Dorene Ben*
Frances Carton*
Neal Crystal
Myrtle Davidson
Lena Englander*
Ida Gastman*
Murray Hartman
Fern Reid Hayden
Pauline Hershkowitz*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Larry Lieberman
Josephine Lipinsky
Leo London*
Rebecca Mintz*
Philip Pollack* We
Sidney Richman
Bessie Rosenthal
Louis Rubel
Meyer Samuels*
Joan Schauder
Louis Siscovick*
Henry Smyler
Cecil Solomon*
Stella Timmins
Joseph Turner
Warren L. Weil*
Ida Weinberg*
Jennie White*
David S. Wolfson*
*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
3:23-7:11
Amy L. Morrison, Joyce Liu, & Stephen Miller
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
This Shabbat, as we read Parshat Va-et’chanan and mark the quiet, radiant joy of Tu B’Av (15 of Av and Jewish “Valentine’s Day”), we are offered a moment of profound spiritual healing.
Va-et’chanan is Moses’ heartfelt plea not just to enter the land, but to pass on a legacy of love and faith. In it, we hear the Shema: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might.” This is not just a command it’s a cry from the soul, a call to love fiercely, even after disappointment, even in exile. Moses, who will not cross into the Promised Land, still blesses the people with hope, with Torah, and with love.
And then comes Tu B’Av a day once nearly forgotten, but now recognized as one of the most joyous on our calendar. A day when barriers fell: tribes could intermarry, the desert generation stopped dying, the path forward reopened. Young people danced in white, seeking connection, seeking love. After the heartbreak of Tisha B’Av, Tu B’Av is a whisper of redemption a reminder that love survives, that joy returns, and that our story is not over.
This Shabbat, let us take this to heart. If there are walls between us, let us begin to break them down. If we ’ ve grown cold or distant from one another, from God, from ourselves let us choose love again
This Shabbat, choose to love. Choose to rebuild. Choose to hope.
Torah Portion Announcements
Friday, August 15 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 Va-et'chanan: Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11
Saturday, August 9, 2025 / 15 Av 5785
Moses pleads with God to let him enter the Land of Israel with the people, but God once more refuses his request. (3:23–28)
Moses orders the Children of Israel to pay attention and follow the laws given by God in order to be worthy of the land they are about to receive. (4:1–40)
Specific areas of the land are set aside to serve as cities of refuge. (4:41–43)
The covenant at Sinai and the Ten Commandments are recalled
Once again, the people are exhorted to heed God’s commandments. (5:1–30)
Moses speaks the words of the Sh’ma, the credo of Judaism, and commands Israel to show their love for Adonai and keep God’s laws and ordinances. (6:1–25)
Moses warns the people not to commit idolatry by worshiping the gods of the nations they will conquer in Israel (7:1–11)
Baby Naming
Honoring NAOMI ROSE
Naomi Rose, born 5/7/24, made us a family of four. Her arrival expanded our hearts and exhausted us beyond words. Naomi is curious, confident and a true cuddle bug by nature. We adore her, and love watching her grow.