited to one individual. This act of delegation is, in essence, a trust in God’s plan, recognizing that the Almighty has equipped many people with the ability to lead.
Spiritual leadership requires humility and an understanding that we are not alone in fulfilling God’s will. Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, could have chosen to keep all responsibility for himself, believing that only he could execute God's will perfectly. However, by following Jethro’s advice, Moses shows that true leadership involves recognizing one ' s limitations and acknowledging that the divine presence can guide others as well.
In our own lives, this lesson teaches us that when we delegate and trust in others, we are not abandoning responsibility, but rather acknowledging the importance of cooperation, shared wisdom, and faith in God’s guidance through the community Spiritual leadership involves recognizing that God's help can come in many forms, including through the people we trust and empower
Torah Portion
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
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Located in St. Petersburg on Foridas beautifu west coast, Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish congregation that has served this area since 1928 and is focused on strengthening relationships and making connections We are a welcoming Reform community for Jewish and interfaith households to experience an uplifting and joyful sense of belonging as we seek to connect our members with each other and the greater community and world around us Enjoy and have a ShabbatShalom! Parashat Yitro: Exodus 18:1-20:23 Saturday, February 15, 2025 / 17
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Yitro brings his daughter Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to his son-in-law Moses. (18:1-12)
Moses follows Yitro's advice and appoints judges to help him lead the people. (18:13-27)
The Children of Israel camp in front of Mount Sinai. Upon hearing the covenant, the Israelites respond, "All that God has spoken we will do." (19:1-8)
After three days of preparation, the Israelites encounter God at Mount Sinai (19:9-25)
God gives the Ten Commandments aloud directly to the people. (20:114)
Frightened, the Children of Israel ask Moses to serve as an intermediary between God and them. Moses tells the people not to be afraid. (20:15-18)
Relax! God put the wiggle in children Don’t feel you have to suppress it in our sanctuary or chapel.
Sit towards the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what is happening on the Bima. They tire of seeing the backs of other’s heads.
Quietly explain our rituals and sing or clap when appropriate Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
If you need to leave services with your child, do so, but please come back
Remember that the way we welcome children in synagogue directly affects the way they respond to coming to synagogue, to God, to one another Let them know that they are welcome in this house of worship, here, at Temple Beth-El.
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Ben Greenfield
Miriam Goldberg Herman*
Michael Leveen*
Mina Lizon*
Beedie Weiss Mendelsohn
Nathan Mogolevsky*
Virginia Negretti
Kenneth Charles Nobel
Helen Pecharsky*
Franklin I. Rose*
Leonard J. Ross*
Mona Ross*
Lee Samler*
Harry Schwartz
Alice Shafer
Milton Shapiro*
Milton Simmons
Harry Simon*
Shirley Siskin
Jules Stern
David Waterman
Joseph Weisband
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
Reach out to us with any questions.
Amy L. Morrison - Rabbi
727-347-6136 - RabbiMorrison@TempleBeth-El com
Tracy Nash - Bookkeeper 727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@TempleBeth-El.com
Tara O’Donnell - Early Childhood Center Director
727-350-5885 - Tara@TempleBeth-El.com
Josh Gamson - Director of Teen & Youth Engagement 727-347-6136 - Josh@TempleBeth-El.com
Tovah Feld - Communications & Engagement Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Tovah@TempleBeth-El.com
Allison Fowler - Executive Assistant to Rabbi 727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com
Bobby Gerry - Maintenance Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Maintenance@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com
