The Scroll - November 2025 by tbestpete

T ABLE OF CONTENTS

Rabbi: Amy L. Morrison

Rabbi Emeritus: Michael Torop

President: Mike Shapiro

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

Hakarat Hatov

ANOTEFROMYOUR COMMUNICATIONS &ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR RECOGNIZING

In our Jewish community, giving thanks and giving back are deeply intertwined values that permeate both personal and communal life. As an employee at a non-profit Temple, I have witnessed firsthand how these principles manifest in meaningful and impactful ways

Hakarat Hatov (recognizing the good), or "giving thanks," is about expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive. It's about acknowledging the contributions of others, whether they come from friends, family, or the broader community At TBE, this often takes the form of community gatherings where we come together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and engage in prayer, all while expressing gratitude for the opportunities to connect and grow together

THEGOOD

Giving back, on the other hand, is about taking action to improve the lives of others and strengthen our community. It is rooted in the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charity) TBE reflects this in various initiatives such as volunteering, charity drives, and educational programs designed to empower individuals and uplift those in need. We encourage everyone, from the youngest children in the Early Childhood Center and the Raymund Family Religious School, to the adults in our congregation, to participate in acts of kindness and service.

These practices not only honor our traditions but also create a vibrant, supportive, and compassionate community As we give thanks and give back, we build bridges across generations and foster a shared sense of purpose and belonging. It's a beautiful cycle where gratitude inspires giving, and giving, in turn, cultivates deeper gratitude nurturing a community that thrives on mutual respect and love.

Michael Krassner Photography

We BECOME THE GIVERS?

By Rabbi Amy L. Morrison

As we move into the season of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the spiritual journey we’ve just shared. Coming out of the High Holidays, with their deep introspection and heartfelt prayers, we are offered a meaningful opportunity: to turn gratitude into action to give thanks, and to give back.

In Florida, we may not mark the season with falling leaves or cold winds, but we feel the shift in other ways. The rhythm of the year changes. The pace slows just enough to catch our breath. And in that breath, we have space to reflect. What are we grateful for? Whose kindness touched us this year? What gifts of love, of time, of community have we received? And how might we now become the givers?

In Jewish tradition, hakarat hatov recognizing the good is a sacred practice

Our daily prayers are filled with gratitude. The Modim prayer reminds us to give thanks “for Your miracles that are with us every day.” And from that gratitude flows a calling The Talmud teaches: “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” all of Israel is responsible for one another (Shevuot 39a). To be thankful is not just to feel appreciation, but to be moved by it to respond by reaching outward.

Giving back doesn’t always require large gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful gifts are the quietest: a few hours spent helping at a local shelter, a heartfelt donation to support someone in need, a phone call to check in on a friend. Tzedakah, financial giving, is one vital expression of Jewish values but so too is giving of our time, our presence, our empathy, and our hearts.

Pirkei Avot teaches: “The world stands on three things: on Torah, on worship, and on acts of loving-kindness” (Avot 1:2). Each of us holds the power to sustain the world not just through what we give, but how we give it With intention With love With the awareness that even small acts can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.

I want to share something personal. Not long ago, I witnessed someone in our congregation quietly supporting another member going through a difficult time. There was no fanfare just a quiet offer, a presence, a gesture of kindness. That act, rooted in empathy and shaped by gratitude, became a lifeline It reminded me that giving back is not only something we do it’s something we become.

As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, may we not only count our blessings, but consider how we might be a blessing Whether through tzedakah, time, heart, or a combination of all three, we each have something unique to offer. And when we give from a place of gratitude, we don’t just change someone else’s world we transform our own

Leadership LeadershipNews News

Fall is here, or so they tell us Floridians. But yes . . . the mornings in St. Pete are just a bit drier and more pleasant. Starved for days that feel good to be outdoors at noon, we are immensely grateful for the change.

We are in the season of holidays of thanks, both Jewish with Sukkot last month, and secular, with Thanksgiving coming up. I was surprised to learn recently that there may be strong historical connections between Judaism and our American holiday of Thanksgiving. Most of the Pilgrims who celebrated the first Thanksgiving were Puritans, a branch of the Protestant faith that strongly identified with the historical traditions of the Israelites in the Bible In their quest for religious freedom, the Puritans viewed their journey to America as exactly analogous to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Many people believe that the Pilgrims modeled Thanksgiving after our holiday of Sukkot, as they are both harvest festivals that take place in the fall. Apparently, most of the Puritans even had Hebrew names.

Of course, the main theme of the holiday of Thanksgiving (and of Sukkot) is to remind us of the importance of giving thanks, which is a primary Jewish value. On the most basic level, when we sit down to eat for Shabbat dinner and say the hamotzi, we are giving thanks to God for the bread that sustains us.

Our congregation has many reasons to be thankful this season. We have a new clergy person, Rabbi Amy L Morrison, who inspires us with her approachable and relaxed teaching of Torah on the Bima, and a new Temple Director of Finance and Operations, Tara O’Donnell, who is committed to maintaining the financial health of our Temple, quickly approaching its 100 birthday! We have engaged teachers, educating our toddlers and Hebrew school children. We have a reenergized youth program that sent 21 teenagers to multiple URJ Camps last summer And we have a committed Board, including past members, that devoted more than their fair share of time to overseeing temple operations during the year when we were without an administrator.

As we saw at High Holiday services this year (for those of you able to participate in person) we have so much to be thankful for as a community Happy Thanksgiving

Jay Miller Jay Miller

The Invisible Thread that Connects us all

As the season of gratitude approaches, we are reminded of the simple yet powerful act of giving thanks and how it naturally leads us to giveback.Gratitudeismorethananemotion;it is a way of living that shapes how we see the world and how the world responds to us in return. When we practice gratitude with intention, we begin to notice abundance instead of lack, connection instead of isolation, andopportunityinsteadofobligation.

Giving thanks does not end with words. It inspires action. Each time we express appreciation, whether to a friend, family member, colleague, or community, we strengthentheinvisiblethreadthatconnectsus all. When we give of ourselves, our time, or our resources, we reflect that gratitude outward. Often,whatwesendintotheworldcirclesback inunexpectedandmeaningfulways.

It is easy to think that our individual actions are too small to make a difference, but the truth is quite the opposite.Oneactofkindnesscanstart a ripple. A generous heart encourages otherstoopentheirs.Whenweleadby example,showingcompassion,lending support,andofferingalisteningear,we set a standard that others naturally follow. Gratitude and generosity are contagious, and communities built on these values grow stronger and kinder overtime.

Thisseason,mayweeachfindwaysto give thanks not only for what we have but also for the chance to share it. Whether through volunteering, supporting a cause, mentoring someone, or simply offering words of appreciation, every gesture matters What we put out into the world kindness, gratitude, and hope comes backtous,multipliedandrenewed.

Tara O’Donnell

vOICES vOICES FUTURE FUTURE OF OUR

SCARLETT (P4)

TBE & ECC MEMBER SINCE 2023

Who would you like to say thank you to today?

“My Daddy because I love him so much!”

What’s something you really like that you can share with another person?

JENN HANNON JENN HANNON

ECC DIRECTOR

“I like playing Candy Land and sharing it with my Mommy!”

HOW

HOW DOES MS. JENN GIVE THANKS & GIVE BACK?

DOES MS. JENN GIVE THANKS & GIVE BACK?

LIRI (VPK)

ECC MEMBER SINCE 2024

Who would you like to say thank you to today?

“To my Daddy and Mommy, because they give me all their hearts to make me so happy!”

This season has me reflecting on all that I am thankful for and the many ways we can give back I am thankful for our incredible staff, whose dedication, passion, and love for children create a joyful and nurturing environment every single day I am grateful to the leaders and mentors who continue to guide and support the temple, helping us grow stronger together

I am also thankful for our wonderful parents. Your trust, involvement, and partnership make such a difference, not only in your child’s journey but also in the life of our entire school By volunteering, attending events, and being present, you remind us that parents are at the heart of our community

What’s something you really like that you can share with another person?

“I could share my toys with my brother, Eitan, and give him a hug because I love him!”

As we give thanks, we are also called to give back Each act of kindness, each moment of connection, and each opportunity to support one another strengthens our community and enriches the experiences of our children. Together, we are creating a place where every child feels loved, supported, and inspired

This season, I give thanks for all of you, and I look forward to the many ways we can continue to give back, grow, and build together

teacher teacher tips tips

ECC STAFF MEMBER IN CHARGE

MS. ALEXIS, HOW DO YOU HELP YOUNG CHILDREN LEARN TO SHOW GRATITUDE & FIND MEANINGFUL WAYS TO GIVE BACK AT SCHOOL & AT HOME?

Even our youngest children can begin learning about simple daily routines. For toddlers, try asking at bedtim happy today?” and encourage little acts of helping, like putting toys away, feeding a pet, or carrying a book to the shelf.

Preschoolers (ages 3–4) can take this a step further by helping set the table, drawing a card for a friend or family member, or dropping coins into a tzedakah box and talking about how it helps others. Let your child see you saying “thank you” often. Children this age love to copy what adults do! With gentle guidance, children as young as one can start noticing kindness, sharing it with others, and growing grateful hearts every day.

What a wonderful Grandparents Shabbat we had! The turnout was absolutely incredible, and it filled our hearts to see so many grandparents and loved ones joining us in celebration

Grandparents hold such an important place in our community They are keepers of tradition, storytellers of the past, and guiding lights for the future Their presence reminds us of the blessings we have and ties beautifully into the theme of giving thanks and giving back

As we reflect on the joy of being together, we are grateful not only for the love and wisdom our grandparents share but also for the strength of our community Together, we are building a tradition of gratitude and generosity that we hope to pass down to the next generation

Rooted in Gratitude, Growing Through Giving

By Alexis Kelly Raymund Religious School Principal

At the Raymund Family Religious School, our students are not only learning Hebrew and Jewish traditions they are living them. This season, as we reflect on the theme of “Giving Thanks and Giving Back,” we are proud to highlight how our students embody these values in meaningful ways

Each week, our classrooms are filled with moments of gratitude: students expressing thanks for their teachers, their families, and the opportunity to learn about their heritage These expressions are not just words, rather actions. Whether it’s collecting canned goods for local food pantries, creating positive messages to give out in our community, or participating in mitzvah projects, our students are discovering that giving back is a natural extension of being thankful

Our students are given the unique opportunity to explore their Jewish roots in a nurturing and engaging environment Through learning Hebrew, studying Torah, and celebrating Jewish holidays, they gain a deeper appreciation for their heritage. We are proud to help them give thanks for the privilege of being part of the Jewish people.

Since returning to Temple Beth-El as the Raymund Family Religious School Principal, I’ve felt a true sense of being welcomed home I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of a place where tradition, learning, and connection thrive. In return, I hope to give back by supporting our students, sharing my passion for our Jewish identity and education, and helping to nurture the next generation of engaged, compassionate Jewish leaders

Tastes O F T E M P L E B E T H - E L Family Recipes

The Joslyn Family

How Baking Challah brought my family closer & helped us Celebrate what Matters

By Jayme Joslyn TBE Member Since 2007

Our gratitude for baking challah began during the quiet, uncertain months of COVID My family like so many others was searching for comfort, connection, and meaning The days at home sometimes felt long and repetitive, and we missed the sense of community that came from gathering with friends and family for Shabbat. That’s when we began baking challah together.

At first, baking was just something to fill our Friday afternoons We measured, mixed, and kneaded, with flour dusting the counters and laughter filling the kitchen. But week after week, it became something deeper a time to slow down, reflect, give thanks, and just be together. As the dough rose, so did our awareness of how much we still had to be grateful for: our health, our home, and the gift of being together The simple act of baking became a weekly ritual of appreciation When we finally pulled the warm, golden loaves from the oven, it felt like more than bread it felt like a blessing

Over time, our challah baking began to take on new forms depending on the holiday. We started creating challahs for different reasons to mark special moments, honor others, and celebrate what matters to us as a family During the month of June, we made a rainbow Pride Challah Its vibrant strands symbolize love, inclusion, and the beauty of diversity Other weeks, we shaped loaves that had 3 strands, 6 strands, or were even in circles. Some challahs called for extra flavor, so we added chocolate or cinnamon, or even everything seasoning to sweeten the bread.

On Fridays, as we braid the dough, we take turns sharing what we’re grateful for and what intention we want to “bake into” that week’s loaf Sometimes it’s gratitude, sometimes hope, sometimes joy but always, it’s love.

Challah Recipe

Ingredients

2 ½ teaspoons of yeast (one quick rise packet)

1 cup of water

¼ - ½ cup of sugar

¼ cup of oil

1 tsp salt

1 egg

3 ½ - 4 cups of flour

Optional: 1 cup of raisins or chocolate chips

Instructions

Mix yeast in warm water in your bowl

Add sugar, let stand for 2 minutes. Add eggs, oil, and mix well.

Gradually add half the flour, mixing well

Add salt, mix.

Continue adding flour and mixing well.

As dough becomes stiff, flour your hands, and begin kneading until dough is smooth, elastic but not sticky. Set dough aside for 30 minutes (or more if needed) until it is the size of the bowl

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove dough from bowl, if adding raisins or chocolate chips do so at this time.

Time to braid your Challah. Once Challah is braided, crack egg, scramble, and then use brush to egg wash the top of the Challah. Bake Challah for 25 minutes or until golden brown

COMMUNITY OF GIVING COMMUNITY OF GIVING

DEDICATIONS FROM 07.08.25 TO 10.08.25

Brotherhood Fund

In memory of Abraham Olitzky, from Lee H Olitzky

Cantor Pamela Siskin Memorial Choir Fund

From Charles Kichler & Nicole Bramesco

In memory of Cantor Pamela Siskin, from Cherry Pascual

In memory of Mae Berman Konigsburg, from Robin Warren

In honor of Joyce Liu, from Carol & William Marger

Cynthia Adler Early Childhood Center Fund

In memory of Gladys Wides, from Susan Burnett & Jim Frishe

Ganz Religious School Endowment Fund

In honor of Debbie & Brent Sembler, from Sue & Jon Rosenbluth

General Donations Fund

From Wade N. Garbie

From Evvy Bernstein

In memory of “Opah” Ron Frankel, from Naomi Korn

In memory of Sherrie Richman, from Ellen Fogel

General Donations Fund

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Beth Mills

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Phil & Carol Hughes

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Susan & Jimmy Lin

In memory of Sharlene Sakol, from Robert & Tina Thomas

In memory of Dori Wind, from Michael & Carol Einstein

In memory of Matthew Fleece, from Ellen Fogel

In memory of Dori Wind, from Dr Joseph & Diana Rosin

In memory of Sharlene Sakol, from Fagl Oxman

In memory of Sidney Richman, from Ellen Fogel

In honor of good work, from Mattaniah Jahn

In honor of Robin Warren’s Birthday, from Nancy Stein

COMMUNITY OF GIVING COMMUNITY OF GIVING

DEDICATIONS FROM 07.08.25 TO 10.08.25

General Donations Fund

In honor of Rebecca Barancik’s Birthday, from Nancy Stein

In honor of Lynda & Elaine’s Birthday Celebration, from Elaine & Robert Feldberg

In honor of Lynda & Elaine’s Birthday, from Michael & Carol Einstein

In honor of Lynda & Elaine’s Birthday, from Helen Hameroff & Frantz Christensen

Irwin & Sonya Miller Scholarship Endowment Fund

In honor of the Sher Family, from Anonymous

L’Dor V’Dor Endowment Fund

In memory of Julienne Anker Falk, from Mara Falk

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Engineering Matrix, Inc.

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Jack & Gail Pyhel

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from The Madeira Group

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Howard Miller & Nancy Clark

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Melinda Lebowitz

In memory of Gladys Wides, from Elaine Wides

Lew Krosner Endowment Fund

In memory of Lew Krosner, from Lewis & Jean Hecht

In honor of Elissa & Terry Hirsch’s 50 Anniversary, from Terri & Jay Gross th

Lippman Music Fund

In memory of Dori Wind, from Elaine Stupp

In honor of Elaine & Lynda’s Birthday, from Bruce & Mary Ann Marger

Rabbi Michael Torop Social Justice Fund

In honor of my birthday, from Nancy Stein

“I want to carry on the legacy of my family through the tradition of giving tzedakah in honor of their yahrzeit. ”

- Edward Rudd

TBE Member since 2022

COMMUNITY OF GIVING COMMUNITY OF GIVING

DEDICATIONS FROM 07.08.25 TO 10.08.25

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

From Jon & Sue Rosenbluth

From Catherine Wolfe

In memory of Esterly Fern from Michelle & Mark Gershon

In memory of Martha Louise Starks, from Lisa Starks

In memory of Morris J. Root, from Allen Root, M D

In memory of Sandy Wile, from the Morrison Family

In memory of Paula Rechnitz, from Larry & Vera Green

In memory of Sharlene Sakol, from Richard & Lonnie Kiracofe

In memory of Mary Forman, from Edward Rudd

In memory of Abraham Fortunoff, from Susan Dee

In memory of Dorothy Rudd, from Edward Rudd

In honor of a Happy New Year 5786, from Thomas & Marcia Noether

In honor of Jackie Cappiello’s Birthday, from Cherry Pascual

In honor of Rabbi Morrison, from Esther Morrison

Ruth Dikman

Adult Education Endowment Fund

In memory of Ruth & George Dikman, from Bonnie Dikman, Shera, & Scott Haliczer

In honor of Elaine & Lynda’s Birthday, from Carol & William Marger

Sembler Library Fund

In honor of Debbie & Brent Sembler, from Judith Eichenbaum

In honor of Alex & Logan Sembler, from Judy Eichenbaum

Sisterhood Fund

From Charles Kichler & Nicole Bramesco

In memory of Julienne Anker Falk, from Mara Falk

Sol Markman Ner Tamid Fund

In memory of Harold Englander, from Leonard & Betsy Englander

COMMUNITY OF GIVING COMMUNITY OF GIVING

DEDICATIONS FROM 07.08.25 TO 10.08.25

Tzedakah

In honor of Robin Warren’s Birthday, from Nancy Stein

In honor of Arlee Boyett’s Birthday, from Anonymous

Yahrzeit Fund

In memory of Shelley Fletcher, from Phyllis Plotnick

In memory of Ceil Lee DeGennaro, from Geri-Lee DeGennaro

In memory of Dorene Ben, from Edward & Sheri Ben

In memory of Mabelle Silver, from Charles & Faith Simmons

In memory of Nobuichi Arakaki, Nobuko Arakaki, Florence, Myron & Jan Drotman, from D Peter Drotman & Carolyn Arakaki

In memory of Josephine Lipinsky, from Carol & Richard Lane

In memory of Jerry DeGennaro, from Geri-Lee DeGennaro

In memory of Lena Englander, from Leonard & Betsy Englander

In memory of Lewis Silverboard, from Reid Silverboard

Youdovin Camp Scholarship Fund

From Nancy S. Greenberg Youth Fund

In memory of Kenneth Wides, from Frank & Arlene Moss

“Every milestone in life is a chance to give back. I dedicate my donations to the Temple so my happiness can ripple outward and touch others’ lives.”

- Nancy Stein TBE Member since 2024

JewishRootsofGiving? JewishRootsofGiving?

We asked our Social Justice Committee Chair, Brenda Breslow, for her Leadership Perspective

Membersince2019 Membersince2019

"Brenda, Why is Tzedakah moreimportantthan charity?” "Brenda, WhyisTzedakahmoreimportantthancharity?”

“HowdoestheworkoftheTBESocialJustice CommitteetieintoJewishvaluesof tzedakah?” “HowdoestheworkoftheTBESocialJustice tzedakah?”

Our Social Justice Committee is one example of how Temple Beth-El does justice work while giving thanks and giving back to our community

With FAST (Faith Action Strength Together), we join with fifty faith-based communities to work together on important issues such as water quality, affordable housing, and access to mental health services

As part of RAC FL, we have worked on Amendment 4 and immigration issues Our committee co-sponsored a refugee family and continues to work on immigration and refugee issues.

We march in the Pride Parade to show our commitment to equality for all and our respect for diversity Temple Beth-El families go out in the community for our Harvey & Betty Morgenstein Mitzvah Day to volunteer and teach our children the importance of helping others Our committee serves meals at Trinity Café to the homeless and food-insecure individuals

We would love to have you join our work of Tikkun Olam

CONSULT A YOUNG GENIUS

Check out the thoughtful responses from Raida’s 4th Grade class as they tackled our problem-solving questions!

Eliora

Jedidiah

Ensuring Ensuring Foundation Foundation Building a Building a our our

FFuture uture

We engaged in discussions with members of the Brotherhood to learn their motivations for volunteering and their aspirations for the future.

Brian Tegtmeier

TBE Member Since 2025

“I give back to the community because the community has continued to embrace me through my Jewish learning and the journey with my family. I am always learning and I enjoy sharing our origins and sense of community with the younger generations through religious school teaching. I feel that I am reinforcing their knowledge and values because these children have amazing parents who have already planted the seeds discussing our history and how we live within and take care of our community. I hope to influence this next generation by reminding them that we provide multiple resources to answer their questions and the TBE community will always be there to support and protect them.”

Doug Nobel

TBE Member Since 2005

“Through the Brotherhood, I learned that giving back involves simple acts like cooking, celebrating, and sharing laughter, which have deepened my connection to Temple Beth-El. My inspiration to give stems from gratitude for the community and purpose the Temple provides. I hope the next generation views it as a family, participates in celebrations, volunteers, and builds lasting friendships. Giving enriches both the Temple and one's own spirit.”

Logan Sembler

TBE Member Since 2016

“I have had the privilege to serve the Jewish community from a bird’s eye view through my role with the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast But I wanted to make an impact at a more granular level, and TBE has felt like a second home to me since I was a child. Since becoming more involved as an adult, my goal has always been to ensure the right pieces are in place for securing TBE’s future for the long term. The community that exists today gives me great hope for this prospect! My hope for the next generation is that they continue to develop their Jewish identity through life long learning, and use that identity to remain close to God as they understand Him and to support Jewish values and our Jewish family around the world.”

Jake Wollman

TBE Member Since 2017

“Community is action. As a board member and Brotherhood member, I continue to show up for my community, and I know my community will be there to show up for me. My connection to TBE is physical from lived experience, but I know that it’s so much more. It’s sharing experiences that connect us and make us truly wealthy. For me, that sense of community has only grown stronger over the years, and I hope to help the next generation find that same connection; to feel the joy and strength that comes from belonging to something bigger than themselves ”

Shep Massar

TBE Member Since 2014

“Why do I choose to give back by helping out and being a part of the Boyz? In no particular order, here are just a few of the reasons: The profits made by the Boyz activities go to help fund TBE youth camp attendance, an experience near and dear to my heart

The Boyz help make Art Festival Beth-El the incredible success that it is, resulting in more funding available for TBE functions. We cater to numerous Temple events, as well as congregants' simchas.

The camaraderie that quickly develops makes you want to do more. You get an incredible sense of accomplishment while having fun!

I hope that our next generations of Jews have opportunities, perhaps not unlike my own, to be exposed to and participate in educational and fun filled activities which encourage them to be active participants in the Jewish people.”

Blessings to Action

TBE Members with Careers that Contribute to a Better World

in your position at GCJFCS, How do you

Working for Gulf Coast JFCS gives me the opportunity to live my Judaism proudly As the Director of Corporate and Community relations, I am honored to work both with and for the community I serve Continuing the tradition passed down by parents and grandparents who built up and volunteered for their local Jewish community before they passed, my position gives me the unique ability to connect authentically and meaningfully with our local Jewish family services agency and ensure others have the same opportunity to be part of ensuring our neighbors of all faiths are empowered to live the life they imagine

back” daily? How does the work you do tie into Jewish values of “giving thanks & giving back?”

I’m grateful my role allows the people I connect with to live their values and put their beliefs into action by fostering a strong sense of community, promoting acts of kindness, and supporting those in need whether it is organizing supply and gift card drives like our upcoming Holiday Gift & Toy Drive, regular volunteer activities through the TBE Social Justice Committee, connecting and collaborating with new and established local partners, or new inspiring initiatives like our Totes of Hope, Fill the Bucket, and Comfort Kits all helping under-resourced clients served by Gulf Coast JFCS through our William and Sally Israel Food Pantry

Anthony, how does the work you do tie into Jewish values of “giving thanks & giving back?”

My parents raised me with the belief that it was better to serve others than to be served They exemplified this through their actions and deeds I internalized k’lay kodesh (to be of holy service) from an early age At the age of 8, when I was struggling with a learning disability, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community (DHH) took me under their wing They taught me their language, American Sign Language (ASL), norms, behaviors and culture The visual language of ASL gave me the opportunity to take written and spoke English and place them into a visual language which I could better retain For the past 34 years, I have been blessed to professionally give back to the DHH Community through service, support and collaboration

I have been fortunate to be with members of the DHH Community at the best (weddings, graduations, new jobs) and worst (deaths, illness, terminations) moments of their lives. No matter what role I have held within the Community (interpreter, mentor, teacher, presenter, Executive Director of a DHH Organization) my heart and mind has remained focused on being a k’lay kodesh. I strive to live by the motto “By serving others, I am blessed” .

TBE Member Since 2023