Yahrzeits
Hermine Abeles*
Stephen David Brenner
Bruce Breslow
Claire Damashek
David Damashek
Arthur Engelman
Rose Fuldauer
Lynda Glasser
Ernest Hofman
Helen Holder*
Al Kramer
Edward D. Kroll
Esther Kurtz
Morton Lasher*
Michael Levine*
Richard Lewis*
Morris Marger*
Brooke Massar
Sarah Miller*
Anne Petrillo*
Jeanette Priceman*
Edward C. Raymund
Joyce Geraldine Woodruff Ripps*
Bettye Elaine Cornblatt Roman
Leo Rosenbloom*
Martin Rosenthal
Louis Rubinsky
Ruth Rubinsky
Grace Nettler Salz
Helene Sherman*
Moe Sperber
Sharon Taub
Gejza Teltsch*
Bess Turner
Morris Weinman*
Jeanette Wilborn
*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
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
Amy L. Morrison & Joyce Liu
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
As we stand in the quiet space between Thanksgiving and Chanukah, I’m struck each year by how this stretch of days seems to hold its breath. Thanksgiving calls us to pause, to notice the blessings that cradle our lives. Chanukah will soon ask us to kindle light against winter’s darkness. And right in this in-between moment, we read Parashat Vayishlach a parashah that speaks to the fragile, sacred work of becoming who we are meant to be.
In Vayishlach, Jacob is on the brink of a reunion he has feared for decades. He is burdened with guilt, uncertainty, and the weight of old wounds. And in the middle of the night when fears are loudest he wrestles. It is a struggle not only with an angel, but with his past, his identity, his own shadow. When dawn comes, Jacob emerges limping but transformed, renamed Yisrael, “ one who wrestles with God.” His new name is not a reward for perfection, but for courage. For refusing to let go. For daring to seek blessing in the dark.
This moment speaks deeply to us now. Thanksgiving teaches us gratitude; Jacob teaches us humility and honesty; Chanukah will soon teach us hope. The arc between them asks: What do we need to face within ourselves so that we, too, can carry more light into the world?
My charge to all of us is this: In these days of transition, do not rush past the struggle or the gratitude. Let them shape you. Find your inner flame, even if it flickers. And when Chanukah arrives, bring that newly earned light boldly into the darkness so that others may see, and be warmed, by it.
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, December 6
10am - Shabbat Morning Services & B’Mitzvah of Tovah Johnston
Sunday, December 7
8:45am - Brotherhood Schmooze
9:30am - Sunday School
10am - Social Justice Committee Meeting
4pm - Chase the Dreidel 5k at CBI Wednesday, December 10
5pm - Hebrew School
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 Vayishlach: Genesis 32:4-36:43
Saturday, December 6, 2025 / 16 Kislev 5786
Jacob prepares to meet Esau He wrestles with a " man, " who changes Jacob's name to Israel (32:4-33)
Jacob and Esau meet and part peacefully, each going his separate way. (33:1-17)
Dinah is raped by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, who was chief of the country. Jacob s sons Simeon and Levi take revenge by murdering all the males of Shechem, and Jacob s other sons join them in plundering the city (34:1-31)
Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin and is buried in Ephrah, which is present-day Bethlehem. (35:16-21)
Isaac dies and is buried in Hebron. Jacob s and Esau s progeny are listed. (35:22-36:43)
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.
