Yahrzeits the
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
*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
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison, Joyce Liu, & Rebecca Barancik
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com August 29,
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
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 Announcements
Friday, September 5
5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat Services
Saturday, September 6
10am-11:30am - “Mini Minyan” Shabbat Service
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 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 Return
By Elana Arian & Noah Aronson
for a full list of ALL upcoming events