March 2025 Digital Scroll Publication

SCROLL MARCH 2025 ADAR/NISAN 5785

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

WHAT'S INSIDE

3 10

Articles

Donations & Funds

Rabbi: Amy L. Morrison

Rabbi Emeritus: Michael Torop

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

13 14 23

Anniversaries & Birthdays

Events & Services

Sponsors

President: Mike Shapiro Vice Presidents: David Blum, Marianne Edmonds, Laura Horwitz, Bonnie Lurie, Jason Palmer & Abby Sterensis Treasurer: Jared Abelman Corresponding/Recording Secretary: Betty Gootson Immediate Past Co-Presidents: Lisa Cohen & Stefani Margolis Board of Trustees: Scott Barancik, Josh Bean, Brenda Breslow, Andy Gaunce, Steve Jenkins, Lee Koenig, Frieda Marhee, Jan Miller, Logan Sembler, Allison Solo, Robin Warren & Jake Wollman

Unmasking Purim & Ourselves RABBI AMY L. MORRISON

T

he holiday of Purim provides a perfect backdrop for understanding the deep significance of “B’tzelem Elohim” (Created in God’s image) and the power of living authentically.

Purim celebrates the story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who rose to become the queen of Persia and ultimately saved her people from destruction. But at the heart of the story lies a profound lesson about identity and the courage to be true to oneself.

Esther’s story is filled with hidden identities—she conceals her Jewish heritage when she first enters the palace, keeping it secret for fear of persecution. It’s only when the stakes are at their highest, when her people’s lives are on the line, that she chooses to reveal who she truly is. She steps into her power, shedding the mask of secrecy and embracing her identity as a Jewish woman, with all the risks and consequences that come with it. Her decision to reveal her true self, to risk everything for the sake of her people, reflects the heart of “B’tzelem Elohim”—the idea that each person is meant to live authentically, fully embodying the divine image within.

Purim, as a holiday, is a celebration of overcoming fear, breaking free from masks, and standing up for what is right. We often wear costumes during Purim, which, on the surface, may seem like a celebration of disguise. But when we dig deeper, we realize that these costumes are a playful reminder that the masks we wear in our daily lives—whether they are to fit in, protect ourselves, or hide parts of our identity —don’t define us. The real power comes when we take off those masks and embrace the full truth of who we are, just as Esther did.

Purim is a holiday of transformation, where hidden truths are revealed, and identities are reclaimed. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, only when we are willing to be vulnerable and reveal our true selves, can we tap into the strength, wisdom, and divine potential that are part of us. Just like Esther’s journey, Purim encourages us to shed the fear of judgment and embrace our identity fully, knowing that doing so allows us to live in a way that reflects our divine worth.

In the context of “B’tzelem Elohim,” Purim also teaches us that our authenticity is not something to be feared. When we embrace who we truly are—our quirks, our passions, our struggles—we honor the divine image within us and open ourselves up to the fullness of our potential. Esther’s courage to reveal her true identity is not just an act of self-empowerment; it is an expression of the deep connection she had with the divine purpose of her life. By embracing her true self, she was able to bring about redemption for her people, showing us that authenticity has the power to change the world.

So, as we celebrate Purim, we are reminded of the transformative power of stepping into who we truly are. It’s an invitation to shed the fear of rejection, to stop hiding behind masks, and to shine with the brilliance that is uniquely ours. In doing so, we honor the image of God within us and contribute to a world where all people can live authentically and be celebrated for who they truly are.

From the President MIKE SHAPIRO PRESIDENT

Art Festival Beth-El Thank you to the Festival Co-Chairs, volunteers, The Boyz, artists, patrons friends, supporters, art lovers, art buyers, temple members, our friends and guests, temple staff and the St. Petersburg Police Department for helping create another amazing community event. As you may know, Art Festival Beth-El is the most significant annual fundraiser at TBE. Our ability to remain a vital congregation is dependent on its success. Thank you again to everyone who contributed this year.

Chanukah Fundraiser a Success!

At our 101 Menorahs Chanukah Celebration in December, I asked those present to consider giving a Chanukah gift to the temple. The goal was $8,000 - $1,000 for each night of the holiday. A few days later, I sent a video about the Fundraiser to the entire congregation. I am pleased to announce that we exceeded the goal in just one week. I was inspired by one of our younger congregants who answered the call and made a $10 donation.

I apologize if the “Don't Let The Lights Go Out” theme for the fundraiser made you think Duke Energy was going to pull the plug. Our temple finances are solid. “Don't Let The Lights Go Out” is a line from a Peter, Paul and Mary song called “Light One Candle”. It is a song about hope and encourages you to be the candle or the energy. In hindsight, choosing “Don't Let The Lights Go Out” as the theme was misleading. I should have called it “Light One Candle.” It’s always better to approach from a positive.

Lesson learned. By the way, we lit 13,000 candles!

Thank you!

Annual Meeting This year, our Annual Meeting is May 21. Please join us as we elect the Board of Trustees, approve an Annual Budget, celebrate the past year and present Congregational Awards.

Membership Renewal Temple membership renews each year on July 1. We are working on ways to simplify your renewal and make the process more user friendly.

Water’s Great Impact

RABBI MICHAEL TOROP EMERITUS

E

ven before the hurricanes this past fall made clear the destructive effects water can have on our lives, our community in Pinellas County has been suffering in a variety of ways that we often ignore.

Over the last few years through the Sacred Conversation and House Meetings held by FAST, we’ve heard story after story of how water is impacting our lives. Thousands in our community faced health crises or damage to their livelihoods when Red Tide gripped our shores during the last big blooms.

Others shared about street flooding from heavy rainfall that ruined their cars or their homes, even in neighborhoods that have never flooded before. The impact has touched people across the economic divide, in geographically diverse parts of the county, without regard to the racial or religious composition of the neighborhoods.

While Red Tide and flooding seem like separate problems, they’re actually connected. Both are caused by stormwater runoff. When stormwater doesn’t have a place to go, it causes flooding, and when it isn’t treated but is just sent back to the Bay, the pollution that it picks up along the way causes Red Tide. Having heard from so many of our congregants in our many faith communities, FAST decided to investigate if there were any solutions that could be implemented on a small scale that would begin to make a difference.

After a great deal of research, we found one solution which can alleviate flooding going forward as new construction or reconstruction is being planned. FAST is advocating for Green Stormwater Infrastructure--known as GSI. The goal of GSI is to capture and clean-capture the water so it doesn’t flood our streets and clean the water so it doesn’t cause Red Tide. These solutions could be as simple as a rain garden or special types of pavement that allow water to filter through. GSI isn’t more expensive or even more complicated than regular development or landscaping, it’s just a different way of doing things. So far, however, developers aren’t using GSI strategies and still continue to pave over everything in our county. All that is needed is for municipalities to require GSI approaches in their building and development codes.

We’re starting our efforts with the City of Dunedin because we know that with a large turnout at the Nehemiah Action, we can get the city to require GSI in their codes.

Once we accomplish this with Dunedin, we will be able to use this as leverage in the rest of the county. The sustainability director in Dunedin has already drafted the exact changes we want to see in their codes. But we’re not finished yet. These changes must be approved by the Dunedin City Commission in order for them to be enacted. We are looking to speak with local businesses and developers to gain their input and support for these solutions so that we have allies in the community.

We have met with Mayor Freaney several times in the past, and she has tentatively agreed to attend our Nehemiah Action. But we don’t win these kinds of changes unless we get enough of our people to the action so that officials understand that the community is serious about them taking action on this problem.

What Can You Do? So many of us feel frustrated right now about what is happening in our world and in our country and our inability to have an impact. But in our work with FAST, your very presence – just by showing up – makes a difference! FAST’s power is people power. The decision makers at the city and county level respond when they see the number of people we bring together at our Nehemiah Action every year.

Whether it is to advocate for Green Stormwater Infrastructure or as I wrote about last month, our need for more Affordable Housing in St. Petersburg and across the county, your participation can help us create systemic change in our local community. We need you to show up and be counted! The details of the Nehemiah Action are below. Please contact a Network Member (listed below) to be part of their network, or feel free to just join the TBE contingent at the Action. Or if you want more information or want to be part of TBE Rodef Tzedek Justice Network, contact one our Team Leaders listed here.

Thanks for caring and wanting to make a difference.

Team Leaders: Rabbi Michael Torop (727-542-1372); Brenda Breslow (813-416-8519) Network Members: David & Mary Jo Baras, Arlee Boyett, Richard Damashek, Matthew & Toni David Andy Gaunce, Meredith Gaunce, Marc Gilner, Ted Glatt, Steve Gordon, Lisa Grover, Steve Hurwitz, Haley Johnson, Melinda Lebowitz, Arlene Murphy, Nancy Stein, Hannah Torop, Gideon Torop, Robin Warren, Becky Weiss, Eleanor Whiteside, Tracey Wiseman, Steve Wiseman, Jake Wollman, Bennett Zamoff

FAST NEHEMIAH ACTION Monday, April 7th, 2025 7pm to 9pm First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg 1900 Gandy Blvd N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33702 (Don’t drive at night and need to carpool? Let us know and we will help arrange it!

Contact Brenda Breslow for details.)

Emet JOSH GAMSON DIRECTOR OF TEEN & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

I

n Judaism, the value of "staying true to yourself" is closely tied to the concept of "Emet" (truth), which means living with integrity and authenticity, recognizing your own unique worth as a creation of God, and not being afraid to be yourself while upholding ethical principles; essentially, honoring the divine spark within you by living truthfully and with self-respect.

But is staying true to yourself always the answer? Recently, I had the privilege to witness the final part of a conversion ceremony for a friend. At this point of the service, the Rabbi asked the newest member of the congregation to reveal his new name. To everyone’s surprise, the name he gave was the name of his recently deceased Father translated into Hebrew. This act was so selfless and powerful, yet it was the opposite of “staying true to yourself.” In fact, by changing the name, one might say that this friend who is constantly giving of himself gave a bit more than was necessary to honor the memory of his parent, what an incredible act of giving, and one that I will remember forever.

It is obviously important to stay true to yourself in most cases, but it’s also okay to show humility in your actions with others. Putting others before yourself is an equally important Jewish value and at times may be in conflict with the concept of emet or truth. The beauty of Judaism is that it encourages you to struggle with these values by pitting them against each other every day, allowing you to make informed decisions about how you want to live. I encourage us all to take the time to truly decide which of the many laws (613) are ones that are relevant in your life and try to stay true to them.

Values don’t define you, they merely guide you.

Sunday, March 9 Sunday, March 16 March 17-23

BEEFY Evening at SkyZone Purim Party @ Sunday School Spring Break—No Sunday or Hebrew School (No School on 3/19 or 3/23)

Looking Ahead: April 4-6

Our Artist-in-Residence Weekend with Special Guest Ezra Sembler

Our True Selves TARA O’DONNELL ECC DIRECTOR

B

eing authentic is something that has always been at the core of who I am, both personally and professionally. My role at Temple isn’t just about managing day-to-day operations—it’s about cultivating a culture where authenticity is valued and encouraged among our staff. For me, authenticity means showing up as my true self—honoring my values, my experiences, and my beliefs—and empowering my team to do the same.

In this environment, my commitment to authenticity extends to how I integrate Jewish principles into the way I lead. Values like tikkun olam (repairing the world), chesed (kindness), and derech eretz (respect for others) are not just ideals we talk about—they shape how we connect with each other and the families we serve. As a director, I see it as my responsibility to model these values every day and inspire my staff to bring them into their work with both the children and their colleagues.

I believe that when my team feels safe to be authentic, they are better equipped to form genuine connections and create an environment where everyone feels respected and supported. It’s important that they know they are valued not only for their skills but for who they are as individuals. This openness fosters a sense of community that extends far beyond the classroom.

Ultimately, being authentic means leading with integrity, transparency, and compassion. It’s about creating a space where my staff feels comfortable being themselves, knowing that they are supported in bringing their full selves to the work we do together.

Embracing Your True Self TOVAH FELD COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

L

iving authentically and being your true self is a journey that requires courage, self-awareness, and resilience. It involves shedding the masks we wear to fit societal norms and embracing our unique qualities and passions. This endeavor is not only liberating but also essential for personal fulfillment and happiness.

The importance of authenticity is aligning your actions with your values and beliefs. It's about being honest with yourself and others and not compromising who you are for the sake of acceptance.

One of the biggest obstacles to authenticity is the fear of judgment from others. Overcoming this fear involves recognizing that everyone is on their journey and that diversity in thoughts and lifestyles enriches society. Let your values guide your actions rather than seeking approval from others. It helps to learn to handle criticism constructively and view it as an opportunity for growth.

Living authentically often means pursuing dreams that align with your passions and interests. By spending time on what genuinely excites and motivates you, you can define specific, achievable goals that will help you realize your dreams. Remember, challenges are inevitable. Maintaining a positive attitude and persistence will help you overcome them.

Being your true self is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. It's about embracing who you are, pursuing your passions, and standing firm in your beliefs. By doing so, you not only enrich your own life but also contribute positively to the world around you. Remember, the most fulfilling life is one lived authentically.

Todah Rabah!

Dedications from 01.29.25 to 02.26.25 Brotherhood Fund in memory of Michael Ferdinand, from Steve & Bonnie Traiman

Canter Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund from Ross Silvers from Alysia Siegel from Bruce Barishman & Ted Kavich in memory of Cantor Pamela Siskin, from Jeffrey Stern in memory of Cantor Pamela Siskin, from Scott & Rebecca Barancik

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Isaac Mizrahi, from Frieda & Steve Marhee in memory of Sam & Frieda Bennett, from Janice Brady

Sol Markman Ner Tamid Fund in memory of Dave Joseph Pinsker, from Alan & Sally Pinsker

Tzedakah - GCJFCS from Nancy Stein

General Donations Fund in honor of Good Work, from Mattaniah Jahn

Yahrzeit Fund

in honor of new Tanakh books for Torah Study, from Ted Mallin

from Eric & Lisa Reimer from Leonard Englander in memory of Hortense Lasher, from Frank & Arlene Moss in memory of Bernyce Rossuck, from James & Ann Soble in memory of Milton “Mike” Simmons, from Charles & Faith Simmons

in honor of new Tanakh books for Torah Study, from Susan CarlSingleton

in memory of Shmuell Lazar Steur, from Mikhail Khavin & Marianna Khavina

in honor of new Tanakh books for Torah Study, from Edward & Susan Hoffman

in memory of Robert “Vav” Warsaw, from Sari Deitche & Family

Irwin & Sonya Miller Scholarship Endowment Fund from Ted & Sara Gastman

Prayer Book Fund

Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund from Renee Obrien in memory of my father, Alvin G. Bennett, from Anonymous in memory of Claire Elizabeth Campbell Brady, from Janice Brady

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 are an investment to secure the future of Temple Beth-El. Every year, according to the provisions of the donor, five percent of each fund, is allocated for the designated purpose.

L'Dor V'Dor Endowment Fund sustains our community on an ongoing basis and ensures a strong future. Five percent of this fund is allocated to our operating budget each year.

Bertha M. Jerzy Fund

GENERATION TO GENERATION Establish your connection to Temple Beth-El in perpetuity.

Legacy Family Become a member of our Legacy Family by donating a minimum of $5,000 today or later in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy. Your gift will secure the future of our vibrant Reform Jewish home for all ages and passions.

Tree of Life The Tree of Life is a meaningful representation of our congregational family tree, located in our Miller Founders Hall.

The leaves and rocks permanently celebrate the lives, milestones, and achievements of our community and loved ones.

Memorial Plaques By purchasing a memorial plaque for the yahrzeit area in the sanctuary, you are assured that the name of your loved one will be mentioned in perpetuity at the worship service on the anniversary of their death (yahrzeit).

provides help for elderly congregants in need.

Ganz Religious School Fund supports our Raymund Family Sunday School programming.

Irwin & Sonya Miller Family Building Fund ensures that our Building Fund meets its purposes.

Irwin & Sonya Miller Scholarship Fund for religious school and camp scholarships.

Lew Krosner Leadership Fund makes possible the education and training of future leaders of our Temple.

Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund supports our ongoing commitment to social justice.

Ruth Dikman Adult Education Fund sustains our adult education programming.

Sher Family Endowment for Education, Innovation and Support sustains innovative programs to enrich our community.

Stella Sax Scholar-in-Residence Fund sponsors scholarly programs.

Tauber Family Endowment Fund supports programs to shape leadership qualities in our teen and college age Jewish community.

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

NAMED FUNDS

are established by the families or our Board of Directors, to honor or remember members of our community and their enthusiasm for making our Temple a better place.

Cantor Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund

OPERATING FUNDS are designated to subsidize the general operations of the Temple as specified.

General Operating Fund supports the day-to-day operation of our Temple.

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

Prayer Book Fund

Cynthia Adler Early Childhood Center Fund

purchases prayer books.

supports capital equipment for the school.

allows our rabbi to enhance our congregational life and respond to members’ needs.

Florence and Morris Lippman Music Fund enriches our music program.

Jack and Mina Jenkins Mitzvah Fund

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Sunday School Special Projects Fund provides additional resources to elevate programming.

provides short-term interest-free loans to Temple members.

Security Fund

Sembler Library Fund

ensures the safety of our community with implemented and enhanced security measures.

enhances our Sembler Family Library.

Seymour Ripps Memorial Day Camp Fund supports Jewish Day Camp scholarships for our children.

Torah Commentary Book Fund purchases Torah Commentaries.

Yahrzeit Fund remembers our loved ones.

Sol Markman Ner Tamid Dues Relief Fund offers dues relief for our members in need.

Youdovin Camp Scholarship Fund provides URJ Camp and Summer program scholarships to our children.

AUXILIARIES Sisterhood Fund supports weekly Shabbat service Onegs, Sunday programming & assists with camp scholarships for youth.

Brotherhood Fund ensures the continuity of its mission to enhance our Temple.

Youth Fund

promotes the development of our youth’s Jewish identity through youth groups.

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 - Karen Lieberman 1 - Miriam Pardoll 1 - Eli Silverberg 1 - Eric Feder 3 - Parker Sinclair 3 - Ariel Latham 3 - Ilene Gagliardi 4 - Aaron Sherman 4 - Madison Cowart 4 - Brian Moss 4 - Paige Conroy 4 - Mindy Pastrovich 4 - Carolyn Hartman-Julien 4 - Brian Goldstein 5 - Levi Yelin 6 - Eric Diner 6 - Nicole Latham 7 - Pamela Alston 7 - Yaniv Getzel 7 - Samantha Baron 8 - Brandon Ortiz 8 - Phyllis Rothman 8 - Arah Bernstein 9 - Todd Hahn 9 - Meredith Hano 11 - Marlys Meckler 11 - Georgine Savitsky 12 - Lionel Levinson 12 - Susan Nigro 12 - Beth Diner 13 - Lani Ford 13 - Maya Bean 13 - Ronald Newberg 14 - Phillip Latham 14 - Gary Peltz 14 - Janet Gordon 16 - Maritza Fischle-Epstein 16 - Ezra Hano

16 - Elissa Hirsch 16 - Cindy Feder 17 - Bonnie Traiman 17 - Bennett Zamoff 17 - Jason Ziesing 17 - Nicole Shapiro 18 - Betsy Torop 20 - Peter Latham 20 - Steve Traiman 20 - Jacob Diner 21 - Chelsea Rosenfield 22 - Andrea Weinberg 23 - Herbert Green 23 - Peggy Crawford 24 - Emerson Suppe' 24 - Gordon Gilbert 24 - Allison Van Fossen 25 - Aidan Berner 25 - Iris Salzer 25 - Milee Bernstein 25 - Paula Haemmerle 25 - Scarlett Ellis 25 - Jennifer Goodman 26 - Ted Mallin 27 - Carly Zucker 27 - Holden Green 28 - Alex Sembler 28 - Joseph Manich 29 - Richard Lane 29 - Melvyn Fuss 29 - Romi Klein 29 - Rebecca Yungaitis 29 - Edward Shevitz 30 - Myrna Wolf 30 - Craig Sher 31 - Liora Palmer-Verdeja 31 - Kayleigh Yunak

MAZEL TOV! Sofia Ruth Weber - Re’ut Born January 24, 2025 Daughter of Jaclyn & Joseph Weber, Little sister of Simon Luca Weber, Granddaughter of Beth & Jeffrey Frumkin and Linda & Robert Weber

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 5 - Michael & Bonnie Lurie 6 - David & Pati Gross 7 - Michael Krassner & Stefani Margolis 11 - Stefanie Gilbert & Todd Hahn 15 - Mike & Sue Shapiro 17 - John Sternberg & Brenda Breslow 22 - David & Andrea Weinberg 23 - Robert & Leah Davis 24 - Jules Henshell & Steven Mostert

WWW.TEMPLEBETH-EL.COM/DONATE

HOLD A DRIVE. WE LOVE CLOTHES!!

CLOTHING DRIVE HOW TO...

Clothes To Kids (CTK) provides new and quality used clothing to low-income or in crisis schoolaged children, free of charge. Our goal is to provide each eligible child (Pre-K4 thru 12th grade) with a week's worth of clothing. All underwear and socks are new. All additional clothing is a combination of new and quality used. CTK must consistently add to our inventory to ensure every child leaves the store with a complete wardrobe.

1:

2:

Make contact with a CTK Store Manager and set your goal. Make a date and get the word out!

3:

Pack the clothes in small to medium Contact Clothes To Kids to arrange your drive for drop off. boxes or containers, making sure they are not too heavy. Label each box with contents if possible.

WHAT'S IN A CTK WARDROBE?

5 NEW pairs of underwear

5 NEW pairs of socks

Up to 2 bras + fun 1 jacket (seasonal) accessories if available

5 shirts

4 bottoms

1 pair of shoes 1 dress (optional)

WARDROBE NEEDS & SIZES:

OTHER ITEMS WE ACCEPT:

Shoes (sneakers) Children 10-Adult 15 New socks New underwear: Girls and Young woman -bikini style Boys and Young Males-boxer briefs Tops: Girls XS to XXL; Boys XS to XXL Bottoms: Girls 6 to 18; Boys 6 to 20 Junior Pants/Jeans: Female sizes 10 to 28; Male sizes 28 to 46 Young men tops sizes S to 3XL Uniforms: All color polo shirts, khaki and navy bottoms

STORES IN:

CLEARWATER 1059 N Hercules Ave Clearwater, FL 33765 727-441-5050

*including up to 3 uniform tops and 2 bottoms

ST. PETE 2168 34th St S St. Pete, FL 33711 727-441-5050

Belts Bras Hats Hair Accesories Backpacks Purses Jewelry Ties/ Bowties

TAMPA 5011-H West Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33634 813-616-6430

@clothestokids www.clothestokids.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