08.14.26 - TBE Shabbat Spotlight

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Yahrzeits

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May their memory be a blessing and a lesson for how we can live our lives.

Beatrice Ascher* Ruth Ann Bramson Abraham Brown Diane Byrne Neal Crystal William Dimenstein Diane Dimenstein Harris* Molly Feist* Shirley B. Fiermark M. Alan Friedman* Arthur Fromkes* Jack Geldbart* Marshall Gootson Flora Gordon Morris Gorman* Harvey Hertz Lester Herzog*

Jerry Johnson Eva Kramer Helen Latham Regina Rothman Litt* Sol Markman Gail Adrene Mullen Gertrude "Trudy" Packard William Morris Raymund Herman Schwartz* Sarah Silverstein Milton Sirotta Elizabeth Siscovick* Merlin Sugerman* Stella Timmins Jack Waldman Ida Weisband Evelyn Zolan

the

Shabbat

Spotlight

*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove

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Amy L. Morrison - Rabbi 727-347-6136 - RabbiMorrison@TempleBeth-El.com Tara O’Donnell - Executive Director 727-347-6136 - Tara@TempleBeth-El.com Alexis Kelly - Director of Raymund Family Religious School 727-347-6136 - RaymundRS@TempleBeth-El.com

Parashat Shoftim

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Tracy Nash - Administrative Office & Financial Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@TempleBeth-El.com Tovah Feld - Marketing & Communications Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Tovah@TempleBeth-El.com Jay Miller - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com

Rabbi Amy L. Morrison & Joyce Liu #tbestpete

August 14, 2026

A Special Message from

Rabbi Amy L. Morrison

Parshat Shoftim begins with a powerful command: "Justice, justice shall you pursue." At first glance, these words seem to call us outward, urging us to build a world of fairness, compassion, and integrity. But as we welcome the month of Elul, Elul, our tradition gently reminds us that the pursuit of justice also begins within.

Elul marks the beginning of Judaism's season of reflection. It is not a month of guilt or shame, but of possibility. It invites us to slow down long enough to listen to the quiet wisdom of our own hearts. Before the High Holidays arrive with their soaring prayers and sacred urgency, Elul offers us something quieter: time. Time to notice notice where we have missed the mark, to celebrate the ways we have grown, to mend relationships that matter, and to remember the people we most want to become.

Announcements

Mon., Aug. 17 & Wed., Aug. 19 7pm - Torah Cantillation Class on Zoom

Fri. Aug. 21 5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Friday Night LIVE! Erev Shabbat Services

Sat., Aug. 22

10am - Shofar Sounding Workshop

In many ways, Shoftim asks us to appoint judges within ourselves. Not judges who condemn, but voices of honesty tempered with compassion. Voices that help us distinguish between the habits that diminish us and the choices that help us live with greater kindness, courage, and purpose. The work of Elul is not about becoming someone new. It is about gently clearing away whatever keeps us from becoming more fully ourselves.

Parashat Shoftim: 16:18-21:9 Saturday, August 15, 2026 / 2 Elul 5786 Laws Laws regarding regarding both both sacred sacred and and secular secular legislation legislation are are addressed. addressed. The The Israelites Israelites are are told told that that in in every every dealing dealing they they should me should pursue pursue justice justice in in order order to to merit merit rit the the land land that that God God isis giving giving them. them. (16:18–18:8) (16:18–18:8) The peopl The people peoplee are are warned warned to to avoid avoid sorcery sorcery and and witchcraft, witchcraft, the the abhorrent the abhorrent practices practices of of their theirir idolatrous idolatrous neighbors. neighbors. (18:9–22) (18:9–22) God God tells tells them them that that should should an an Israelite Israelite unintentionally unintentionally kill kill another, another, he he may may take take sanctuary sanctuary in in any any of of three three designated designated cities cities of of refuge. refuge. (19:1–13) (19:1–13) La Laws Laws ws to to be be followed followed during during times times of of peace peace and and times times of of war war are are set set forth. forth. (19:14–21:9) (19:14–21:9)

We

Our world often encourages quick opinions and harsh judgments of others. Judaism offers another way. It teaches that the bravest act of justice is the one that begins with humility, curiosity, and the willingness to grow. When we can look honestly at ourselves with both accountability and grace, we become more capable of extending those same gifts to the people around us.

This Shabbat, as we step into the sacred rhythm of Elul, Elul, may we become both seekers and builders of justice. May we listen deeply, forgive generously, and begin this season with open hearts, trusting that every small step toward greater compassion is a step toward holiness. Let this be the week we choose one act of repair, one moment of courage, and one expression of love that brings healing to ourselves, our relationships, and our world.

Torah Portion

Return

By Elana Arian & Noah Aronson

We return, we return, we return, return again.

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!

We return, we return, return, return again and again … to Love / Truth / You. Hashiveinu Adonai eilecha v’nashuvah.

Chadeish yameinu k’kedem.

Ya la lai lai lai lai …. L'Shana Tovah.