Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Anna Apter*
Rose Bass*
Rose Benjamin*
Fannie Braunstein*
Samuel Cohen*
Madlyn Duchon*
Samuel Greene*
Samuel Holder*
Nadine Houry
Harry Mayrock*
Suzy Phillipes
Arthur "Artie" Siegel
Abraham Sterensis*
Janine Warsaw
Clifton Weil*
Henry 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
The Book of B’midbar (Numbers) opens with a census of the Israelites, counting those eligible for military service This focus on organization, duty, and preparation for battle highlights the responsibility of each individual to the collective whole It is fitting, then, that B’midbar is often read near Memorial Day, a time when we pause to remember those who served and sacrificed for their nation
In B’midbar, each tribe is assigned its place in the camp and its role in the march No one stands alone; all are part of a larger mission Similarly, soldiers today serve not for individual glory but as part of a greater commitment to protect and uphold the values of their country Memorial Day honors those who fell in that service those who, like the counted men in B’midbar, stood ready to defend their people
The juxtaposition of B’midbar and Memorial Day invites us to consider not only the cost of freedom but also the sacredness of community responsibility. It reminds us that remembrance is not passive it calls us to action, to uphold the ideals for which others have given their lives, and to live with purpose and gratitude in their memory.
Announcements
Monday , June 2
10am - Shavuot Festival Yizkor Service
Friday , June 6
5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat 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’midbar: Numbers 1:1-4:20 Saturday, May 31, 2025 / 4 Sivan 5785
The duties of the Levites, who are not included in the census, are detailed. (1:47-51)
Each tribe is assigned specific places in the camp around the Tabernacle. (1:52-2:34)
The sons of Levi are counted and their responsibilities are set forth (3:13:39)
A census of the firstborn males is taken and a special redemption tax is levied on them. (3:40-51)
God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the responsibilities of Aaron and his sons, and the duties assigned to the Kohathites (4:1-20)
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.
God commands Moses to take a census of all the Israelite males over the age of twenty. (1:1-46)