Yahrzeits
Remember...
Joy Starks Baker
Anna Berger*
Milton Bernstein
Dorothy Bertoty
William Coleman*
Renee Daniels*
Mae Dworkin*
Joseph Gordon
Ruth L. Gray
Steven Kapell*
Dora Khavina*
Saul Klitsner*
Jule Kroll
Helen Laub*
George Leder
Marcia Michewicz
Arthur Nachbar*
Harriet Schiebel
Albert Schneider*
Selma Schwartz*
Melvin Sembler
Vera G. Sherwin*
Max Silverstein*
Randy Watkins
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
We’d love to hear from
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
Alexis Kelly - Raymund Family Religious School Principal 727-347-6136 - RaymundRS@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
Parashat Noach
Genesis 6:9-11:32
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison, Joyce Liu, & Nina Greenberg
October 24, 2025
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
In Parashat Noach, we read about a world consumed by chaos, violence, and moral failure. In the midst of this, Noah (English for Noach) is commanded to build an ark a sanctuary to preserve life. While the literal ark saved Noah, his family, and the animals from the floodwaters, the image of the ark offers a powerful metaphor for our own lives today.
Just as Noah was tasked with building a physical space of refuge, we too are responsible for building spaces both physical and emotional that protect and sustain us. In a world often filled with overwhelming noise, stress, and distraction, self-care becomes our ‘ark’. It is not selfish to care for ourselves; rather, it is essential. Noah didn’t just survive the flood he prepared for it with intention and dedication. We are called to do the same with our own well-being.
Judaism teaches that each person is created B’tzelem Elohim--in the image of God. Taking care of our bodies, minds, and souls honors that divine spark within each one of us Whether it’s setting boundaries, resting on Shabbat, seeking support when needed, or simply allowing ourselves moments of quiet, these acts become modern-day planks in our personal ‘arks ’
As we reflect on this parashah this Shabbat, I want you to ask yourself-What does my ark look like? What do I need to weather the storms of life? And, how can I ensure I am not just surviving, but truly living?
Mi Chamocha
(Wading in the Velvet Sea)
I’ve been wading in the velvet sea, oh oh
I’ve been wading in the velvet sea, oh oh
I’ve been wading in the velvet sea, oh oh
I’ve been wading in the,
I’ve been wading in the...
Mi cha-mo-cha ba-elim A-do-nai,
Mi ka-mo-cha ne-dar ba-ko-desh,
No-ra t’hi-lot, o-seh fe-leh,
No-ra t’hi-lot, o-seh fe-leh
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, October 25
10am - Mitzvah Minyan
Sunday, October 26
8:45am - Brotherhood Schmooze 9:30am - Sunday School & PK-K Family Day
Wednesday, October 29 5pm - Hebrew School
Friday, October 31
5:30pm - Early Oneg 6pm - Erev Shabbat Services
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 Noach: Genesis 6:9-11:32
Saturday, October 25, 2025 / 3 Chesvan 5786
God decides to cause a flood that will destroy the world, sparing only Noah's family and the animals that Noah gathers together on the ark. (6:9-8:22)
Life starts over again after the Flood. The Noahide Commandments are listed, and God uses a rainbow to make a symbol of the first covenant. (9:1-17)
People start to build a city and the Tower of Babel. God scatters the people and gives them different languages to speak. (11:1-9)
The ten generations from Noah to Abram are listed. (11:1029:2)
Suggestions for parents of our youngest congregants
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
