WHAT'S INSIDE
Rabbi: Amy L. Morrison
Rabbi Emeritus: Michael Torop
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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
RABBI
AMY L. MORRISON
JLove and Judaism
udaism, at its heart, teaches that love is not just a concept but the very essence
of our connection to one another and to God The Torah calls us to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18), a powerful commandment that goes beyond familial love or romantic affection It reminds us that love takes many forms: it is in the kindness we show to strangers, the empathy we offer to those in need, and the selflessness we embrace in our daily lives
In Judaism, love is not only about relationships with others—it is also about our deep, sacred connection to God, the Torah, and all of creation The Shema calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might This love is not just a feeling; it is a commitment, a force that shapes our choices, our actions, and how we approach the world around us. But love, in the Jewish tradition, is most deeply expressed in community. The idea of Ahavat Yisrael, love for one’s fellow Jew (yet also inclusive of ‘humanity’), calls us to extend this love beyond our circles to all people. It compels us to embrace justice, to lift up the vulnerable, and to show compassion, especially in times of struggle. Acts of charity (tzedakah) are an outpouring of love, a tangible way to care for others and bring healing to the world.
Yet, love is not always easy. There are times when loving someone can be incredibly challenging when their actions hurt us, when they disappoint us, or when they push us beyond our comfort zones. Take, for example, a parent who lovingly supports a child through addiction The pain of watching someone you love struggle, especially when they may make choices that harm themselves, can be heart-wrenching But even in those tough moments, love persists, because it is rooted in the belief that healing is possible, and that the bond between two people can withstand even the hardest trials The effort to stay connected, to offer care, and to never give up on someone no matter how difficult it may be is a profound expression of love that makes all the difference, both for the person receiving and for the one giving that love
Through all these forms—love for God, for others, for the world—Judaism teaches that love is not a simple emotion. It is a powerful, transformative force that weaves together every part of our lives. Love is what binds us to each other and to the divine. It moves us to act with integrity, to care deeply, and to make the world a better place.
Temple Beth-El, let this profound understanding of love stir your heart and guide your actions. Let it inspire you to show kindness in every encounter, to seek out opportunities to offer empathy and support, and to stand up for justice wherever it is needed. Love is not just a feeling; it is a call to action a reminder that we are all interconnected, that every act of love ripples out, touching lives in ways we may never fully see Embrace love in all its forms and become the change you wish to see in the world
MIKE SHAPIRO PRESIDENT
From the President
3+2=2
Is there really a President Elect?
Brief history: I became President Elect for the first time in 2003 when Rabbi Torop began his third year at Temple Beth-El. I then became President Elect for a second time when he announced his retirement two decades later. I was then elected Temple President once again two months before Rabbi Mangold's arrival. At TBE, Temple Presidents typically serve a two year term. My two year term has covered three years with Rabbi Mangold and will include two years with Rabbi Morrison. Apparently, 3+2 = 2 using TBE math. It has been and will continue to be an honor to be President of this Congregation until my term ends one year from now at the end of May 2026. I am pleased (you have no idea how pleased!) to share that Jay Miller will be President Elect after our Annual Meeting this month and become President of TBE 12 months later I look forward to a successful transition this year and know Jay and our new board will continue to make TBE shine brighter and brighter
Congratulations Tara O'Donnell
After searching for many many months, reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates, we are excited to announce that Tara O'Donnell is our new Director of Finance and Operations. Tara's focus as our new DFO will be overseeing the temple budget and coordinating the many aspects of temple administration including security, facility, program calendar, building maintenance, human resources, insurance needs and coordinating the day to day operation of our temple.
Tara previously was the Director of our Early Childhood Center for the past three years. Tara's commitment to our congregation is clearly evident and her knowledge of our culture and place in the community is invaluable Please congratulate Tara on her new position
Annual Meeting
Please join us on Wednesday, May 21 at 6pm for dinner catered by the Boyz followed by the Annual Meeting. Each year, we gather as a congregation to celebrate the past year, look forward to what lies ahead, vote to approve the temple budget, elect the Board of Trustees and celebrate the accomplishments of our Annual Congregational Awards recipients This year's honorees are Evan Berner and Steve Jenkins We also will be saying thank you to our outgoing board members and welcoming the new members to the temple board Please register on line so we can get an accurate count for dinner and ensure we have a quorum See you at the Annual Meeting
Membership
Just a reminder that annual Temple Membership renewal begins in July. Please check your inboxes and/or mailbox for renewal information beginning in June. Our goal is to make the renewal process as simple and user friendly as possible. Also, if you still have a balance from this year's membership, please help us by completing your dues payment before June 30.
TARA O’DONNELL FORMER ECC DIRECTOR
ALove’s Brighter Future
s an educator, I have the privilege of witnessing love in its many forms, each as unique and powerful as the students who experience it In a classroom, love isn't always expressed in the traditional sense It doesn't always take the shape of grand gestures or sentimental words. Instead, love manifests in the way students engage with each other, grow, and connect with the learning process.
In my work, I am reminded of a value that many cultures and traditions hold dear — the importance of caring for one another. An educator’s love is about creating a supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. It’s about nurturing the potential in each individual and encouraging them to take risks, make mistakes, and ultimately grow. This form of love fosters trust and opens the door to deeper learning and personal development.
Equally, I see love in the way children care for one another. In the classroom, friendships form that often feel as deep and meaningful as family bonds. There’s a beautiful sense of compassion and empathy that blossoms when students help each other with difficult concepts or simply offer a kind word when someone is feeling down These moments remind me that love, in its simplest form, is about showing up for one another
Love also shows up in the way little ones develop a passion for learning I’ve seen young minds light up when they discover something new, their curiosity blossoming into genuine excitement This, too, is a form of love — a love for knowledge and the endless possibilities that come with it.
In education, love is all around us. It’s in every moment of connection, every shared learning experience, and every step taken toward a brighter future. Every day, I am reminded of the powerful impact love can have on a community.
TARA O’DONNELL DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
IFrom ECC to DFO
’m honored to share that I am stepping into a new role at the Temple as Director of Finance and Operations While I’m excited for the opportunities ahead, this transition is also a meaningful moment of reflection on all that my time here has given me both professionally and personally.
Over the years, I’ve experienced some of my proudest career accomplishments within this community. I’ve also faced challenges and personal losses that have shaped me in profound ways. Through it all, the support I’ve received has been nothing but extraordinary. I would not have made it through my journey without the steady encouragement of Betty Gootsen, Laura Horwitz, Bonnie Lurie, Mike Shapiro and all the members of the board. Their guidance helped ground me, and their belief in me gave me the strength to grow.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of during my time here is completing my master’s degree, something that felt impossible at times but was made achievable thanks to the encouragement and flexibility of this incredible community. This achievement, along with countless everyday moments of growth, has helped prepare me for the next step in my journey.
Working in Early Childhood Education has been a gift Watching our youngest congregants explore, grow, and begin their Jewish journeys has brought endless joy and inspiration It’s been an honor to partner with so many dedicated families and an outstanding team of educators to help nurture that growth
Now, as I move into this new role, I do so with deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility. I look forward to supporting our Temple in a new capacity—helping to oversee the financial and operational areas that allow our programs and community to thrive.
To everyone who has walked this journey with me thank you. I’m truly excited for this next chapter and the opportunity to continue serving a place that has given me so much.
Todah Rabah!
Dedications from 03.24.25 to 04.24.25
Artist in Residence Fund in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Debbie & Jon Lerner
Bertha M. Jerzy Endowment Fund from Neil Brown
Brotherhood Fund in memory of Mickey Heilweil, from Marlys Meckler
in memory of Mickey Heilweil, from Robin Warren in memory of Mickey Heilweil, from Marjorie Friedman in memory of Mickey Heilweil, from Reid & Jill Silverboard
Cantor Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Marlys Meckler
Cynthia Adler Early Childhood Center Fund
in memory of Harry Segal & Donald Burnett, from Susan Burnett
General Donations Fund
in honor of Gideon Torop’s 30 Birthday, from Rabbi Betsy & Rabbi Michael Torop t h
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of Rabbi Morrison’s participation in the Community Women’s Seder, from the Community Women’s Seder in honor of Passover: A time of gathering, reflection, & hope, from Thomas & Marcia Noether in honor of Liora’s Bat Mitzvah, from Jason Palmer & Anthony Verdeja in memory of Fannie Rudofsky, from Edward Rudd in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from The Vogel Family in memory of Julia Mizrahi, from Frieda Marhee in memory of Jeff Shapiro, from Richard Damashek in memory of Alan Dee, from Susan Dee
Sembler Family Library Fund in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Jennifer Heller & Joel Turner in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Diane & Larry Seegull in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Marjorie Friedman in memory of Jeff Shapiro, from Debbie & Brent Sembler
in memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Bruce & Stacy Friedman
in honor of Good Work, from Mattaniah Jahn in memory of Mickey Heilweil, from Ilene & Henry Cohen
in memory of Jeff Shapiro, from Louise & Greg Warner
in memory of Jeff Shapiro, from Barry & Betty Gootson in memory of Jeff Shapiro, from Nanette Walker
Prayer Book Fund in memory of Mickey Heilweil & Bonnie Traiman, from Scott & Rebecca Barancik
Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund
in memory of William Feder, from Cindy & Eric Feder
Sisterhood Fund
in honor & memory of Bonnie Traiman, from Jill Scroggs Silverboard
Tzedakah Fund - CASA in memory of Shelley Fletcher, from Phyllis Plotnick
Yahrzeit Fund
from Eric Mandell & Family from Susan Nigro in memory of Mariane Plotkin, from Janet Gordon in memory of William Nelson & Jeff Shapiro, from Helen Hameroff & Frantz Christiansen in memory of Max Miller, from Stephen Miller
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
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)
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 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
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
supports choir expenses & build community.
Cynthia Adler Early Childhood Center Fund
supports capital equipment for the school.
Florence and Morris Lippman Music Fund
enriches our music program
Jack and Mina Jenkins Mitzvah Fund provides short-term interest-free loans to Temple members.
Sembler Library Fund enhances our Sembler Family Library.
Seymour Ripps Memorial Day Camp Fund supports Jewish Day Camp scholarships for our children.
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.
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.
Prayer Book Fund purchases prayer books
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
allows our rabbi to enhance our congregational life and respond to members’ needs.
Sunday School Special Projects Fund provides additional resources to elevate programming.
Security Fund
ensures the safety of our community with implemented and enhanced security measures.
Torah Commentary Book Fund purchases Torah Commentaries Yahrzeit Fund remembers our loved ones
1 - Bruce Barishman
1 - Miles Libes
2 - Dorothy Rosenbluth
2 - Chip Wells
3 - Eliora Bean
4 - Margie Green
5 - Mateo Zamoff
5 - Haley Johnston 5 - Perry Landsman 5 - Leah Davis
- Jacqueline Ott
- Susie Getzel 6 - Denise Chase
- Danielle Reuben 7 - Shoshana Kroll
7 - Naomi Van Fossen
7 - Michael Einstein
8 - Phyllis Tauber
8 - Avery Lurie
8 - Joshua Bean
9 - Samantha Sugarman
9 - Evan Berner
9 - David Blum
10 - Jason Green
11 - Susan Serota
12 - Anthony Verdeja
12 - Melinda Lebowitz 13 - Stephanie Bernstein
13 - Jennifer Hannon 14 - Carolyn Herman
- Gideon Torop
- Nancy Rubin
- Matthew David
Carol Lane
- Fred Gurtman
16 - Beth Rosenbluth
18 - Ellen Fogel
18 - Jason Palmer
18 - Sophia Deitche
19 - Andrea Coopersmith
20 - Matthew Silverman
20 - Diane Mandell
20 - Leonard Pastrovich
20 - Alex Linsky
20 - Ally Linsky
21 - Benjamin Reimer
21 - Scott Barancik
21 - Charles Gray
22 - Joel Newberg
23 - Richard Gram
23 - Noah Delrahim
23 - John Waterman
24 - Adam Ziesing
25 - Steven Hurwitz
25 - Kristen Friedman
25 - Benjamin Sher
27 - Adeev Getzel
27 - Susan Fuss
27 - Barry Gootson
27 - David Marger
27 - David Milchan
27 - Stanley Reimer
28 - Lee Koenig
28 - Eric Reimer
29 - Sydney Waterman
29 - Pitzy Pierce-Hurwitz
29 - Helen Levine
29 - Emily Gurtman
29 - David Waterman 31 - Emily Sperber 31 - Lewis Kroll 31 - Allen Hartman
2 - Matthew & Emily Sperber
3 - Andrew & Meredith Gaunce
4 - Daniel & Jessica Schuman
7 - Eric & Beth Diner 13 - Gary & Diane Peltz
- Christopher & Haley Johnston
- Lee & Victoria Koenig 20 - Bennett Zamoff & Virginia Chacon
20 - Thomas & Marcia Noether
- Reid & Jill Silverboard
MAY
THEIR MEMORY FOREVER
A BLESSING AND A LESSON...
Susan Marcus - March 19, 2025
Mother of Lisa Marcus Boehm
Ronald Rinner - March 27, 2025
Husband of Patti Rinner, Father of Hanna Rinner
Mickey Heilweil - April 4, 2025
Husband of Debbie Heilweil, z”l, Father of Mindy (Marty) Teich, Jordan Heilweil, & Richard Heilweil, Grandfather of Paul Teich, Daniel (Shira) Teich, Jessica (Joe) Camporeale, Danielle (Greg), Nichole, Hayden, Danielle, & Coleman, GreatGrandfather of Itai & Rissa
Bonnie Traiman - April 8, 2025
Wife of Stephen Traiman, Mother of Lori (Brian) Abraham & Jill (Aaron) Max,Grandmother of Ethan & Brooke Abraham & Jake & Samantha Max
MAZEL TOV!
Birth of Levi Arlo Sher - April 21, 2025
Son of Jessica Sher, Little Brother of Elliot Isaac Sher, Grandson of Craig & Jan Sher
24 - Brian & Gila Fox
24 - Carl & Gail Rubinsky
26 - Brian & Carly Zucker
26 - Joshua Rovin & Peggy Crawford
26 - Douglas & Pam Nobel
27 - Will & Stacy Conroy
28 - Lyle & Hana Cowart
29 - Joseph & Barbara Sterensis
30 - Jonathan & Melanie Bowman
30 - Allen Hartman & Carolyn Hartman-Julien
TBoneh Beit-El
Steve Jenkins Builder of Beth-El
he Boneh Beit-El Award is given annually to an individual, couple or family who has made significant contributions to the congregation for many years. These “Builders of Beth-El” give of themselves and/or their resources to help sustain our community and to strengthen and reinforce the foundation that was laid nearly one hundred years ago. Our congregation owes a debt of gratitude to all the builders during the past century who have helped make Temple Beth-El the congregation we are today.
This year's honoree is Steve Jenkins. Over the years, Steve has donned many, many hats at the temple. Board member, Brotherhood President, Friday Night Greeter, Mr. Steve the Temple Gardener, Rabbinic Search Committee Co Chair Act I, Covid Task Force, Rabbinic Search Committee Act II , Krosner Leadership Class, Sunday Schmooze Host, Boyz in the Hood Cook, Friday Night Regular, A Nifty Over Fifty, Mitzvah Day leader, High Holiday usher and prodigious Name Tag wearer
These are just some of Steve's involvement His commitment, dedication and passion for our congregation is admired by many and his contributions and leadership have helped strengthen our community Steve is welcoming to all and is a great ambassador for Temple Beth-El
We are grateful for the many contributions Steve has made to our congregation. Congratulations to Steve Jenkins on receiving the 2025 Boneh Beit-El Award.”
Mike Shapiro, President
ABoneh Beit-El Builder of Beth-El
Our Honoree
Steve Jenkins
fter being a part of the TBE Community for nine and a half years, the wonderful feeling of brotherhood that I receive while working as a part of the Boyz in the Hood to cater the schmooze on Sunday mornings, along with many TBE events, is the most meaningful connection I have with Temple Beth-El.
My dream for TBE is to continue to have a welcoming, thriving, diverse congregation where my 6year old granddaughter can embrace Judaism, go through Sunday School, become a Bat Mitzvah, and be a part of our youth group community, and returning to her home at TBE after college I have been a board member since 2023 I co-chaired the Rabbinic Search Committee for Rabbi Mangold and Rabbi Morrison I was president of the Brotherhood from 2018-2022 I was apart of the COVID-19 Task Force, and I have been running the Mitzvah Day Community Gardening projects since 2019
I spent a year at Gulf Coast GFCS developing a community garden for immigrants. For four years I have volunteered at Wunder Farms gardening and providing fresh vegetables to Day Star Food Bank. Five years have gone by with me as the Chairman of the Facilities Committee and on the Budget Committee at Bacopa Bay Homeowners Association. And I have been the Chairman of the Architectural Review Committee at the Association for one year.
I was born in California, but grew up in Tampa, FL I moved to St Petersburg in December 2014 My father was in the U S Marine Corps, so we moved around the country often and I attended nine different schools I have a B S in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida
Family: Jacquie Ott (spouse), Daniel (Stacey), Alicia (Steven), Jada, Jenna (children), & Ava, Macie, Elumin, Raegan (grandchildren).
TShofar Award
Evan Berner Volunteer of the Year
Our Honoree
he most meaningful part of my 22-year connection to Temple Beth-El is definitely being in the Brotherhood. Heaven is where you strive to be a part of something more than yourself, to lead by example so the youth see what it takes to be g-d like and follow that example being shown to them. I will be in the Brotherhood until the end.
Some of my community involvement includes, but is not limited to, being a supportive husband to Laura for 30 years, a loving father to Aiden for 22 years, dog walker, and elder care and support for 55 years. I have cared lovingly for my grandmother, Lee, z”l, my mother, Sheila, z”l, and of course, my main man, Mickey Heilweil, z”l.
I was born in Verona, New Jersey I moved to St Petersburg in December 2000 I am a University of Rhode Island Graduate, class of 1987 with a degree in Business Management and Logistical Support and Supply. I then went into the United States Army and was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corp. from 1988-1992.
Family: Sheila Berner (Mother and Matriarch, z”l), Laura Berner (wife), Aiden Berner (son), Roo & Teddy (my “Canine Kids”).
