Cantor Pamela Siskin was one of our strong Temple community supporters. She was committed to visiting home-bound members, leading SAGE, creating Earth Angels, giving guidance to clergy and lay leaders alike, programming Shabbat services, and the list goes on.
As an invested Cantor, Pamela knew quite well the power of music to bring us together, connecting to one another and to God. She thus inspired us to start the Temple’s adult choir in January 2024 and was overjoyed to attend our very first rehearsal.
Since her passing in March 2024, we have renamed the choir in Cantor Siskin’s memory. Under the direction of Cantorial Soloist Joyce Liu, the choir members are honored to bring joy and ruach (spirit) to our community in her memory.
“Cantor Pamela Siskin was an inspiration to us all. During her entire career she served as a Cantor and an Educator, and at TBE as our Director of Pastoral Care. She was a true clergy partner and a friend, and she made a difference in people’s lives. She brought meaning, inspiration, comfort and care to so many. She had a wicked sense of humor, and a twinkle in her eye. I will always be touched by how lovingly kind Pamela was and how generous she was of her time and her spirit. We sorely miss her.”
Allison Fowler - Executive Assistant to Rabbi 727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat T tzaveh focuses on the detailed instructions for the garments of the priests (Kohanim) and the establishment of the daily offerings in the Mishkan The parsha underscores the importance of rituals, responsibility, and the sanctity of leadership. Moses, though the central leader, is not mentioned by name in this parsha, highlighting that leadership can be about the collective impact rather than the individual.
Meaningful leadership, as seen through the Kohanim’s role, is characterized by service, humility, and the ability to guide others toward holiness The priests’ garments are designed not only for their personal dignity but also to serve as a means of bringing the people closer to God. Leadership, therefore, involves responsibility that goes beyond personal glory and focuses on communal growth.
Moreover, the daily offerings in the Mishkan symbolize continuous, consistent efforts that keep the community connected True leadership, like the constant service of the priests, involves regular engagement and commitment It is not a one-time act of greatness but a sustained, intentional process.
In this parsha, we see that meaningful leadership involves service to others, humility, and the ability to guide with purpose and consistency, ensuring the wellbeing and growth of the community as a whole
Saturday, Mar. 8
10am-11:30am - Market Minyan Shabbat Service at Poynter Park - Embracing Our Differences Exhibit
Sunday, Mar. 9
8:45am - Brotherhood Schmooze
9:30am - Sunday School
4:30pm - BEEFY Skyzone Event
Tuesday, Mar. 11
8:50am - TBE Walks
Wednesday, Mar. 12 5pm - Hebrew School
Thursday, Mar. 13
6:30pm - Purim Party
Upcoming Events
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
OPEN COMMUNITY CREATES ENGAGING & DIVERSE JEWISH PATHWAYS
Located in St Petersburg on Floridas beautiful 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 Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Portion
Parashat T’tzaveh: Exodus 27:20-30:10
Saturday, March 8, 2025 / 8 Adar 5785
The children of Israel are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the ner tamid " a constantly burning light," above the sanctuary. (27:20-21)
Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are chosen to serve as priests. (28:1)
God instructs Moses to make special clothes for the priests. (28:2-43)
Aaron and his sons are ordained in a seven-day ceremony. (29:1-29:46)
Aaron is commanded to burn incense on an acacia altar every morning and evening. (30:1-10)
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
events
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.
