Beatrice Axelrod*
Dorothy Bennett*
Sheila Berner
Eleanor Bramesco
Philip Brinen
Evalyn Cohen*
Morris David Cohen
Sam B. Cohen
Pauline Dlugopiat
Marilyn Lee Freeman*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Benjamin Glass*
Esther Hufnagel*
Rose Kerekes*
Dorothy Knobler*
Jacob Kramarz
Sylvia Levitsky
Dorothy Logan*
Terri Miller
Hannah B. Person*
Nathaniel Reimer*
Abraham Rudderman
Ronald Russon
Joseph Spero*
Louis Stark*
Philip Stichler*
Fredrick Wescott
Jack Wolf*
Alvin Zeimer*
*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
Amy L. Morrison & Joyce Liu
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com July 25, 2025
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
The double Torah portion Matot - Mas'ei, often read during the height of summer, offers deep insight into how we can use our free time with purpose and intention. Matot begins with the laws of vows, highlighting the power of our words and commitments. In summer, when schedules often become looser and routines more relaxed, this portion reminds us that even in freedom, our promises to ourselves and others matter. Whether it's a goal to read more, learn Torah, or volunteer, Matot teaches us that our intentions can become sacred through commitment.
Mas’ei recounts the Israelites’ 42 journeys through the wilderness. On the surface, it’s a list of places, but spiritually, it reflects life’s many stages and transitions. Summer is often a time of travel, reflection, or even rest between major life phases school years, jobs, or responsibilities. Just as each stop in the Israelites’ journey had meaning, our own "stops" during summer whether at camp, on vacation, or simply a break from routine can be opportunities for growth and discovery.
Together, Matot and Mas’ei challenge us to treat our free time not as empty space, but as a sacred opportunity. They call us to make thoughtful commitments and to reflect on our personal journeys.
This summer, may we use our time wisely building character, deepening relationships, and connecting with our higher purpose.
Torah Portion Announcements
Friday, August 1
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 Matot - Mas'ei: Numbers 30:2-36:13 Saturday, July 26, 2025 / 1 Av 5785
Moses explains to the Israelites the laws concerning vows made by men and women. (30:2 17)
Israel wages war against the Midianites. (31:1 18)
The laws regarding the spoils of war are outlined (31:19 54)
The tribes of Reuben and Gad are granted permission to stay on the east bank of the Jordan River. (32:1 42)
The itinerary of the Israelites through the wilderness from Egypt to Jordan is delineated. (33:1-49)
Moses tells Israel to remove the current inhabitants of the land that God will give them and to destroy their gods (33:50-56)
The boundaries of the Land of Israel are defined, along with those of the Levitical cities and the cities of refuge (34:1-35:15)
God makes a precise distinction betw (35:16-34)
The laws of inheritance as they apply (36:1-13)
Meet
Jennifer Pellegrino
I am currently in the process of converting to Judaism. This decision was deeply personal, born from a desire to create a shared faith and a life rich in tradition with my fiancé, Brian. We plan to marry this November and are eager to begin our future together, united by faith.
Judaism has always held a special meaning for me, and the conversion process has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, further strengthening the bond between Brian and I as we build our lives together on a foundation of faith and tradition.