Holidays are almost here.....
Elizabeth Becker*
Sally Blackman
Rebecca Braunstein*
Bebe Cohen
Jay Daniels
Mae S. Falk
Matthew Fleece*
Frank Friedberg*
Herman Wilson Goldner
Max Goodkind*
Harold Greenberg
Linda Greenburg
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Harry Kaufman*
Joseph Kavich
Marilyn Krachmer
Chaileya Levine
Ida Frankel Lowengard*
Edith Meppen*
Rose Moses*
Patricia Nelson
Morris Rosenbaum*
Milton Rosenberg
Bertha "Betty" Rosenbluth
Edith Rothman*
Sally Rothstein
David Schleifer*
Sarah Schniderman*
Pauline Schwartz*
Lewis Sher
Joseph Siscovick*
Jonathan Stern
Max Stern*
Milton Ullman
Edward Wyner
Charles Zallen*
A. Louis Zolan
*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
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison & Barbara Marin
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
Parshat Ki Teitzei teaches us about courage—not just in battle, but in everyday moments when we choose to do what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.
This message connects deeply to trying new experiences, like going to summer camp. Just as the Torah encourages us to step forward with faith and responsibility, being brave enough to leave our comfort zone —meeting new people, learning new skills, or being away from home— can lead to incredible growth. The parshah reminds us that bravery often shows up in small, personal choices: helping others, doing mitzvot, and facing the unknown with confidence.
Summer camp might feel scary at first, but those who take that leap often discover strength, joy, and friendships they never imagined. As it says in Pirkei Avot (4:1), "Who is strong? One who conquers their inner fears." True bravery is about facing challenges with heart and courage —just like the Torah teaches us to do every day.
This Shabbat, challenge yourself to face something you fear, and discover the strength that’s already inside you.
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, September 6
10am-11:30am - “Mini Minyan” Shabbat Service
Sunday, September 7
8:45am-12pm - Religious School Open House & Temple Day
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 Ki Teitzei: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
Saturday, September 6, 2025 / 13 Elul 5785
Moses reviews a wide variety of laws regarding family, animals, and property. (21:10–22:12)
Various civil and criminal laws are delineated, including those regarding sexual relationships, interaction with nonIsraelites, loans, vows, and divorce. (22:13–24:5)
Laws of commerce pertaining to loans, fair wages, and proper weights and measures are given. (24:10–25:16)
The parashah concludes with the commandment to remember for all time the most heinous act committed against the Israelites—Amalek’s killing of the old, weak, and infirm after the Israelites left Egypt. (25:17–19)
