Janet Arky
Anne Brien
Pearl Cieman*
Henrietta Koch Cohen*
Jerome Esrick*
Isaac Franck
Benjamin Gilbert*
Evalyn Goldman*
Alan Gordon
Joel Grossman*
Mina Jenkins*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Sabilia Lieberman*
Joan Morris
Sheldon Moss
Lee Pardoll*
Steven Person* We
Benjamin Plotnick
Herman Plotnick
Solomon H. Pollinger*
Chaim Shapiro*
Lena Shevitz
Charles Stern*
Ada Trockey*
Albert Trockey*
Etta Trockey*
Florence Trockey*
Kate Trockey*
Louis Trockey*
Samuel Trockey*
Irving M. Valenstein
Jennie Wind
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
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
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
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat Behar introduces the Shemitah and Yovel cycles times when the land rests, debts are released, and freedom is restored. These sacred rhythms mirror the weekly gift of Shabbat. Just as Shemitah teaches us to pause from working the land and trust in God's provision, Shabbat calls us to pause from our daily labor and reconnect with what matters most
At the heart of both Shemitah and Shabbat is the idea that time is holy and that we are not defined solely by productivity Gathering for Shabbat around the table, in prayer, or in study reflects the same communal values as the Jubilee year: equality, rest, and renewal. On Shabbat, everyone rests, regardless of status, creating a weekly reset for our relationships and our souls.
Parshat Behar reminds us that letting go of work, of control, even of land is a sacred act of trust. Shabbat invites us into that same spiritual space each week. It is our personal and communal taste of the world as it could be: peaceful, just, and whole.
In a fast-paced world, gathering for Shabbat becomes a revolutionary act of faith and connection. It is our weekly reminder that we are not alone and that we are enough.
Announcements
Wednesday, May 28
10:45am - Book Club
Friday , May 30
5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat Service
Monday , June 2
10am - Shavuot Festival Yizkor Service
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 B’har B’chukotai: Leviticus 25:1-27:34
Saturday, May 24, 2025 / 26 Iyar 5785
God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites that in every seventh year, the land shall observe a Sabbath of complete rest: Fields should not be sown and vines should not be pruned. (25:1-7)
After forty-nine years, a jubilee year is to be celebrated when all the land that had been sold during that time should be returned to its original owners and slaves are to be freed. (25:8-55)
God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites not to make idols, to keep the sabbath, and to venerate the sanctuary of the Eternal. (26:1-2)
God promises blessings to the Children of Israel if they follow the law and warns about the curses that will befall the people if they do not observe God s commandments. (26:1-46)
Gifts made to the Sanctuary whether by conditional vows or by unconditional acts of pious gratitude are discussed. (27:1-34)
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.
