Jacob Apter*
Jennie Auerbach*
Margaret Berko*
Rose Bernstein
Ruth Englander Brav*
Toby Bresler*
Alexander Brien
Tzvi Dinnerstein
Jennie Friedman*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Elliott Gray
Leon Haliczer*
Dorothy Halperin
Peggy Kleinmetz*
Marion Matracht
Dorothy Nash
Jacob Plotkin
Sarah K. Reader*
Jonas Rosentha*
Jessie Rosenzweig*
Mamie Samitca*
David Seidman*
Jack Shamroth
Anne Siegel*
Joseph Silverberg*
Mildred Weinstein*
Samuel S. Wolff*
Edith Yedvob*
Reuben Yedvob
*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
Amy L. Morrison & Joyce Liu
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com June
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat Korach tells the story of a rebellion a cry from Korach and his followers that “the entire community is holy ” On the surface, it’s a call for equality But the rebellion is ultimately swallowed by the earth, not because the desire for holiness in all people is wrong, but because Korach’s motives were rooted in ego, not justice. His demand twisted a sacred truth: that all people are holy but holiness must be lived, not claimed for power.
As we enter Pride Shabbat, we hold that truth close. The LGBTQ+ community has, for generations, cried out to be seen not to usurp power, but to be included in the circle of belonging Unlike Korach, whose rebellion fractured the community, Pride is about healing it It s a movement born of pain and courage, of people who have faced rejection, fear, and silence and who still insist on joy, on truth, and on love.
Jewish tradition teaches that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God That divine spark doesn’t flicker more brightly in some than others It lives in every gender identity, every love story, every soul who walks into our sanctuary wondering, “Will I be embraced here?”
So, this Pride Shabbat, let us not be bystanders. Let us be builders of a community where holiness isn t a weapon, but a welcome. Let us see the divine in one another And let us rise with one voice to say: You are holy You are loved You belong
True Colors True Colors
By Cyndi Lauper By Cyndi Lauper
You with the sad eyes You with the sad eyes Don't be discouraged Don t be discouraged
Oh, I realize Oh, I realize It s hard to take c It's hard to take courage ourage
In a world full In a world full of people of people
You can lose sight of it all You can lose sight of it all And the darkness inside you And the darkness inside you Can make you feel so small Can make you feel so small
[[Chorus] Chorus]
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, June 28
5:30pm - Pride Parade with TBE in Downtown St. Pete
Sunday, June 29
12pm - TBE Booth at Pride Street Fair on Central Ave
Monday, June 30
3pm - Nifty Over Fifty Bowling at Ten Pin Lanes
Friday, July 4
5:30pm - Early Oneg
6pm - Erev Shabbat Service
Upcoming Events
Parashat Korach: Numbers 16:1-18:32
Saturday, June 28, 2025 / 2 Tammuz 5785
Korach and his followers, Dathan and Abiram, lead a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. God punishes the rebels by burying them and their families alive. Once again, God brings a plague on the people. (16:1-17:15)
The chief of each tribe deposits his staff inside the Tent of Meeting Aaron s staff brings forth sprouts, produces blossoms, and bears almonds. (17:16-26)
The Kohanim and Levites are established and assigned the responsibility of managing the donations to the Sanctuary All of the firstborn offerings shall go to the priests and all the tithes are designated for the Levites in return for the services they perform. (18:1-32)
Brian Tegtmeier Meet
Brian is thrilled to join the Temple Beth-El community alongside his wife, Miranda, and their son, Graham Residing in St Petersburg, they have chosen Temple BethEl as their spiritual home, drawn by the warmth of the community and a desire to connect with their family roots.
But I see your true colors
But I see your true colors
Shining through Shining through I see your true colors I see your true
And that's why I love you that s why you
Brian has actively participated in community events, volunteering during the High Holidays and assisting the Boyz in the Hood during the Art Festival Beth-El
So don't be afraid to let them show
So don t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors Your true colors
True colors True colors
Are beautiful like a rainbow Are beautiful like a rainbow
Show me a smile then Show me a smile then Don't be unhappy Don t be unhappy
Can't remember when Can t remember when I last saw you laughing I saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy If you crazy
And you ' ve taken all you can bear And you ve taken all you can bear
You call me up You call me up
Because you know I ll be there Because you know I'll be there
Located nSt.PetersburgonFlorida'sbeautfulwestcoast,TempleBeth-El sa ReformJewishcongregationthathasservedthisareasnce1928andis focusedonstrengthenngrelationshpsandmakingconnections Wearea welcomingReformcommunityforJewishandinterfaithhouseholdsto experienceanupliftingandjoyfulsenseofbelongingasweseektoconnect ourmemberswitheachotherandthegreatercommunityandworldaroundus. Enjoyandhavea ShabbatShalom!
Growing up in a Catholic household in the suburbs of Chicago, Brian spent years contemplating his spiritual path before choosing Judaism. His journey was inspired by an exp oration of Jewish cultural and religious traditions. Throughout the conversion process, he has created meaningful friendships and is grateful for the guidance of Rabbi Morrison, whose knowledge, caring, and accepting nature have positively impacted his experience at Temple Beth-E
Brian s Hebrew name, Akiva Avraham, holds special significance for him. Like Rabbi Akiva, who was a learner later in life, Brian is committed to deepening his understanding of Jewish history and sharing that knowledge with peers and future generations. The name Avraham reflects his role as a father, symbolizing his dedication to providing guidance and support to his son throughout his life As Brian embarks on this new chapter, he ooks forward to being an active part of the Temple Beth-El community and fully embracing his Jewish path