Yahrzeits
We Remember...
May their memory be a blessing and a lesson for how we can live our lives. Dr. Philip Benjamin Gerson Bernstein Marvin Borr Cara Cappiello Tanya Coovadia Felix Dreifuss Myron Drotman Robert Efron Sam Einstein Evelyn Feldman Ruth Gordon Abraham Grobard* Zelma Kunitz Moshe Lieb Alter Levine Joseph Lieberman* William Minor
Stanley Nash William Nelson* Gussie Person* Louis Person* Fannie Rudofsky Carl D. Schlitt* Harry Segal Jake Shainberg* Jacob Siegel* Sidney N. Trockey* Arlene Verona* Freda Waterman Rose Woolf* Yetta Woolf* Shani Young
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 Jen Hannon - Director of Early Childhood Center 727-350-5885 - Jen@TempleBeth-El.com Tracy Nash - Bookkeeper 727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@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
@TBEStPete @TBEStPete
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com
400 Pasadena Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Parashat Acharei Mot - K’doshim Leviticus 16:1-20:27
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison & Joyce Liu #tbestpete
May 9, 2025
A Special Message from
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison Parshat Achrei Mot and Shabbat together create a sacred tapestry that calls the soul to awaken. Achrei Mot reveals the awe-inspiring rituals of Yom Kippur, when the Kohen Gadol enters the Holy of Holies—just once a year, with trembling reverence. It’s a moment of pure connection, when the veil between heaven and earth is lifted. This encounter with the Divine is not only about ritual; it is about inner transformation, teshuvah (return), and the sanctity of life. Shabbat, too, is a gateway to holiness—a sanctuary in time where each soul is invited to draw near to the Infinite. While the Holy of Holies may seem distant, every Shabbat offers us a taste of that same closeness. By setting aside our weekday distractions and entering sacred time, we step into a divine rhythm. The stillness of Shabbat echoes the quiet of the holiest place, reminding us that holiness is not only found in grand rituals, but in the quiet moments of presence and peace.
Announcements
Saturday, May 10 10am - Last Market Minyan - Pioneer Park Monday, May 12 7pm - FAST Joshua Assembly Tuesday, May 13 8:50am - TBE Walks Thursday, May 15 7pm - Choir Rehearsal
Upcoming Events
Achrei Mot challenges us to live with sacred intention; Shabbat gives us the space to begin.
Torah Portion Parashat Acharei Mot - K’doshim: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Saturday, May 10, 2025 / 12 Iyar 5785 The duties that the head kohein must perform on Yom Kippur are delineated and the ceremony of the scapegoat is outlined. (16:1-28) Moses instructs Aaron about the Yom Kippur laws for fasting and atonement. (16:29-34) Warnings are issued against the offering of sacrifices outside the Sanctuary and the consumption of blood. (17:1-16) Moses condemns the sexual practices of some neighboring peoples. Certain forms of sexual relations are prohibited. (18:1-30) God issues a variety of commandments, instructing the Israelites on how to be a holy people. (19:1-37) Various sex offenses are discussed and punishments for them are presented. (20:1-27)
Your challenge this week: treat Shabbat as your own Holy of Holies. What intention will you carry as you cross its threshold?
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. 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!
Visit templebeth-el.com for a full list of ALL upcoming events
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.