Yahrzeits the
Diane Berni
Sam Cohan*
Esther Cons*
Jerry DeGennaro
Ruth Dikman
M. Alan Friedman*
Max N. Fuldauer*
Marshall Gootson
Lloyd Gottesman
Pearl Kahn*
Caroline Kichler
Eva Kramer
Sol Lane* We
Howard Lichterman
Louis Lobovits*
Lewis Moyer*
George D. Reingold*
Ted Roseman
Mel Rosenberg
Shirley Schwartz
Mabelle Silver
Sarah Silverberg*
Jane D. Spilky*
Abraham Spivack*
Ida Weisband
*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
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison, Barbara Mazer, & the jammin’ jews
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com August 22, 2025
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat R’eih begins with a call that echoes through the soul: “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse. ” It’s more than a choice it’s an invitation to live with intention, to wake up to the lives we ’ re shaping with each decision we make. As we enter Elul and approach the High Holidays, this message feels especially urgent. Now is the time to look inward, to ask: Am I living the life I’m meant to live?
R’eih also speaks of sacred places and sacred rhythms reminders that holiness isn’t abstract. It’s built into our lives, especially through Shabbat. Shabbat is our weekly pause, our chance to stop running and simply be. It offers a space to listen to the quiet stirrings of the soul the same stirrings that become louder during the Days of Awe.
In this season of return, Shabbat becomes our training ground. Each one is a chance to begin again, to reconnect, to prepare.
Here is your charge: Choose one Shabbat between now and Rosh HaShanah to fully show up no distractions, no rush. Light the candles with intention. Pray with an open heart. Study something that challenges you. Reflect deeply. Let that Shabbat be your soul’s way home.
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, August 23
10am - Torah Study & Brunch
Wednesday, August 27
10:45am - Book Club
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
OPEN COMMUNITY CREATES ENGAGING & DIVERSE JEWISH PATHWAYS
Located in St. Petersburg on Floridas 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 R’eih: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17
Saturday, August 23, 2025 / 29 Av 5785
God places both blessings and curses before the Israelites. They are taught that blessings will come through the observance of God’s laws. (11:26–32)
Moses’ third discourse includes laws about worship in a central place (12:1–28); injunctions against idolatry (12:29–13:19) and self-mutilation (14:1–2); dietary rules (14:3–21); and laws about tithes (14:22–25), debt remission (15:1–11), the release and treatment of Hebrew slaves (15:12–18), and firstlings (15:19–23).
Moses reviews the correct sacrifices to be offered during the Pilgrim Festivals Pesach, Sukkot, and Shavuot. (16:1-17)
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.
