Eric Ahronheim
Nobuichi Arakaki
Max Axelrod*
Sheila Berner
Michael Borish*
Abdul Duke Fakir
Robert Elbaz
Max Fortunoff*
Stanley Green*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Max Halle*
Rick Jenkins
Phyllis Kahn
Adolph Klein*
Lewis Krosner*
Sid Lieberman
Anna Moed*
Rose Hartzel Moyer*
Arthur Pecharsky*
Shirley London Reimer*
Eugene Rosenbluth*
Fay Rosenzweig*
Bev Shapiro
Leslie Elizabeth Shavlan
Ezra Silver
Bud Studna
Deanna Susskind
Jay Lance Woodruff*
*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 - Office Administrative Assistant 727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Pinchas, speaks to something we all wrestle with: the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard
At a time when the Israelites are losing their way, Pinchas sees something deeply wrong unfolding in front of the entire community. While others stand by in silence, unsure or afraid, Pinchas steps forward. He acts not out of anger or pride, but from a sincere desire to protect what is sacred. In response, God gives him a Brit Shalom a covenant of peace honoring his courage and integrity.
Pinchas’s story is not just about bold action. It’s about moral clarity, quiet strength, and a willingness to take responsibility in a moment of confusion. Even when his actions might have been misunderstood, Pinchas stood true to his values and that made all the difference.
Most of us won’t face such dramatic choices. But we all face moments when we must decide whether to speak kindly, to reach out, to step in or simply to stand firm in who we are. Sometimes the most powerful form of courage is found in small, everyday choices.
Parshat Pinchas reminds us that even one person, acting with heart and conviction, can make a difference May we each find the strength to stand up for what matters, and to do so with humility, wisdom, and peace
Torah Portion Announcements
Wednesday, July 23
10:45am - Book Club
Friday, July 25
5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat Services
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!
Parashat Pinchas: Numbers 25:10-30:1 Saturday, July 19, 2025 / 23 Tammuz 5785
Pinchas is rewarded for killing the Israelite and the Midianite woman who cursed God. (25:10–15)
Israel fights a war against the Midianites. (25:16-18) A second census is taken. (26:1–65)
The daughters of Zelophehad force a change in the laws of property inheritance. (27:1–11)
Joshua is chosen to be Moses' successor. (27:15–23)
The sacrificial ritual for all festival occasions is described in detail. (28:1–30:1)
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.
