June 2025 Digital Scroll Publication

SCROLL JUNE 2025 SIVAN/TAMMUZ 5785

400 PASADENA AVE S., ST. PETERSBURG 727.347.6136 WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM

WHAT'S INSIDE

3

Articles

Rabbi: Amy L. Morrison

Rabbi Emeritus: Michael Torop

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

8

Donations & Funds President: Mike Shapiro

11 12 19

Anniversaries & Birthdays

Events & Services

Sponsors

President Elect: Jay Miller Vice Presidents: Rebecca Barancik, David Blum, Robin Corralez, Marianne Edmonds, & Jason Palmer Treasurer: Jared Abelman Corresponding/Recording Secretary: Betty Gootson Immediate Past Co-Presidents: Lisa Cohen & Stefani Margolis Board of Trustees: Bruce Barishman, Brenda Breslow, Leah Deranian, Andy Gaunce, Steve Greenberg, Jayme Joslyn, Lee Koenig, Ashley Latham, Frieda Marhee, Logan Sembler, Allison Solo, & Jake Wollman

We All Need Time to Recharge RABBI AMY L. MORRISON

A

s I sit down to write my “summer” article, I am blown away by the fact that I have now OFFICIALLY been in St. Petersburg for 1 year. And what a year it has been! New home, new job, two hurricanes, ‘postponed’ Yom Kippur, six B ’Mitzvahs, five baby namings, a huge Passover Seder, nine ‘Shabbat Experience’ dinners (averaging 100 people each), a consistently growing monthly Torah Study and Brunch, as well as countless Celebrations of Life and various congregational family simchas honored from the bima.

Alongside all of this, I look in the mirror and see your Rabbi (with a lot more grey hair and a new affinity for Tijuana Flats and Sonny’s BBQ) approaching my first summer at TBE and craving some time to sit back, take it all in, and recharge my battery.

We all need time to recharge—whether through quiet reflection, time with family, travel, or spiritual experiences. Each of us has our own way of reconnecting with what matters most. As a rabbi, I’ve come to learn that to lead with depth and compassion, I must also nourish my own soul so I can serve this community with integrity and enthusiasm.

Therefore, this upcoming July, I feel incredibly fortunate to do just that. Camp Coleman, nestled in Cleveland, Georgia, is a vibrant Jewish summer camp affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Georgia mountains, the camp offers a dynamic blend of recreational activities, arts, outdoor adventures, and immersive Jewish experiences. I look forward to spending part of July serving as faculty at Camp Coleman this summer. Alongside some of our 21 TBE campers attending URJ camps from June-August, I will proudly represent TBE through my engagement in Jewish educational programs, leading T’fillah (prayer) experiences, and sharing my love for Judaism through every authentic part of my being (while also trying to avoid scorpions and Georgia red clay stains). Camp recharges me. Energizes me. Reminds me why I am a Rabbi.

As we all move into the summer months, I encourage each of you to find your own way to recharge— whether through nature, learning, prayer, or simply taking a breath. Give yourself the gift of renewal.

Your spirit, your loved ones, and our community will be better for it.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Temple Beth-El community for allowing me to step away for part of the month to concentrate on my personal and professional renewal and growth. Your support is a true gift.

Important Membership Information MIKE SHAPIRO PRESIDENT

Timeline It is almost time to renew your Temple membership. Renewal forms will be available beginning July 1.

You can renew by mail or through the website. Your membership dues apply to our Fiscal Year, which is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Free Dinner?

Return your membership form and make a payment before August 30 and we will invite you to join us for a Congregational Dinner on September 12 at no charge.

Dues Payment Information You can pay by check or with a credit card. Payment plans are available. We ask that you complete your final payment by May 2026.

How Much are Membership Dues?

There are different dues categories for families, singles, and age groups. There is a suggested amount for each category that will be explained in your membership packet when you receive it later this month.

Security Fund In addition to the Membership dues, we ask that you contribute to our Security Fund which provides funding for a law enforcement presence whenever we gather.

What if I Cannot Pay the Suggested Amount?

It is our policy that no one is denied membership due to their inability to pay. While we have a suggested dues amount, we understand that not everyone is able to afford that amount. All we ask is that you contact us and we can have a conversation and arrive at a dollar amount that works for everyone. We want to have a thoughtful and respectful conversation with you to explain the importance of your dues as well as offer any additional resources that may benefit you.

The $10/Week Plan This year, I am asking every member to consider increasing your dues pledge by $10/week. $10 is half the cost of a beer at the stadium. It's a fancy drink at Starbucks or lunch at Chipotle. Is your temple membership worth that? Will you consider bypassing that short-lived pleasure and donate it to the temple instead? Your $10/week is $500 per year. If every member agreed, we could raise a painless $170,000. Please seriously consider raising your dues commitment just $10/week.

What is President’s Circle?

President's Circle members agree to donate a minimum of $500 above the suggested dues amount for their category. This helps offset those who are unable to pay the full suggested amount.

Want to Renew Today?

Rather than wait until next month, you can renew your membership and make dues arrangements now.

All you need to do is reach out to me and I can help you take care of this. Whether you need to make financial arrangements or are a member of President's Circle, I can help expedite your renewal and quickly answer any questions. Just shoot me an email at Mike@ShapiroGallery.com and we can get the ball rolling.

Your membership dues are the lifeline of our congregation. Your support is so important. Please join the $10/week movement.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Continuing to Grow & Thrive JENN HANNON

DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

M

y name is Jennifer, and I am truly honored to step into the role of ECC Director.

Over the past three years at the temple, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of Tara. She has not only been a mentor, but a role model, and I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent working alongside her. With her support, I’ve gained the tools and confidence needed to lead the ECC with the same care, dedication, and excellence that she brought to the position. I am committed to continuing her legacy while bringing my own passion and perspective to this role.

Early childhood education has been a lifelong passion of mine. With over a decade of experience in the field, I believe strongly in the value of these formative years and the lasting impact that quality early education has on a child’s life. This year, I will proudly achieve a personal milestone by completing my Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies—something that reflects my belief in the importance of lifelong learning, not just for children, but for all of us.

One of the things I cherish most is the power of community. I deeply value building meaningful connections—with children, parents, staff, and the broader community. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving learning environment. It brings me great joy to bring people together and foster a space where everyone feels supported, welcomed, and involved.

As I step into this new chapter, I am excited and filled with gratitude. I look forward to working in partnership with all of you to ensure the ECC continues to be a nurturing, inclusive, and joyful place for our children to grow and thrive.

From What We Do to Who We Are TOVAH FELD COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

T

he Scroll is about to take a journey — from events, programs, dates, times, locations, and RSVPs to a focus on “us” — the caring, generous, fun, and hopeful community that truly is Temple Beth-El. The Scroll will be printed quarterly and mailed to your home. Also, it will still be on our website through the main page.

Our sections will include messages from our staff and lay leaders and features from our amazing Early Childhood Center. Each issue will have a L’Dor V’Dor piece featuring different generational families, past and future. There will be a section for Tikkun Olam, which introduces us to a member of our Social Justice Committee and describes what calls them to action. We will highlight our new members and help welcome them into our community. We also will have some fun with family recipes, pet spotlights, and more!

Don’t worry! You will still receive information about our events, programs, and holidays in the following ways: ·Our website (www.TempleBeth-El.com) ·TBE Weekly email communications ·Shabbat Spotlights (our Friday night handout — also on the website) ·The calendar on our website ·Mailed pieces for major events and holidays ·And of course, social media The journey from "what we do" to "who we are" is a dynamic and ongoing process. It involves understanding the relationship between Temple Beth-El’s actions, identity, values, and being open to change. By consciously navigating this journey, we can cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling sense of our community.

Todah Rabah!

Dedications from 04.24.25 to 05.25.25 Brotherhood Fund

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, cont.

in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Lori & Brian Abraham & Family, Harry & Roz Abraham & Family, Ethan & Brooke Abraham & Family, Jake & Samantha Max & Family, Marcy & Edward Rosenthal, & Jacqui & Jeffrey Shafer

in memory of Pearl Fortunoff, from Susan Dee in memory of Sam Forman, from Edward Rudd in honor of Holden Green’s Bar Mitzvah , from Jason & Michelle Green

C a n t o r P a m e l a S i s k i n M e m o ri al Choir Fund

from Nancy Stein from Leonard & Betsy Englander

in honor of Gideon Torop’s Birthday, from Nancy Stein

General Donations Fund from Joel Cohen in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Maureen Bronstein in honor of Gideon Torop’s Birthday, from Melvyn & Susan Fuss in honor of Debbie Sembler recieving the President’s Fellow Medallion from USF, from Judy & Eric Ludin in honor of Good Work, from Mattaniah Jahn in memory of Rhonda Winfield, from Lois & Peter Pardoll

L’Dor V’Dor Endowment Fund in memory of Donald Burnett, from Kenneth & Elaine Wides

Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund in memory of Edith & Reuben Yedvob, from Eleanor Whiteside

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Sembler Family Library Fund in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Tamara Indianer

Tzedakah Fund - CASA from Nancy Stein

Yahrzeit Fund in memory of Cherie Hochberg, from Bernard Pollock in memory of Sam Einstein, Jennie Wind, & Henry Wind, from Michael & Carol Einstein in memory of Florence Marger, from Bruce & Mary Ann Marger in memory of Janine “Mema” Warsaw, from Scott & Sari Deitche in memory of Connie Facsina, from Geri-Lee DeGennaro in memory of Jerome Esrick, from Leonard & Betsy Englander in memory of Morris Lipinsky, Jr., from Carol & Richard Lane

in honor of Rabbi Amy Morrison, from Susan Windmiller in honor of our 53 r d Wedding Anniversary, 75 t h Birthday, 45 t h year being Jewish, from Thomas & Marcia Noether in memory of Janet Root, from Allen Root, M.D. in memory of Donald Keith Starks, from Lisa Starks

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

Temple Beth-El offers you many ways to honor the lives and accomplishments of friends and family. When bestowing this honor with a gift to the Temple, you are strengthening the ability of Temple Beth-El to continue to provide a welcoming Reform community for Jewish and interfaith households to experience an uplifting and joyful sense of belonging.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS a r e a n in v e s t m e n t t o s e c u r e t h e f u t u r e o f T e m p le B e t h - E l. E v e r y y e a r , a c c o r d i ng t o th e p r o v is io n s o f t h e d o n o r , f iv e p er ce nt o f ea ch f u n d , is a llo c a t e d f o r t h e d e s ig n a t e d purpose.

L'Dor V'Dor Endowment Fund s u s t a in s o u r c o m m u n it y o n a n o n g o i ng b as is a n d e n s u r e s a s t r o n g f u t u r e . F iv e pe rc en t of t h is f u n d is a llo c a t e d t o o u r o p e r a t in g bu dg et each year.

Bertha M. Jerzy Fund

GENERATION TO GENERATION E s t a b lis h y o u r c o n n e c t io n t o T e m p le B e t h - E l in p e r p e t u it y .

Legacy Family B e c o m e a m e m b e r o f o u r L e g a c y F a m ily b y d o n a t in g a m in im u m o f $ 5 , 0 0 0 t o d a y o r la t e r in y o u r w ill, t r u s t , r e t ir e m en t ac co un t o r lif e in s u r a n c e p o lic y . Y o u r g if t wi l l s e c u r e t h e f u t u r e o f o u r v ib r a nt R ef or m J e w is h h o m e f o r a ll a g e s a n d p a s s io ns .

Tree of Life T h e T r e e o f L if e is a m e a n in g f u l r e p r e s e n t a t io n o f o u r c o n g r e ga ti o n a l fa m i ly t r e e , lo c a t e d in o u r M ille r F o u n d e r s H a l l.

T h e le a v e s a n d r o c k s p e r m a n e n t ly c e le b r a t e t h e liv e s , m ile s t o n e s , a n d a c h ie v e m e n t s o f o u r c o m m u n i ty a nd l o v e d ones.

Memorial Plaques B y p u r c h a s in g a m e m o r ia l p la qu e fo r th e y a h r z e it a r e a in t h e s a n c t u a r y , y o u a r e assured that the name of your loved one w ill b e m e n t io n e d in p e r p e t u it y at t h e w o r s h ip s e r v ic e o n t h e a n n i ve rs ar y of t h e ir d e a t h ( y a h r z e it ) .

p r o v id e s h e lp f o r e ld e r ly c o n g r e g a n t s in n ee d.

Ganz Religious School Fund s u p p o r t s o u r R a y m u n d F a m ily S un da y S c h o o l p r o g r a m m in g .

Irwin & Sonya Miller Family Building Fund e n s u r e s t h a t o u r B u ild in g F u n d m ee ts i t s purposes.

Irwin & Sonya Miller Scholarship Fund f o r r e lig io u s s c h o o l a n d c a m p s ch ol a r s h i ps .

Lew Krosner Leadership Fund m a k e s p o s s ib le t h e e d u c a t io n a n d t r a i ni n g o f f u t u r e le a d e r s o f o u r T e m p le .

Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund s u p p o r t s o u r o n g o in g c o m m it m e nt t o so ci a l ju s t ic e .

Ruth Dikman Adult Education Fund s u s t a in s o u r a d u lt e d u c a t io n pr og ra m m i n g .

Sher Family Endowment for Education, Innovation and Support s u s t a in s in n o v a t iv e p r o g r a m s t o e n r ic h o u r c o m m u n it y .

Stella Sax Scholar-in-Residence Fund s p o n s o r s s c h o la r ly p r o g r a m s .

Tauber Family Endowment Fund s u p p o r t s p r o g r a m s t o s h a p e le a d e r s h i p q u a lit ie s in o u r t e e n a n d c o lle g e a g e J e w is h c o m m u n it y .

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

NAMED FUNDS

a r e e s t a b lis h e d b y t h e f a m ilie s o r o u r B o ar d o f D ir e c t o r s , t o h o n o r o r r e m e m be r m e m b e r s o f o u r c o m m u n it y a nd t he ir e n t h u s ia s m f o r m a k in g o u r T e m p le a b e t t e r p la c e .

Cantor Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund

OPERATING FUNDS a r e d e s ig n a t e d t o s u b s id iz e t he g en er al o p e r a t io n s o f t h e T e m p le a s sp ec if i ed .

General Operating Fund s u p p o r t s t h e d a y - t o - d a y o p e r a t io n of o ur T e m p le .

s u p p o r t s c h o ir e x p e n s e s & b u il d c o m m u n it y.

Prayer Book Fund

Cynthia Adler Early Childhood Center Fund

purchases prayer books.

s u p p o r t s c a p it a l e q u ip m e n t f o r t h e s c h o o l .

a llo w s o u r r a b b i t o e n h a n c e o ur c o n g r e g a t io n a l lif e a n d r e s p o n d t o m e m b e r s ’ needs.

Florence and Morris Lippman Music Fund e n r ic h e s o u r m u s ic p r o g r a m .

Jack and Mina Jenkins Mitzvah Fund

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Sunday School Special Projects Fund p r o v id e s a d d it io n a l r e s o u r c e s t o e le va te p r o g r a m m in g .

p r o v id e s s h o r t - t e r m in t e r e s t - f re e lo a n s t o T e m p le m e m b e r s .

Security Fund

Sembler Library Fund

e n s u r e s t h e s a f e t y o f o u r c o m m u n i ty w it h im p le m e n t e d a n d e n h a n c e d s e c u r it y measures.

e n h a n c e s o u r S e m b le r F a m ily L i br ar y.

Seymour Ripps Memorial Day Camp Fund s u p p o r t s J e w is h D a y C a m p s c h o l ar sh ip s f o r o u r c h ild r e n .

Torah Commentary Book Fund p u r c h a s e s T o r a h C o m m e n t a r ie s.

Yahrzeit Fund r e m e m b e r s o u r lo v e d o n e s .

Sol Markman Ner Tamid Dues Relief Fund o f f e r s d u e s r e lie f f o r o u r m e m b e r s i n ne ed .

Youdovin Camp Scholarship Fund p r o v id e s U R J C a m p a n d S u m m er p ro gr am s c h o la r s h ip s t o o u r c h ild r e n .

AUXILIARIES Sisterhood Fund s u p p o r t s w e e k ly S h a b b a t s e r v ic e O n e g s , S u n d a y p r o g r a m m in g & a s s is t s w i th c am p s c h o la r s h ip s f o r y o u t h .

Brotherhood Fund e n s u r e s t h e c o n t in u it y o f it s m is si o n t o e n h a n c e o u r T e m p le .

Youth Fund

p r o m o t e s t h e d e v e lo p m e n t o f o ur y ou th ’s J e w is h id e n t it y t h r o u g h y o u t h g ro up s.

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

JUNE BIRTHDAYS 1 - Gary Thompson 1 - Michele Gilbert 1 - Edward Nicholson 2 - Lawrence Savitsky 2 - Andrew Gaunce 3 - Zoe David 3 - Jacqueline Cappiello 3 - Joshua Rovin 3 - Rabbi Amy Morrison 6 - David Yungaitis 6 - Arlene Moss 6 - Jonathan Bowman 6 - Alan Rubin 6 - Carol Marger 6 - Sidney Blatt 8 - Marjorie Friedman 8 - Samantha Bugatch 8 - Zachary Oppenheim 8 - Gerald Davis 9 - Claudia Diaz 9 - Lisa Grover 9 - Esther Happle 10 - Noah Allen 10 - Levi Shapiro 10 - Sharon Leder 10 - Rachel Orme 11 - Leonard Aron 14 - George Cohen 15 - Frank Moss

16 - William Gross 16 - Douglas Negretti 17 - Arthur Birnkrant 18 - George Hertz 18 - Ruth Gray 19 - Sharlene Sakol 19 - Allison Solo 19 - Debra Maller 20 - Patricia Levinson 21 - Malcolm Zucker 21 - Smith Baron 21 - Jeffrey Oxman 21 - Skyler Degani 21 - Jeanette Blanco 22 - Carolyn Arakaki 22 - DiAnne Wyner 22 - Brian Fox 22 - Devorah Vidal 24 - Cecile Houry 24 - Shari Green 24 - Cynthia Shirley 25 - Sally Israel 26 - Stacy Conroy 27 - Thomas Sinclair 28 - Kirsten Krauthamer 28 - Ariel Landsman 28 - Robbie Katz 29 - Nina Greenberg 29 - Kevin Chadwick

MAY THEIR MEMORY FOREVER BE A BLESSING AND A LESSON...

Rhonda Winfield - April 25, 2025 Mother of Jayme Joslyn (Ty) and Cassie Eckert (Jeff), Grandmother of Abby, Hannah, Gracie, and Riven Irwin Minzer - May 18, 2025 Husband of Bonnie Minzer, Father of Ruth (Phil) Davidson, Ellen (Edward) Wollman, David Paley, and Jay Minzer, z"l, Grandfather of Zack, Houston, & Brett Davidson, Jake & Brad Wollman, and Seth, Matthew, & Zander Paley

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 2 - Jason Palmer & Anthony Verdeja 2 - Arthur & Anya Finegold 4 - Michael & Ashley Latham 4 - Brian Goldstein & Yael Schauder 5 - Barry & Betty Gootson 7 - Allan & Rebecca Weiss 14 - Allen & Helene Allweiss 17 - Brad & Stephanie Bernstein 20 - Fran Levey & Alice Miller 21 - Lionel & Patricia Levinson 22 - Richard & Marti Kurland

22 - Hal & Judith Hershkowitz 22 - Sara & Phillip Latham 23 - Jeff & Brandi Rosenbluth 23 - Howard Cohn & Suzanne Schneider 24 - Jacob & Nicole Latham 25 - Jon & Sue Rosenbluth 26 - Anthony & Leah Deranian 26 - Victor & Lisa Cohen 26 - Jack & Marilyn Frieman 29 - James & Ann Soble 29 - Peter & Lois Pardoll

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

A messa ge from your

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Committee Chair

Hello to all of you, After the news of the tragic shooting in Washington DC, I realized the importance of standing together. I also realized how much I love our TBE community.

I have information from HIAS and RAC-FL below: We stand united as people of faith in our commitments to welcome the stranger and to care for the most vulnerable – commitments rooted in our common understanding of our Creator’s love for all and call to serve our neighbors.

For more than four decades, our faith-rooted organizations have partnered with the U.S. government to ensure that people forced to flee their country because of conflict, violence, or persecution are vetted and arrive legally, to be welcomed in this country with services to meet their basic needs.

The recent U.S. State Department termination of cooperative agreements with the 10 national resettlement agencies in the U.S. has made already-at-risk people even more vulnerable. We urge all people of faith and goodwill to join us in advocating with our elected leaders for our partnerships with the government to be restored so that we can fully work with those we are called to serve.

When leaders weaponize law and bureaucracy against those seeking safety, we carry the moral weight of what happens to those refused entry – from the refugees on the St. Louis sent into the hands of Nazis to modern-day refugees who have not been able to come to the U.S. because of the suspension of the U.S. refugee resettlement program. When immigrants are rendered to an El Salvadoran prison without due process and their immigration status is revoked en masse, we question whether our laws are grounded in dignity and justice.

We invite you to: Join RAC-FL's 2025 Immigration Campaign Launch on June 17, 2025, 7-8:30pm via ZOOM. Be with us virtually to learn how we will raise our moral voices, join across faith communities, build power through our shared values, and take action to work together to ensure that every refugee/immigrant is protected and cared for in our communities. Register now. We have a link to register on our website, www.TempleBeth-El.com. Look for the RAC FL logo on the right side panel.

In this campaign, we hope to build an interfaith coalition to work on immigration issues. Community vigils will be planned to help organize efforts. Please let me know if you know of other congregations that may be interested in joining. If you know of any individuals who immigrated who would like to share their story, please let me know.

T ha n k yo u, B renda B res low

For more information about RAC, go to RAC.org

We are a welcoming community for Reform Jewish & interfaith households to experience an uplifting & joyful sense of belonging.

Temple Beth-El 400 Pasadena Ave S St. Petersburg, FL 33707 info@TempleBeth-El.com | (727) 347-6136 www.TempleBeth-El.com