Jon & Sue Rosenbluth
Jon & Sue are approaching their wedding anniversary! Jon has been a member since before his in 1968. Sue joined in 1978 after they got married. Their two kids, Scott & Shanna, were both B’Mitzvah here at TBE and live locally. They have two grandchildren, Sawyer and Charlotte . Jon & Sue have 3 “granddogs,” Judy, Hazel, and Willow. Sue’s hobbies are her grandkids, the gym, Mah Jongg, reading, TBE Choir, & volunteer work. Jon is known as the “GGG:” Grandpa, Golf, & Guitar Guy nd is a proud member of the jammin’ jews!
We Remember... May their memory be a blessing and a lesson for how we can live our lives.
Leonard Appelbaum
Irene Backer*
Patricia Berke*
Max Cohen
Natalie E. Divack*
Robert DuBov
Jeanette Fleece*
Pearl Franck
Eddie Garry*
Stephen Goodman
Hyman Greenstein*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Tessie Karfeld
Flossie S. Keeton*
Israel Kranzel*
Ira Kraus*
Hortense Lasher*
Fanny Lippman*
Samuel Meppen*
Ethel Minor
Ronald G. Oxman*
Ada Person*
Joseph Person*
Harry Saxe
Betty Sembler
Jack Tyler*
Marjorie Will
Rosalie Winfield
Ted Wittner
Jerome L. Woodruff*
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
Jacob Louis Zuber 400
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
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
Mike Shapiro - Temple President
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat Ki Tisa and Purim both beautifully highlight the power of being authentic and true to who God created us to be, embracing our flaws and strengths as part of our unique journey
In Ki Tisa, the Israelites’ fal into idolatry reflects a moment when they forgot their true selves, succumbing to fear and insecurity in the absence of Moses. They sought something outside themselves to hold onto, forgetting the deep connection they had with God Yet, the very act of repentance and Moses' unwavering plea for them allows them to return to their true essence Their return to God isn t just about forgiveness it’s about rediscovering their identity as God s people Their authenticity shines through in their repentance, and it is only by being true to who they are, as children of the covenant, that they are able to heal and move forward.
Purim, too, celebrates the power of being authentic. Esther, initially hidden in the palace, is called to rise above her fear and self-doubt, revealing her true identity as a Jewish woman in the face of danger In her bravery, she embraces her authentic self her faith, her courage, and her heritage When she steps forward in truth, she brings about the salvation of her people. Similarly, Mordechai s refusal to bow to Haman, staying true to his convictions, even at great personal risk, is a moment of unwavering authenticity. Purim is not just about survival; it is about embracing who we truly are, regardless of the chal enges we face
Both Ki Tisa and Purim teach us that authenticity being true to ourselves and our relationship with God is a pathway to redemption and salvation. When we embrace our true identities, flaws and all, we tap into the strength to rise above our struggles and transform our destiny. In these stories, we see that God s plan for us is not to be perfect, but to be real to embrace the journey of becoming who we were always meant to be
Announcements
Saturday, Mar. 15
10am-11:30am - Torah Study & Brunch
Sunday, Mar. 16
8:45am - Brotherhood Schmooze
9:30am - Sunday School & Purim Schpiel
Monday, Mar. 17
2pm-4pm - Women’s Spirituality Circle
Friday, Mar. 21
5:30pm - Early Oneg
6pm - Erev Shabbat Service
7:15pm - Shabbat Experience Dinner
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 Ki Tisa: Exodus 30:11−34:35
Saturday, March 15, 2025 / 15 Adar 5785
Moses takes a census of the Israelites and collects a half-shekel from each person. (30:11-16)
God tells Moses to construct a water basin and to prepare anointing oil and incense for the ordination of the priests. Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans, are assigned to make objects for the priests and the Tabernacle (30:17-31:11)
The Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat as a sign of their covenant with God. God gives Moses the two tablets of the Pact. (31:12-18)
The Israelites ask Aaron to build them a Golden Calf. Moses implores God not to destroy the people and then breaks the two tablets of the Pact on which the Ten Commandments are written when he sees the idol God punishes the Israelites by means of a plague (32:1-35)
Moses goes up the mountain with a blank set of tablets for another 40 days so that God will again inscribe the Ten Commandments. Other laws, including the edict to observe the Pilgrimage Festivals, are also revealed. (34:1-28)
Moses comes down from the mountain with a radiant face (34:29-35)
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
a full list of ALL upcoming events
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.
