08.29.25 - TBE Shabbat Spotlight

High Holidays are right around the corner.....

Yahrzeits

We Remember...

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

Renee Appelbaum Barbara Apter* Jack Brevda* Arthur Collins* Ruth Dikman Harold Englander* Molly Feist* Charles Fortunoff* Marvin Fortunoff* Anton Friedman* Jenny Gladstone* Betty Gleicer* Sanford Goldman Ida Gorman* Henry Lewis Halperin Isaac Holtzman*

Diane Horwitz Irving Kanat Janalee Katz Regina Rothman Litt* Marilyn Nye Joe Perez Robert Pinsker* Fay Robbins* Milton Rosenberg Leo Rosenbluth Laura Rubin Anton Sekeres Leonard Waitsman Kenneth Wax* Gladys Wides* Wallace Young

the

Shabbat

Spotlight

*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove

We’d love to hear from you!

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

@TBEStPete @TBEStPete

Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com

400 Pasadena Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33707

Parashat Shof’tim

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Rabbi Amy L. Morrison, Joyce Liu, & Rebecca Barancik #tbestpete

August 29, 2025

A Special Message from

Rabbi Amy L. Morrison

Parshat Shof’tim opens with a divine command: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – Justice, justice shall you pursue.” This is not merely a civic instruction, but a spiritual path. Justice, in the Torah, is a reflection of God’s presence in the world. To pursue justice is to draw nearer to the Divine, to create holiness in the way we live together as a community.

As we approach Labor Day—a holiday that honors the dignity of work and the contributions of all who build and sustain society—we find a deep resonance with the spiritual themes of Shof’tim. This parashah teaches that leadership must be righteous, that power must be used ethically, and that every person deserves to be treated with fairness. In this way, the Torah elevates labor—not just as a means to an end, but as sacred human effort, infused with divine image.

Announcements

Friday, September 5 5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat Services

Saturday, September 6 10am-11:30am - “Mini Minyan” Shabbat Service

Labor Day, though secular in origin, offers us a spiritual opportunity. It invites us to pause and honor the sacredness of work—not only our own, but that of all who serve, build, clean, grow, teach, and heal. It reminds us that holiness is not limited to the synagogue or the study hall. It can be found in the kitchen, in the classroom, on the factory floor, and in every place where human hands shape the world with care.

So, this Labor Day, let us sanctify time with intention. Say a blessing over the work of others. Support just labor practices. Reflect on how your own work can serve the greater good. In doing so, we bring Torah into the world—not only in prayer, but in justice, dignity, and love.

Torah Portion Parashat Shof’tim: Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Saturday, August 30, 2025 / 6 Elul 5785 Laws regarding both sacred and secular legislation are addressed. The Israelites are told that in every dealing they should pursue justice in order to merit the land that God is giving them. (16:18–18:8) The people are warned to avoid sorcery and witchcraft, the abhorrent practices of their idolatrous neighbors. (18:9– 22) God tells them that should an Israelite unintentionally kill another, he may take sanctuary in any of three designated cities of refuge. (19:1–13) Laws to be followed during times of peace and times of war are set forth. (19:14–21:9)

We 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!

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Return

By Elana Arian & Noah Aronson We return, we return, we return, return again.

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.