Yahrzeits
We Remember...
May their memory be a blessing and a lesson for how we can live our lives.
Upcoming Events
Roger Ralph Anderson Jack Bass* Patricia Berke* Samuel Cieman* Max Cohen Morris Cohen* Natalie E. Divack* Lawrence Eig* Pearl Franck Archie Friedberg* Eddie Garry* Elliot Goldstein Flossie S. Keeton* Ida Kramer* Zelma Kunitz Hortense Lasher*
Morris Lieberman* Fanny Lippman* Edith McNamara* Samuel Meppen* Ethel Minor Isaac Mizrahi Norman Moss Raela Moss Ada Person* Joseph Person* Frances Rotenberg Jeff Shapiro Rosalie Winfield Ted Wittner Jacob Louis Zuber
the
Shabbat
Spotlight
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us with any questions. Amy L. Morrison - Rabbi 727-347-6136 - RabbiMorrison@TempleBeth-El.com Tara O’Donnell - Director of Finance & Operations 727-347-6136 - Tara@TempleBeth-El.com Jennifer Hannon - Director of Early Childhood Center 727-350-5885 - JennHannon@TempleBeth-El.com Alexis Kelly - Raymund Family Religious School Principal 727-347-6136 - RaymundRS@TempleBeth-El.com Tracy Nash - Bookkeeper 727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@TempleBeth-El.com
Parashat Vayak’heil-P’kudei Exodus 35:1-40:38
Tovah Feld - Communications & Engagement Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Tovah@TempleBeth-El.com Allison Fowler - Office Administrative Assistant 727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison & Joyce Liu #tbestpete
March 13, 2026
A Special Message from
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
As we arrive at Vayak’heil–P’kudei, the closing chapters of Exodus, we watch the Israelites transform inspiration into action. After the intensity of Sinai and the rupture of the Golden Calf, the community gathers again—this time to build something sacred together. Before any hammer is lifted or fabric woven, Moses reminds the people about Shabbat. The message is quiet but profound: even holy work must pause. It’s a striking teaching. The Mishkan—the sanctuary itself—was an act of devotion, creativity, and communal purpose. Yet Shabbat stands above even that sacred project. The Torah seems to whisper that holiness isn’t only something we build with our hands; it’s something we make with our time. For many of us in a Reform community, observing Shabbat doesn’t look exactly the same in every home. Some of us light candles, some gather for dinner, some take long walks, turn off our phones, or finally exhale after a demanding week. Our non-Orthodox Judaism invites us to shape Shabbat intentionally, asking: what helps me step out of the relentless pace of the world and into sacred presence? Like our ancestors who gathered their gifts to create the Mishkan, we gather moments, rituals, and rest to build a sanctuary in time. This Shabbat, I invite you to choose one small act that marks the day as different—lighting candles, blessing someone you love, stepping outside without hurry—and notice how even a simple pause can help holiness take root.
Still
time to join!
Announcements Saturday, Mar. 14
10am - Torah Study & Brunch
Sunday, Mar. 15 10am - Adult Hebrew Class
Friday, Mar. 20 5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat Services
Saturday, Mar. 21 10am - Minyan “University” - Passover Bootcamp
Torah Portion Parashat Vayak’heil-P’kudei: Exodus 35:1-40:38 Saturday, March 14, 2026 / 25 Adar 5786 Moses teaches the rules of Shabbat. (35:1-3) Moses asks the Israelites for a donation of gifts and those who are skilled help build the Mishkan [Tabernacle] under the direction of Bezalel and Oholiab. (35:4-38:20) A statistical summary of the materials used for the Tabernacle and an account of producing the priestly vestments are recorded. Moses blesses the Israelites for the work they did. (38:21-39:42) Upon God's instruction, Moses sets up the Mishkan, and the priests are anointed and consecrated. (40:1-33) A description is given of a cloud that covers the Mishkan by day and a fire that burns by night, indicating God's Presence therein. (40:33-38)
Suggestions for parents of our youngest congregants If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome! OPEN COMMUNITY CREATES ENGAGING & DIVERSE JEWISH PATHWAYS Located in St. Petersburg on Florida's 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!
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.