Year in Review 2022–23: Beit Knesset—House of Community
06/01/2023 12:02:33 PM
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At Temple Beth El, we gather as a beit knesset, a house of community, finding meaning in Jewish activities, Temple involvement, and social connections.
Highlights of our activities as a beit knesset in 2022–23 included our A Whole Latke Fun Hanukkah party for young families, our senior program with a focus on Ukraine, the Drag Brunch, Bingo, and Drag Education event hosted by Sisterhood and Men’s Club, fun events for people in their 20s and 30s with MJND, and our 56th annual Food-A-Rama for the entire community, among the many other happenings shown below!
Check out the other sections of our Year in Review 2022–23 to read about our worship, study, and social justice activities and accomplishments.
Young Families & Mishpacha Moments
A Whole Latke Fun was had by the 150 families who celebrated the first night of Hanukkah with crafts, story, song, candles, and food.
We welcomed the end of the Shabbat and start of the new week with pizza and lots of dancing with our glowsticks to light up the night.
We celebrated Tu Bishvat with a tasty, fruity seder together and planted parsley seeds.
We prepared for Passover and learned about the seder in a delicious way at our Chocolate Seder.
Also for young families, our Tots and Tunes program continued to thrive this year as our pre-k kiddos continued to enjoy music, PJ Library stories, and crafts with their families. It also attracted some new families.
Singles Creating Community
Our Singles Creating Community group resumed meeting and enjoyed monthly dinners and breakfast coffees together around town, even celebrating New Year’s Eve together.
Pride
As is our tradition we had a colorful June celebrating Pride month at Pride Shabbat and at our Pride in the Park event where we tie-dyed clothing and watched a Mallards game.
Senior Program
With the war in Ukraine raging, our older members gathered on Zoom as we learned about the country’s (Jewish) history, its music, and the current situation from Carole Kantor, from Cantor Niemi, and from Boris Nenide, who had recently returned from helping in the region.
Men’s Club
The Men’s Club had an active year as we increased our activities and our service to the community. During this year we added members to our leadership circle and honored Rabbi Irv Ehrlich as he steps aside to concentrate on our lunch gatherings. Some highlights of this past year were ushering for the High Holy Days; constructing and taking down the Temple Sukkah; celebrating Men’s Club Shabbat; working with Sisterhood on the well-received Drag Queen Brunch, Bingo, and Drag Education; continuing our service to Beit Olamim by spreading mulch and removing weeds from the burial site on Mineral Point Road; and initiating and growing new adventures including golf outings and card night.
Spreading mulch fortified by coffee and breakfast items
Men’s Club retreat in Cross Plains
MJND
MJND (20s & 30s) enjoyed many events this year, including a Lag Ba’omer bonfire, a post-Passover pasta party, an evening at Dave & Buster’s, a Purim costume party, hamantaschen cooking class, bowling, Shabbat potluck dinners, and more!
Sisterhood
The 56th annual Food-A-Rama was a wonderful success! Thanks to all who support this event every year with your lunch orders, volunteer time, and more. Proceeds from Food-A-Rama help fund Sisterhood initiatives such as camper scholarships, support for local agencies like Second Harvest, and giving back to our Temple Beth El community with donations to capital projects like the sanctuary remodel.
Sisterhood co-presidents Rachel Leader and Casey Becker partnered with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, Cantor Jacob Niemi, and many Sisterhood members in a lay-led service in February. The joyful service included prayers and songs from Jewish women leaders. Tanya Atkinson, president of Planned Parenthood Action of Wisconsin, was the featured speaker and shared her thoughts on how to continue the fight for reproductive rights in Wisconsin.
Over 100 people joined us for the Sisterhood/Men’s Club Drag Brunch, Bingo, and Drag Education event in March. Loretta Love Lee led us in a spirited game of bingo and answered questions from attendees to help us understand more about gender and sexuality, how to be intentional allies with the LGBTQIA+ community, and the history of drag.
Communications
The Communications Committee had a busy year as usual, helping the congregation and community learn about all we do at TBE!
Combining staff and volunteer efforts, we produced:
- 5 Giving Spotlights, 4 Social Justice Spotlights, 1 Young Families Happenings, 1 Kesher Spotlight
- Weekly Happenings emails every Wednesday
- 10 event postcards and numerous event emails, plus other congregational emails
- 5 Bulletin issues
- Various website edits, including a new Inclusivity and Accessibility page
- 2 Endowment for Spiritual Leadership mailings (August and January)
- 6 Town Hall and survey emails, plus an email summarizing the findings
- Membership renewal brochure and emails
- High Holy Day communications, program, and Book of Remembrance
- Numerous Instagram and Facebook posts
Behind the scenes, we helped:
- provide input on communication task transition plans during the midyear staff reorganization
- advise on communications related to the new sponsorship program
- edit and proofread grant applications for security and environmental sustainability project funding
- plan this new format for the year in review, and more!
Israel News Updates
05/11/2023 02:56:41 PM
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The chair of our Kesher Israel Committee shares with us these articles of interest on Israeli news, history, and society:
"Germany sets up panel to review 1972 Munich Olympic attack" (AP News, April 21, 2023)
"Israel’s Declaration of Independence — May 14, 1948" (Times of Israel)
“Tens of thousands join protests against Israeli judicial overhaul” (CNBC, May 7, 2023)
“Israel and the UAE join forces to accelerate AI innovation in Abu Dhabi” (Jerusalem Post, May 9, 2023)
Reach Out to Your Congresspeople for LGBTQ Rights
05/10/2023 08:17:38 AM
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We at TBE are partnering with Keshet and the Union for Reform Judaism and asking you to take action now for LGBTQ+ rights. Keshet, an organization that works for full equality of LGBTQ Jews, shared the following information. We ask you to read this message and take concrete steps to help combat hurtful legislation and support rights and dignity for all.
We’re living in a time of unprecedented attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, especially against trans youth. With over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country, we are asking you to take action now for our rights.
Here are two anti-LGBTQ+ bills that are moving at the federal level:
- HR 734, which would ban transgender and intersex youth from playing on school sports teams. If passed, this bill would take away the important social and health benefits, as well as the opportunities to build skills like teamwork, cooperation, and leadership, we know kids get from playing sports. (GLAD)
- HR 5, which would allow the federal government to act as a national school board. If passed, this bill would undermine local control of education, and hurt the ability of both parents and teachers to support children. This would allow for unprecedented federal government control and disrupt the public education system, undermine our communities (especially LGBTQ+ families and families of color), and take away the resources and support LGBTQ+ youth need to thrive. (GLAD)
Take action now against these bad bills!
The fact that many of our elected officials are spending time writing discriminatory legislation against youth who just want to play sports and live their lives is disheartening. The good news is that we at Keshet are fighting these bills – and we need the support of dedicated advocates and allies like yourself to ensure that these bills do not become law.
And, there is more good news! On April 19th, the Do No Harm Act was introduced. This bill would clarify that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act is intended to protect religious freedom without allowing the infliction of harm on other people, including LGBTQ+ people and members of nondominant faiths, like Judaism.
Take action now for this good bill!
It is important to fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and also fight for pro-LGBTQ+ legislation! We urge you to contact your elected officials and demand they support the LGBTQ+ community by voting NO on HR 734 & HR 5 and YES on the Do No Harm Act. As LGBTQ+ Jews and allies, we are compelled by our values to fight against injustice wherever we find it. We owe it to the LGBTQ+ youth in our lives and across the country to be firm against this proposed tyranny, and together, we can work toward a society where true equality is the law of the land.
Please join TBE members in participating in the actions listed above. Here is one more way for your voice to be heard:
The Union for Reform Judaism, Keshet, and 90 other organizations already sent a letter to the House of Representatives in April. Add your voice now!
We can make a difference as we commit to living our values and take a stand against injustice.
Celebrate Pride with Us!
05/09/2023 08:14:57 PM
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We celebrate LGBTQ+lives and fight for LGBTQ+ rights all year. In June, during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we celebrate the freedom to be ourselves even more!
Please join us for a colorful weekend June 9 and 10 featuring the work of LGBTQ+ artists in our worship and opportunities to eat, pray, craft, and learn together.
Before we begin our celebration, take a moment to learn about current legislation that can harm the freedom of many, and take action now.
Temple Beth El firmly believes in the Jewish value of b’tzelem Elohim, that we are all created in God’s image. We aim to create a community based on inclusion, collaboration, kindness, and equity, both in our congregation and in the wider community. Please see our Inclusivity and Accessibility page and our in-person information for details.
Pride Party
Friday, June 9, 6:30–7:30 pm • TBE
Dress up to show your pride and join us for a rainbow-themed celebration before our 7:30 pm Pride Shabbat worship. Enjoy a colorful array of sights, sounds, and tastes representing LGBTQ+ pride. This family-friendly event will include rainbow-colored foods, craft projects, a photo wall, and more.
To help our planning, RSVPs for the Pride Party are appreciated.
Pride Shabbat
Friday, June 9, 7:30–9:00 pm • TBE & YouTube
Our Shabbat service will feature melodies by LGBTQ+ writers and composers as well as songs with relevant themes. Our worship and community spaces will be decorated with lots of color!
Everyone is welcome!
Learn more and join us in person or online
Queering the Text: Finding Meaning in LGBTQ+ Perspectives on Torah
Saturday, June 10, 9:00–10:00 am • TBE & Zoom
Cantor Jacob Niemi will share examples of queer interpretations of text that add new facets to our understanding of Torah and its relevance in our lives. While this approach may be particularly meaningful to those who are LGBTQ+, the conversation will explore how reading through a “bent lens” (a term borrowed from David Shneer’s introduction to “Torah Queeries: Weekly Commentaries on the Hebrew Bible”) can deepen the experience of all who find meaning in the study of Torah.
Get in the Pride Spirit through Song
Watch the recordings of B’ou NashirPride playlistfrom 2021 and 2022 where Cantor Niemi shared songs with Pride themes and elevated the voices of the current generation of LGBTQ+ singers and songwriters to fill our souls.
Pride Resources
The 2020 Pride team put together a wonderful list of resources available on the Temple blog.
Want to join our PRIDE planning team? Have questions? Contact Aleeza A. Hoffert.
Sponsorships Strengthen Community Partnerships
04/24/2023 12:54:09 PM
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Temple Beth El has launched an annual sponsorship program that increases our revenue while giving sponsors the opportunity to connect with TBE members and our values. Sponsors choose a specific level, and then these businesses or organizations can share their company logo and their websites with the TBE community through our communication platforms. You can find all the details about the gold and silver sponsorship levels here.
We are pleased to announce that Cress Funeral Services is our first gold-level sponsor. You will be seeing their logo and a link to their website in various TBE communications, reminding us of their generous support and their connection to our community. If you know of a business or organization that would be interested in one of these sponsorships, please contact Stefanie Kushner at exec@tbemadison.org.
The Endowment for Spiritual Leadership
04/24/2023 12:45:45 PM
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Our endowment campaign continues to go strong, and we are grateful to all of our donors. As of March 23, over 120 households have donated more than $4.8 million to the Endowment for Spiritual Leadership. Every contribution represents a lasting and meaningful step toward transforming our future.
To ensure that we attain our goal of 100% community participation by June, TBE board members will be reaching out with phone calls to congregants we haven’t heard from. These phone calls will be a chance for you to have a conversation with board members about the details of the endowment and get answers to any questions you may have.
You can make your pledge by completing the form on the Endowment for Spiritual Leadership web page, emailing Stefanie Kushner (exec@tbemadison.org), or returning the donation card you received in the mail. Donations can be given over multiple years.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Stefanie Kushner at exec@tbemadison.org.
How Endowments Help Our Budget
04/24/2023 12:41:06 PM
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Throughout March, TBE staff and their committees finalize their budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on July 1. You can read more about the budget process here.
As we crunch the numbers, we are mindful that an important source of revenue comes from the interest income from our endowments. Here is how our endowments provide income:
- An administrative fee: 2% of the average balance of each endowment is taken as revenue. These funds help cover the expense of the bookkeeping and maintenance of these funds. In the fiscal year 2024 budget (starting on July 1, 2023), this totals just over $65,000.
- A distribution fee: 2% of the average balance of each endowment is taken as revenue to be used for the restricted purpose of the fund. For example, the purpose of the Blotner Family Music Fund is to “enhance liturgical and other music activities at TBE.” The distribution fee from this fund helps cover the cost of a piano accompanist at worship. The distribution fees provide $65,000 to help our budget.
The permanently endowed funds not only help our annual budget, but, because they continue to grow, they offer a source of income for the future. Donating to our existing endowed funds (including the Yerusha Fund and the Larry Kohn Chair for Jewish Learning), or to new endowments such as the Endowment for Spiritual Learning, helps Temple Beth El’s financial security both now and in the future. Your generous support of TBE’s endowments allows us to continue our forward-facing vision, looking toward a strong and vibrant future.
Yom Ha’atzma’ut: Israeli Independence Day
03/24/2023 05:22:11 PM
By Laurel Hefty
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Held on the fifth day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar (April 26, 2023), Yom Ha’atzmaut commemorates Israel’s independence in 1948. According to Jewish Virtual Library, “Israeli Independence Day is always immediately preceded by Yom Hazikaron—Memorial Day for the Fallen Israeli Soldiers. The message of linking these two days is clear: Israelis owe their independence—the very existence of the state—to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it.”
As Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion said, quoting Israel’s Declaration of Independence, "This is the natural right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate, like all other nations, in their own sovereign State."
As described at timeanddate.com:
Independence Day is a holiday in Israel, and like many Jewish observances, this "day" starts the evening beforehand. On this evening, the speaker of the Israeli Parliament, or Knesset, gives a speech and there is a dramatic televised presentation. Groups of soldiers carry Israeli flags and form shapes that represent symbols of Judaism, including a … menorah and a … Star of David. In addition, 12 beacons are lit by people who made a special contribution to Israeli society in a particular field. Each of the beacons represents one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Many people hold parties or sing and dance in the streets to celebrate and fireworks are set off. ... It is also common to display the Israeli flag prominently on homes and cars. Many religious people may read the Torah or say the Hallel, which are six Psalms, or blow the shofar. …
Yom Ha'atzmaut is also celebrated by [Jews living in the Diaspora]. ...
[Yom Ha’atzmaut] is not celebrated by everyone. … Many Arabs feel that the day, which they call al-Nakba, the disaster, represents a loss of national identity.
Expansion of the Reform Movement in Israel
03/24/2023 05:16:18 PM
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We are happy to share with you some of the ways the Reform movement has expanded in Israel.
The first Reform congregation in Israel, Har-El in Jerusalem, opened its doors in 1958, yet Reform and Progressive Judaism in Israel existed even earlier. A popular myth is that Reform Judaism in Israel is transplanted from North America, but actually its founders were from Western Europe and from Israel itself. A branch of the American Reform seminary, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, founded its first Jerusalem campus in 1963, yet today’s movement is deeply rooted in Israel and has expanded over the years.
According to the Union for Reform Judaism, communities affiliated with Reform Judaism in Israel now include:
- 50 congregations and community centers throughout Israel
- 50 kindergartens, five elementary schools, and two high schools
- 100 Reform rabbis ordained in Israel
- 120 Reform rabbis in Israel
- 500 young people have participated in pre-army programs
- 500 weddings a year performed by movement-affiliated rabbis
- 1,000 campers participate annually in summer camps programs
- 1,500 b’nai mitzvah ceremonies were held during 2016 at Israeli Reform congregations
- 12,000 families are affiliated with Reform/Progressive communities and educational institutions
Read more about Reform Judaism in Israel on the URJ website.
Letter to President Biden Supporting Democracy in Israel
03/24/2023 05:10:42 PM
by Joanna Berke, Kesher Israel Committee chair
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This is a letter written to President Biden by the chair of our Kesher Israel Committee, who presents it in the hope that others will write to President Biden and their representatives asking for support of democracy in Israel.
Dear President Biden,
Israel has just elected Netanyahu as its new Prime Minister. It was a tight election with half the population voting for a liberal government.
P.M. Netanyahu has brought with him an ultra-Orthodox cabinet prepared to eradicate all the equal rights declared by Israel's Declaration of Independence, many of which had been reintroduced by the outgoing government. For many reasons, including the elimination of the "right of return law," these ultra-Orthodox changes will affect those of us in the U.S. and the wider Western hemisphere as well as in Israel.
The U.S. is committed to Israel politically, economically, and morally.
I'm writing to plead with you to stand by Israel and its people in this most precarious moment. Please exert any possible influence on P.M. Netanyahu. Please ask him to use his common sense when moving forward with this newly chosen cabinet.
Thank you.
Joanna S. Berke
The Kesher Israel Committee hopes that this letter might inspire others to learn more. Please write to your representatives encouraging them to support Israel in this most difficult of times.
Letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu Regarding the New Knesset
03/24/2023 05:01:26 PM
by Joanna Berke, Kesher Israel Committee chair
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We present this letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu in the hope that others will find inspiration in it to contact members of the Knesset. Their individual contact information follows the letter.
Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,
I am a Reform Zionist Jew living in the U.S. city of Madison, Wisconsin. I find it hard to express myself to you at this time of change. The changes your government is proposing are so very threatening and hurtful to me.
I have lived a Jew and, in time, I will die a Jew. I've visited Israel three times, each as part of a group of congregants of Temple Beth El, Madison, Wisconsin. When I stepped off the bus and looked up at Jerusalem for the first time I had a spiritual sense that I was home. I see, feel and believe that Israel is my homeland. Yet, under the new government it would be impossible for me to settle there.
My family is 50% gay yet your government would throw out the gay community.
My daughter and son-in-law are black. What would you do with black minorities in Israel?
I am a Jew. I study Torah every Saturday morning with a group of scholars. We follow the Israeli sequence. I am a Jew through blood, I'm a Jew through history, and I'm a Jew according to the moral teachings of Torah and Talmud.
And there I come to the central issue: where is your morality that you would erase whole portions of the Jewish people from existence?
If this government continues as is, you will split the Diaspora from the rest of Judaism and cripple the growth of our Nation.
Please think carefully about this, Mr. Prime Minister. The future of our people is at stake.
Sincerely,
Joanna Berke
Chair, Kesher Israel Committee
Madison, WI 53711
Email addresses for prime minister and other Knesset members for communication:
Benjamin Netanyahu - bnetanyahu@knesset.gov.il
Danny Danon - ddanon@knesset.gov.il
Moshe Saada - mosaada@knesset.gov.il
Itamar Ben-Gvir - ibengvir@knesset.gov.il
Nir Barkat - nbarkat@knesset.gov.il
The Challenges of the 25th Knesset: Theirs and Ours
03/24/2023 04:56:33 PM
by Rabbi Jonathan Biatch and Joanna Berke, Kesher Israel Committee chair
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The 25th Knesset, elected November 1, 2022, consists of 120 representatives representing 12 political parties that all received at least 3.25% of the votes in the most recent election. In order to form a government, one political party must receive enough votes to give them one more than 50% of the Knesset (MKs). If that threshold is not met, party leaders can attempt to form coalitions representing a number of parties, if the parties and the MKs agree. (Such coalition agreements may be built on mutually beneficial ideological or practical lines; there is no norm and no legal requirement for any one party to pair with another.)
Because Likud, the party of Benjamin Netanyahu, received a large number of votes in the last election and was able to convince Israel’s president that he could amass a coalition of at least 61 members, the president gave Netanyahu a “mandate” (permission with a three-week shelf life) to form a coalition government. And, indeed, he subsequently formed the current governing coalition consisting of 64 MKs representing right-wing, conservative, ultra-Orthodox, and settler-driven parties, each with their unique political and philosophical direction, each willing to provide mutual support to the other coalition partners.
Many observers report that the current government is the most politically conservative ever elected in Israel. Yet despite that government’s majority, their coalition is fragile, and they cannot afford to have even one Knesset member defect from the coalition. So, everyone must be appeased in some way.
There are at least five problematic areas where this coalition has raised the ire of liberal Israel:
- Prioritizing Orthodox denominations by foreclosing the possibility of any egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall; forbidding non-Orthodox conversions; and amending the Law of Return to prohibit those with only one Jewish grandparent to qualify to enter Israel under the Law.
- Eliminating outside speakers in public schools who, in the eyes of the new authority, would bring “inappropriate” materials, such as information about gender diversity and other LGBTQ matters; and eliminating the use of non-Orthodox resources for teaching about society, which is currently done by Reform and other liberal streams of Judaism.
- Allowing the young Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men—not to mention young women—to return to studies and elect not to serve in the army or offer national service.
- Imposing Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox curriculum materials in public schools.
- Altering the status quo and loosening Jewish prayer restrictions on the Temple Mount, an area where exclusively Muslim worship is now permitted.
For these reasons and others, Israeli Jews have been motivated to protest in the streets since the beginning of this government.
Volunteer opportunities
02/24/2023 10:53:26 AM
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Looking to volunteer? Need a b’nai mitzvah project? Here are ways to help people in our community.
Bring the Whole Mishpacha (Family) to Mitzvah Day!
• Through April 23, we’re collecting items to use and donate as part of Mitzvah Day. See what we’re collecting.
• On April 23 we’ve got community service projects all day long. Learn more and register for a project or two.
• Come shop at the Social Justice Fair, open to the public (invite your local friends!).
Earthquake Relief for Turkey and Syria
The recent major earthquakes along the Turkish-Syrian border and the great loss of life and property reminds us of the need to reach out to our fellow human beings to offer what we can. Please contribute to relief efforts at Turkish Philanthropy Funds, a charity given a 100% rating by Charity Navigator.
Volunteer Drivers Needed for Immigration Appointments
The Dane Sanctuary Coalition provide rides for immigrants to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices in Milwaukee, Waukegan, IL, and Chicago, as well as the United States Immigration Court in Chicago. Recently we have started to offer local rides to immigrants who need to meet with local immigration attorneys but who live in parts of Dane County without much public transportation.
When a ride is needed, Dan Zimmerman or Dineen Grow, the co-coordinators for the volunteer driver program, send out an email to the list of volunteers. Volunteer drivers only commit to a specific ride based on their availability. For the longer trips, partial compensation for mileage and parking is available. If you’re interested, there is a virtual training session about the role and responsibilities of a volunteer driver, USCIS processes, etc. Email Dan Zimmerman or call him at his home at 608-241-1158. zimmerman_dan@hotmail.com
Serving Meals at the Catholic Multicultural Center
If you are looking for a fun, easy opportunity to help the community and spend quality time as a team or group, you can help serve a meal at the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC). CMC provides free meals every day to community members on Madison's south side and people experiencing homelessness. Our volunteers set out and serve the food, join the meal, and then do the dishes and clean up. The Catholic Multicultural Center is located at 1862 Beld Street, Madison, WI 53713.
Our TBE team is signed up to help on the third Tuesday of each month. Our next days will be March 21 and April 18, 3:30–5:30 pm. If you’re interested in engaging with other TBE members to meet this critical community need, click the sign-up link. Contact Sue Levy if you have questions.
Court Observers for Criminal and Eviction Court
Several Temple Beth El members act as court observers under a program run by the Nehemiah Center for Urban Development, watching and reporting on criminal and/or eviction court hearings. Observers make their own schedules and are expected to observe about four hours each month. For more information, you can contact any of those currently involved: Betsy Abramson, Lynn Silverman, or Cari DiTullio.
Middle School Literacy and Math Tutors
The Racial Justice Action Team is partnering with the Urban League of Greater Madison to recruit adults as literacy or math tutors in Madison’s middle schools. Volunteers complete online trainings and then select the middle school of their choice to commit to at least one hour each week working with individual students. You can begin to explore this opportunity by completing the volunteer tutor application. To learn more about it from a tutor who participated this spring, please contact Betsy Abramson at 608-332-7867, who tutored in algebra twice/week at O’Keeffe Middle School. She learned a lot of algebra herself and reports great satisfaction in helping a 7th grader catch up in this critical skill.
Volunteering through Jewish Social Services
Jewish Social Services succeeds because of its fabulous team of volunteers who serve as drivers, friendly visitors, events supporters, language tutors, helpers with the Refugee Resettlement program, and so much more. Here are some volunteer roles:
• Individual and family support: Extend and provide support by helping clients coping with a move, changes or challenges in their life situations, and being an ally and resource person.
• Driver: This may be combined with individual/family support volunteering or as designated shopper. Provide rides to clients for appointments and other destinations is on an as-needed and as-available basis.
• Designated shopper: Provide assistance and companionship by going shopping or running errands with or for clients.
• Spiritual care volunteers: Visit people in memory care, after specific training for such visits.
• Office help: Assist in various tasks as needed for mailings, record keeping, etc.
• Volunteer for holiday, social events, and Shabbats: Assist staff to help participants, family and friends enjoy and participate in meals and events. Put together holiday gift bags, and/or deliver holiday treats to people in their homes and facilities.
• Child care volunteers: Provide child care during an Afghan women’s support group on Thursdays at 10:00 am at the Northport Community Center. The children range from infants to age 5.
• Refugee mentorship through Aljirani Madison: Aljirani Madison (from the Swahili “jirani” and Arabic “aljar,” both meaning “neighbor”) is a six-month volunteering program that pairs a companion or small group of companions with a refugee or refugee family to provide a warm welcome, companionship, and practical help. Contact Erica Serlin or Lynn Silverman to hear about their experience and learn more about the program.
• Co-sponsorship: Help with refugee resettlement. Activities include finding and preparing homes before arrival, greeting the family at the airport, connecting them with local services, helping them secure employment, and providing transportation as needed, all with assistance from JSS’s experienced staff.
• Community Action for Refugee Arrivals (CARA) Program: Support JSS refugee clients by setting up apartments and engaging the broader community in ways to make Madison an even more welcoming place for refugees.
For all JSS volunteer-related questions, contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org.
Blockstein Lecture Emphasizes Community Building and Working-Class Support
02/24/2023 10:45:42 AM
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This year’s speaker for the Liesl M. Blockstein Memorial Lecture on February 12 was State Representative Francesca Hong, who represents an Assembly district in central and northeast Madison. Representative Hong works to build community and support the working class through issues such as housing access, climate justice, labor rights, and educational and racial equity.
Rep. Hong introduced her family and spoke about her upbringing, the difficulties they faced as immigrants, and the religious and cultural values that inform her work as a legislator. She noted that discussions in the Wisconsin legislature too often come from a mindset of scarcity where people are pitted against each other to divide resources, a mindset that favors the already rich and powerful. Rep. Hong believes there are enough resources in this country for everyone to be housed and educated, and she rejects the mindset that some must be diminished for others to succeed. She hopes to push our politics toward a mindset of abundance, where we work together to fashion lives of goodness and dignity for all people.
When asked what can be done to support these goals, she urged people to push back through voting and asking others to vote. She also suggested that we talk with our friends and neighbors about our hopes for a more just society and ways public policy can offer concrete solutions.
Here are her remarks:
Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for being here and for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today. The Liesl M. Blockstein Memorial Lecture is truly an honor; its legacy of activism and public service a guiding light for our community. I would like to thank Kai Mishlove-Gardner and Rabbi Biatch for inviting me today, and thank my family for friends for being here with me.
My name is Francesca Hong. I’m the daughter of Korean immigrants, a small business owner, a proud mother, and state representative for the 76th assembly district here in Madison.
My story is not unlike many of yours here today; my parents, deeply devoted, hardworking individuals, instilled in me the importance of resilience and determination at a young age. I grew up watching my father navigate the unrelenting, often impassive world of higher education as an immigrant while my mother made a new home and career in a city and country far away from the familiarity of her homeland. Their struggles and their accomplishments became guidelines by which I swore I’d live my life—their sacrifices an inspiration and their adversity my driving force.
As many children do, I looked up to them. Begrudgingly at first, of course we all have moments when we think we know better than the people raising us, but eventually it transforms into an immeasurable respect and awe.
I was intrigued that at the heart of their values was a deep, unrelenting faith that defined their lives and I would come to hope, would define mine.
As many of you know, faith is a complexity. For my parents, it of course meant church. Devotion to a higher entity at its simplest form is in what you believe and how you believe it.
But for them, faith also meant comfort, courage and community. I saw that inherent to my parents’ commitment to religion, was a commitment to the collective. My mother is a music teacher, my father is a sociologist and so naturally enough that commitment reached far beyond Sunday services and into their careers.
They are two people committed to community through faith, a theme that is shared by many in this room and is a defining tenet of the wonderful organizations hosting us today, Jewish Social Services, Temple Beth El, and of course the legacy of Liesl M. Blockstein.
My parents are Catholic, my sister is Jewish, and many in this room hold a similar or different religious background. But no matter what we believe, the sense of responsibility to our community is a common denominator that unites us.
So today, I hope to talk about that common denominator. What community is and how community can ultimately set us free.
What makes a community?
On the near west side of this city near UW–Madison, there’s a little neighborhood called Eagle Heights. There, I spent my formative years in a sort of utopia. University graduate students and their families from all over the world made Eagle Heights home; our playgrounds were diverse and our community safe from the often harsh realities of an America that did not welcome immigrants as openly as this little neighborhood did.
But as I grew up and moved away further west, the bubble burst. I was no longer sheltered and protected by the diversity of university housing. I made my way into white spaces where I was forced to re-evaluate my value, identity and purpose almost constantly. I had suddenly and unexpectedly discovered segregated Madison, where the color of my skin mattered, but not in any way that was fair. Or maybe in a sense, segregated Madison had discovered me.
I struggled from grade school through high school with the concepts of identity and belonging brought on by my transition into a mostly white school (where my conflicts too often occurred with other students of color, and I didn't realize until later how deeply white supremacy is engrained to pit those with vulnerable senses of belonging and identity to not be supportive but competitive).
I was missing those playgrounds where every language was spoken and where different fragrant lunches were normal and intriguing. I was missing a place where it seemed there was always someone to listen, empathize, and help. A place where the collective looked out for the individual.
I was suddenly different and made to reckon with assimilation, privilege, white supremacy and the isolation those bring. And at an early age I understood the absence of community, and the harm its absence does. Community at a foundational level is a place where equity, justice, and inclusivity take priority.
But it wasn’t until my service in government, did I realize that community is most importantly, a place where abundance replaces the scarcity mindset.
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If you tune into politics, or any sort of debate where policy makers are discussing a specific budget proposal, there are usually two sides. A side that argues for a policy on the basis of its value to a constituency, and a side that argues against that policy on the basis of its cost. For many of the issues that come before us legislators like healthcare, childcare, public education, immigration, and the like, we have to make the case, and sometimes beg, that an investment is worth the expenditure it takes.
In some cases, it’s a way of keeping good governance, a way of making sure that we are responsible stewards of taxpayer money. But in a lot of cases, especially those that regard progressive policy initiatives like racial equity, it’s a way for the powerful and wealthy to maintain their control through a cynical brand of politics that prioritizes austerity over care.
The contrast in how government works and how our communities responded to the Covid crisis really exemplified for me the detriment of scarcity mindsets.
As an independent restaurant owner, I saw my fellow industry folks jump into action to help each other in a time of great uncertainty. I saw advocacy organizations pool resources to help people trying to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table. I saw a community look after itself when the economic and political safety nets that were supposed to catch us tore because of the pandemic. All of this while the government debated how much help we deserved.
These individuals didn’t weigh the cost of helping before they extended a hand, they understood the importance of mutual aid and rejected the scarcity mindset. They lived up to what it means to be a community.
It’s important to always keep in mind that scarcity mindsets have been imposed on us by the white supremacist systems that want us to feel like we can’t have it all. That we can’t have the beauty of Eagle Heights in every corner of our state. That our society must segregate and minimize others in order for a few to rise to the top.
Mia Birdsong, a Black activist and storyteller in Oakland, describes it like this:
“The American Dream’s focus on getting ahead is a race to win so you don’t lose. It plays into our well-developed fear instincts, creating a real and imagined scarcity of resources, time, and money. This fear-based sense of scarcity pits us against one another. It also leaves us with a poorly developed sense of ‘enough,’ both of the material and of love and care.”
So what makes a community? Abundance. The belief that there is always more to give and more to have. The faith and perspective to understand that good can never come with an expense if it is done in the effort to help others.
I reject the notion that we need to choose between our individual success and doing good. Actually, I think it’s not only possible, but necessary to create another option together.
We must pave a path that acknowledges that we are all inextricably bound together—that our success is tied to the well being of one another and our planet—that we are all better off when we work together.
We must strive to recreate Eagle Heights and the community present in this room here, everywhere we are.
So how can community set us free?
Birdsong reminds me that when we actually look at the resources in the U.S., there is plenty here for all of us to eat, to be housed, to have a comfortable life, a good education, and quality health care. Any politician who claims otherwise does so from a place of cynicism or self-interest.
Abundance for everyone is possible, if we as a society—and as leaders—make different choices about what we prioritize, about how we care for each other.
Therefore, in order for us to fight the evils that face our society today we need to truly internalize, politicians especially, that our success and our hurt intertwine. And we can only do that when we commit, unrelentingly to the collective and to care.
There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
And to this effect, throughout history, there have been many examples of how communities united achieved the impossible and went far in the fight for justice and freedom.
Here in Wisconsin for example, Senator Gaylord Nelson rallied an estimated 20 million people and thousands of events 53 years ago in the first major environmental protest that lives on to this day as the annual celebration of Earth Day.
The Stonewall riots, where LGBTQ+ people rebelled against discriminatory policing strategies and violence, lasted five days and later inspired protests across the country and marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Battle of Blair Mountain, where 10,000 West Virginia coal miners marched in protest of perilous work conditions, squalid housing and low wages, and other grievances, was the largest labor uprising in American history and its legacy defines the worker rights movement today.
From these stories and many others, it’s clear that our communities are often the first line of defense to many crises that require institutional, systemic change.
Walter Brueggemann once said (by way of Harvard’s Marshall Ganz) “...prophetic imagination or transformational vision occurs at the intersection of two elements: criticality, a clear vision of the world’s hurt, of its needs, of its pain, coupled with hope, a sense of the world’s promise and possibility.”
Only at the core of our communities do we discover what we need and only with unity and an abundance mindset do we reconcile our shortcomings and build a better, more equitable future.
Our communities set us free by allowing us that transformational vision. That prophetic imagination, as Brueggemann put it, is hard to come by alone.
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I want to round out today’s lecture with an ask of all of you. An ask of those of you, like my parents, who have committed to serving your community through devotion and faith.
My ask is that you understand your care, your potential, your power. That you recommit to deeply understanding that a group of people, linked together in kindness, in generosity, and in hope can massively impact the world.
Faith communities have always had a unique role to play in changing our American political climate for the better. From the Jewish Tzedakah to the Muslim Zakat, the Christian Stewardship to the Buddhist Dana, the values of good doing and charity are tremendous tools to counteract the scarcity mindset our politics push.
And now, when it comes to the fight for reproductive health freedom for example, or the fight to protect and affirm our LGBTQ youth, faith communities are uniquely situated to push back on Christofacists or other religious hardliners who are much more interested in dividing us than anything else. There is room enough in this country for us to be who we are, love who we want, and live our lives with agency over our bodies and destinies. To dream and hope how we want.
As we stand in our current political climate, it is true that the road ahead is uncertain, but it is not unfamiliar. There’s suffering and anguish in our communities but as I’ve learned from all of you, they are but a lighthouse to firmly guide us to a better future.
To transform our society, we need your voices to resonate in every corner of this state. We need the inherent goodness and dignity that is foundational to the faith community to guide us forward. And we need it not just as democrats or republicans, but as Americans, as people deeply committed to democracy, progress, and representation.
Thank you for the belonging you’ve given me today—the kindness and love you’ve extended by inviting me to speak. I am honored to be in community with you and look forward to all that we achieve together.
Constitutional Amendments and Advisory Referenda on the April Ballot
02/24/2023 10:36:56 AM
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On April 4, in addition to the Supreme Court election and local elections, Wisconsin voters will find three or possibly four ballot propositions. The Legislature has recently approved two proposals to amend the state constitution, both related to conditions of cash bail, and one advisory question related to work requirements for welfare recipients. Another advisory question that is working its way through the Legislature would ask voters whether school districts should be prohibited from teaching that one race or sex is superior or responsible for past acts.
The Legislature approved two potential constitutional amendments during the last two legislative sessions, which will become law if approved by the voters in April. These measures would authorize judges to consider certain conditions when setting bail, beyond the current use of bail only to assure the defendant’s appearance in court, and would allow the Legislature to define some of the conditions. For the complete text of these measures and arguments for and against them, see the following pages on Ballotpedia, a nonpartisan political explanatory website:
Question 1: Conditions of Release Before Conviction
Question 2: Conditions for Cash Bail Amendment
The legislature has also voted to place an advisory question on the April ballot. Senate Joint Resolution 4 asks: “Shall able-bodied, childless adults be required to look for work in order to receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits?” State law currently requires unemployment applicants to provide proof of at least four “work search actions” each week to receive benefits.
Advisory Question: Work Requirements for Welfare
Another advisory referendum is currently pending and could potentially appear on the April ballot. Senate Joint Resolution 7 calls for an advisory referendum on the question of whether school districts should be prohibited from providing curriculum or instruction to students that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex or that an individual by virtue of the individual’s race or sex bears responsibility for acts committed in the past by other individuals of the same race or sex. This item will appear on the April ballot if it is adopted at least 45 days before the election.
The governor requested that the Legislature add a ballot proposition to repeal the state’s 1849 abortion ban law, but the Legislature declined to do so.
You can read more about these referenda from Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice.
Temple Beth El Takes on Climate Change
02/24/2023 10:22:18 AM
by Marta Karlov
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TBE will be installing and activating solar panels this summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Goodman Foundation and the tireless efforts of various committees, volunteers and staff. Not only is this effort consistent with our commitment to tikkun olam; it is also expected to result in an initial savings of $12,000 per year. This will allow us to continue our responsible stewardship of congregation resources. According to Dan Esser, “we feel strongly that we want to be good stewards of the earth and that there is no reason to waste money on things.”
This story starts with formation of the Capital Needs Assessment (CNA) Task Force in 2018 to determine priority improvements for our building and the resources required. This team determined that our sound system and sanctuary needed revamping, and that solar panels would be a worthy investment. The first two areas of work were completed during the pandemic years, when it became clear that our sanctuary layout was not conducive to safe distancing and that an updated sound system was required to offer high-quality hybrid services. Solar panels were put on hold, since there wasn’t enough money for everything. At the same time, our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system needed urgent maintenance—wear and tear were taking a toll and it had become inefficient, requiring substantial investment.
Still, the CNA Task Force, the House Committee, the Environment and Climate Change Action Team, our executive director, and our building staff continued to pursue how we could install solar panels. In June 2022, Stefanie Kushner submitted a grant proposal to the Goodman Foundation for solar panel purchase and installation, using the cost information obtained by the CNA team. TBE was awarded a grant of up to $300,000 in October of that year. The grant stipulates that we apply for all other relevant rebates and incentives. So with assistance from Full Spectrum Solar, our solar panel provider, we will be requesting support from AB RENEW WI Solar, MadiSUN Backyard, and Focus on Energy Commercial.
Installing something heavy on our roof turns out to not be a walk in the park; it requires coordination with a number of contractors. The TBE team, led by Dan Esser as project manager, includes Stefanie Kushner and Facilities Coordinator Steven Gregorius, in collaboration with the House Committee, the Environment and Climate Change Action Team, and the CNA Task Force. This team is (literally) laying the foundation for a successful project through a number of related upgrades. This means replacing parts of our aging roof, some of which is 27 years old, at a cost of approximately $100,000 starting this spring. Some HVAC rooftop units and duct work will have to be lifted and new rubber installed underneath. Space in the building will also be needed to house inverters that convert energy generated to usable energy (DC to AC). Thanks to the generous help of TBE Sisterhood, this space has already been secured.
The end goal is for 189 solar panels to be online by fall 2023, after a net investment by TBE/Goodman Foundation of approximately $150,000 for solar panel installation and connection to the MG&E grid. Recoupment of this investment through energy savings is projected to take about 12 years.
Our commitment to tikkun olam also includes an evaluation by Richard Peidelstein, congregation member and expert in building energy efficiency, to identify ways to optimize our HVAC system. From his home, Richard has been able to remotely diagnose our energy efficiency performance and identify actions we can take to improve.
This is all good news—knowing the problem is a great start for addressing it. And our strong community of staff and volunteers is up to the challenge. As Dan says, “spending up to $300,000 is a big deal.” We have no doubt that with his commitment and strong support from the TBE staff and community every penny will be invested wisely, with big returns.
“Protecting Our Democracy”: Social Action Shabbat and Dinner
02/24/2023 10:03:35 AM
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“Protecting Our Democracy” is the topic for this year’s Social Action Shabbat on March 31. Our speaker will be Dan Lenz, staff counsel at Law Forward in Madison. Dan will talk about what is and is not working in our democracy today, threats that he sees on the horizon, things we can look forward to, and what we can do to strengthen democracy and our political institutions in Wisconsin. Dan came to Law Forward in 2021 with over a decade of litigation experience. He has worked on cases involving ballot access, administrative law, and responding to sham election investigations.
Dan grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, attending Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion and Habonim Dror Camp Tavor. He moved to Madison in 2003 and now calls it home, living on the East Side with his wife Lisa. In his free time, Dan volunteers for various festivals, is on the board of the SASY Neighborhood Association, bikes around town, and sees as much live music as he can.
Since opening their doors in 2020, Law Forward has engaged in crucial fights for ballot access, led the fight for fair redistricting, protected separation of powers, advocated for the judiciary’s constitutional role, and convened broad coalitions to resist election subversion and ensure fair, free elections.
Prior to services, the Social Action Committee is delighted to invite TBE members of all ages to a very special Shabbat dinner starting at 6:00 pm. The dinner will be catered by Awa Sibi, the owner of Les Delices de Awa. The menu will be Awa’s signature grilled chicken, jollof rice with mixed vegetables, a tomato-based vegetable stew, and couscous. Water, sparkling water, and red and white wine will also be served. Dessert will be offered during the oneg following services, including items from Just Bakery. Cost is $25 for adults (13+) and $10 for kids age 12 and under. Register for the dinner here.
Awa emigrated from the Ivory Coast and launched her catering business in 2018. Her menus feature items from her native Côte d’Ivoire, as well as Senegal, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and the Mediterranean. She developed her passion for cooking spending time in her family kitchen with her mother, making flavorful meals that brought joy to the table. Awa’s business was one of the first recipients of a grant from the Urban League’s Together We Build Wealth Fund for Black entrepreneurs. Read more about Awa in this article from the Wisconsin State Journal.
Please register here by March 16 to join us for dinner.
Mitzvah Day Registration Is Open! Many Ways to Get Involved in Our Day of Service and Community
02/23/2023 04:47:05 PM
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Often, we refer to a mitzvah as a “good deed,” but mitzvot (plural) literally translated means “commandments,” the deeds that Jewish people are required to do. The idea of mitzvot puts the emphasis on action: not just positive thoughts or wishes, but conscious acts of empathy and kindness.
A duty to action, g’milut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world) as we strive to be menches (good or righteous people)—that is what Mitzvah Day is all about. We’ll spend the day getting to know each other better across generations as we work together for the greater good of the Madison community and the world. Acts of g’milut chasadim are central to Judaism. We should do g’milut chasadim without anticipation of receiving something in return.
Picture yourself knitting at Café Panim or painting the walls at Just Bakery. Imagine writing letters to veterans or soldiers or to children in Israel. Maybe you can see yourself cooking at the Ronald McDonald House, cleaning up the shore of Lake Wingra, or providing manicures and visiting with seniors at Capitol Lakes. These are a few examples of projects you can register for. Registration is first come, first served, so please register early and let Aleeza know if your plans change.
One of the most basic mitzvot is tzedakah (charity), or giving to those in need. In the Torah, God tells the children of Israel that giving to the needy is akin to giving directly to God. In the weeks leading up to Mitzvah Day, you will have a chance to participate in a collection drive for diapers, toiletries, food, school supplies, and yarn. Some of these items will be used in projects, such as the school supplies in refugee kids’ welcome bags, or they will be donated directly to partner organizations such as the Mt. Zion Food Pantry or Village Diaper Bank. We’re also doing a friendly competition among our Religious School grades to help collect some of these items. Learn more on what we’re collecting and join us in doing this mitzvah together.
Several Mitzvah Day projects will help repair our physical world, while others will emphasize social relationships and inclusion. We will participate in outdoor cleanups and gardening, make blankets for kids in hospitals, cook meals to be distributed by the Catholic Multicultural Center, help organize the GSAFE offices, and more. These are all fantastic projects that rejuvenate our physical environment or make connections with people who may feel isolated or in need of human contact.
The biggest mitzvah of all is to save a human life. To save one life is as if you’ve saved the world. Be The Match will be available on Mitzvah Day to help those ages 18–35 swab their cheeks and be added to a registry that is searched when an individual needs a life-saving stem cell transplant. Get swabbed in the morning during Religious School/Café Panim or in the late afternoon at our Social Justice Fair. Even if you are not 18–40, there are two ways you can help with this. First, sign up as one of the volunteers to help register people during Mitzvah Day (training provided). Second, share this important opportunity with others and have come to Temple anytime from 3:00 to 5:30 pm, when this opportunity is open to the public. Please help spread the word.
Our Social Justice Fair from 3:00 to 5:30 pm is open to the public, so please invite your friends to come and support the nonprofit organizations selling their products in the Weinstein Community Court, including ArtWorking (artworking.org), Just Bakery (justdane.org), and Porchlight Products (porchlight.org). For details please visit our Social Justice Fair page. As you finish your afternoon projects please come stop by the Social Justice Fair, then join us for dinner.
Thanks to our Youth Education Committee for coordinating lunch for our Religious School families, with pasta and sandwiches donated by Adamah and Great Dane. Students are encouraged to write a letter to students at our sister congregations in Israel during lunch as well.
We’ll end our day of service together in community in the Swarsensky Social Hall for dinner. We’ll reflect on the day, share meaningful moments, and schmooze with friends over pizza donated by Rocky Rococo. Thanks to TBE Sisterhood for helping with dinner.
Please see the TBE calendar for full project details and registration. Questions? Contact Aleeza A. Hoffert, program coordinator, at engage@tbemadison.org or 608-238-3123, or one of our Mitzvah Day chairs: Lynn Renner, Linda Reivitz, and Staci Rieder.
Company or Organization Help Needed to Host a Summer Intern
02/22/2023 08:33:52 AM
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Could you help host a summer intern from the Boys & Girls Club at your company or organization? For the third year, the Jewish Federation of Madison has awarded Temple Beth El's Racial Justice Action Team a grant to help us place high school and college students served by the Boys & Girls Club to experience an internship to learn valuable job skills. According to Jewish tradition, this is the highest form of tzedakah: teaching someone to become self-sufficient. Companies and organizations can select whether to have a high school or college student and may host the student for six, seven, or eight weeks, up to 20 hours/per week. Students are paid $15/hour, usually paid by the host site, but grant funds can be used to subsidize some of the costs. Even if you can't host a student, perhaps you'd like to help contribute to the cost of a student at an employment site. To explore whether this opportunity is a good fit for your work site, or to contribute, please contact Betsy Abramson, 608-332-7867 or betsyabramson@gmail.com
Sponsorship Opportunities: A Program for Partnerships
02/06/2023 12:40:52 PM
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TBE leaders have been exploring ways to increase revenue and decrease costs. One innovative approach that we are excited to pursue is to leverage our impactful communication channels to connect our community with organizations and vendors that share Temple Beth El’s principles and vision. After carefully researching other organizations that do this, and learning that many businesses look for these opportunities, we developed an annual sponsorship program.
A business or organization can choose between two levels of sponsorship, offering different ways to share their website, contact information, and logo with our community, through TBE’s print and online communications. See our sponsorship form to learn more about the levels and benefits of this program.
We are excited to launch this program to partner with businesses and organizations and share their information with our community. If you know of an organization or business that may be interested, please contact Stefanie Kushner (exec@tbemadison.org).
Endowment for Spiritual Leadership
02/06/2023 12:32:39 PM
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Thank you to all TBE members who have donated to the Endowment for Spiritual Leadership. Ninety-three households had donated as of January 22, for a total of $4.7 million in pledges. We have received $2.6 million in donations already! To be successful in reaching our $8 million goal, we need 100% participation from the Temple Beth El community. We are proud to say that we have 100% participation of the TBE Board of Trustees; we appreciate all the gifts our leaders share with TBE.
“We made our donation in honor of Rabbi Jonathan Biatch. He has been such an important part of our family’s life: from officiating our wedding to helping Melissa convert to Judaism, from baby naming ceremonies and very soon b’nai mitzvahs, Rabbi Biatch has been a steady, warm, and stimulating presence for us. We appreciate his thoughtful and progressive approach and are continually inspired by his actions and his words. We understand that this kind of leadership cannot be taken for granted, and we believe that it is our turn to contribute something extra to promote sustainable leadership into the future.”
—Lonnie and Melissa Berger
We recognize that TBE members have questions about the endowment. Last month, we mailed a brochure and reply card to households that have not yet donated, answering many of the questions that we have received. We hope that this information helps members make this important giving decision. You can see the brochure here.
“As those before us have helped establish the foundation for supporting our spiritual leaders, we feel it is important to contribute toward strengthening our community at this time.”
—Betsy Abramson and David Seligman
With your support we will reach our goal of 100% community participation by June 2023. Pledges can be paid over several years. If you have any questions about the endowment or ways to donate, please contact Stefanie Kushner (exec@tbemadison.org).
Thank You for Renewing Your Membership
02/06/2023 12:19:48 PM
By Stefanie Kushner, executive director
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As membership renewals have come in for 2023, we are grateful for all the Temple Beth El members who continued their memberships, and we welcome the new members who have joined us in the last month!
We received many renewals before the December 31 deadline for choosing a contribution amount. This year’s renewal process included applying a 10% increase for the automatic renewals that were completed at the beginning of 2023. This increase goes a long way toward helping us meet rising costs. I appreciate everyone’s understanding of this new approach, and I’m gratified by the positive response. This truly helps support TBE’s vision.
The number of households actively renewing by December 31 increased from last year, and those renewals included an increase in contributions! Over 60% of our community actively renewed their membership (up from 40% from last year). The households that renewed by December 31 and increased their contributions had an average increase of 14%. Thank you!
In January we automatically renewed the rest of the congregation, and January statements included a reminder of the 10% increase. Thank you for taking the time to read our communications throughout the fall that outlined these changes. We always appreciate your questions, and we hope that our transparency helped you prepare and make the best decisions for your household. We are pleased that so many congregants were supportive of the changes.
Membership contributions can be paid throughout the year. We ask that at least 50% be paid by August in order to receive your High Holy Day materials. You can set up automatic payments through your account on the TBE website or through your bank, or you can let Melissa Osborne know when you will be making payment(s).
As we communicated in our email about the staff transitions, starting in February we will be sending electronic statements only, unless you state that you prefer to receive a paper statement. If you would like to continue to receive a paper statement, please go to https://www.tbemadison.org/form/paperstatement or contact Melissa Osborne (melissa@tbemadison.org).
Thank you for your continuing support of Temple Beth El.
Wisconsin Supreme Court: Your Vote Is Needed on February 21
01/20/2023 11:49:29 AM
From the Social Action Committee
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The February 21 primary is crucial to the race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Because there are two conservative and two liberal candidates running, and February's primary will advance the top two vote getters, it is possible that two candidates with the same judicial philosophy could advance to the April 4 spring election. Not many people vote in spring primaries, so the results can be affected by a small shift in voting patterns.
The upshot is: if you want to make sure there is a candidate who reflects your values in April, you also need to vote in February!
What do you need to do to get ready?
• Make sure you’re registered to vote at your current address
• Request an absentee ballot if you will be out of town or busy that day
• Read nonpartisan candidate profiles and listen to candidate forums
• Learn how the court impacts issues you care about
To check your voter registration and request absentee ballots, check the state MyVote website.
For nonpartisan candidate profiles and links to candidate forums, try Ballotpedia.
For nonpartisan information about issues that may come before the Supreme Court, see Vote411. Important issues may include election administration, legislative redistricting, environmental regulation, government transparency, and reproductive health care.
Don’t put it off—if you’re going to be out of town, order your absentee ballot today! Municipal clerks also offer in-person early voting options in the two weeks prior to the election.
Rabbinic Transition: Frequently Asked Questions
01/13/2023 08:32:26 AM
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If you have questions about the upcoming rabbinic transition that will take place in July 2024, check out the FAQ document on the Members Only page of our website. You must be logged in to your account to view this page.
Volunteer opportunities
12/15/2022 03:09:39 PM
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Looking to volunteer? Need a b’nai mitzvah project? Here are ways to help people in our community.
Volunteer Drivers Needed for Immigration Appointments
The Dane Sanctuary Coalition provide rides for immigrants to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices in Milwaukee, Waukegan, IL, and Chicago, as well as the United States Immigration Court in Chicago. Recently we have started to offer local rides to immigrants who need to meet with local immigration attorneys but who live in parts of Dane County without much public transportation.
When a ride is needed, Dan Zimmerman or Dineen Grow, the co-coordinators for the volunteer driver program, send an email to the list of volunteers. Volunteer drivers only commit to a specific ride based on their availability. For longer trips, partial compensation for mileage and parking is available. If you’re interested, we invite you to attend a virtual training session about the role and responsibilities of a volunteer driver, USCIS processes, and other information. Contact Dan Zimmerman by email or call him at 608-241-1158.
Holiday Wish List for Porchlight Men’s Shelter
Porchlight shelter guests are always in need of personal supplies, and residents in Porchlight apartments need household items. During the holidays, Porchlight’s wish list also includes some games for entertainment at the shelter. Many of these items are easily ordered by using this Amazon wish list link and mailed directly to Porchlight at 306 N. Brooks Street, Madison, WI 53715. Items not ordered from Amazon can be dropped off at that address. Thank you for making the holiday season a little easier for Porchlight guests and tenants.
Cleaning supplies
- All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant wipes
- Floor cleaner (example: Pine-Sol)
- Bleach
- Dish soap (for individuals)
- Laundry soap (pods or powder)
- Brooms and dust pans
- Mops, buckets, or Swiffers
Household supplies
- Bowls and cups (microwave safe)
- Pots and pans
- Silverware
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- 13-gallon garbage bags
- Laundry basket
Shelter supplies—all travel size
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, 2-in-1
- Bar soap/body wash and lotion
- Razors and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Q-tips
- Antibiotic cream
- Burn cream
- Muscle cream
- Band-Aids
Serving Meals at the Catholic Multicultural Center
If you are looking for a fun, easy opportunity to help the community and spend quality time with friends, you can help serve a meal at the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC). CMC provides free meals every day to community members on Madison's south side and people experiencing homelessness. Our volunteers set out and serve the food, join the meal, and then do the dishes and clean up. The Catholic Multicultural Center is located at 1862 Beld Street, Madison, WI 53713.
Our TBE team is signed up to help on the third Tuesday of each month. Our next days will be Tuesdays, December 20, January 17, February 21, and March 21 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. If you’re interested in engaging with other TBE members to meet this critical community need, click the sign-up link. Although slots are currently full for December and January, please check the list for cancelations. Contact Sue Levy if you have questions.
Court Observers for Criminal and Eviction Court
Several Temple Beth El members act as court observers under a program run by the Nehemiah Center for Urban Development, watching and reporting on criminal and/or eviction court hearings. Observers make their own schedules and are expected to observe about four hours each month. For more information, you can contact any of those currently involved: Betsy Abramson, Lynn Silverman, or Cari DiTullio.
Helping the Allied Wellness Center Essentials Pantry
Twice each year Temple Beth El members raise funds to purchase critically needed personal hygiene, cleaning supplies, and gas and grocery gift cards for the Nehemiah Allied Wellness Center Essentials Pantry. The first drive is in January around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the second is at Juneteenth. Between the two drives, we raised over $4,700 in 2022 to support our neighbors in the Allied area. The first drive of 2023 is currently underway for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. You can make your tax-deductible donation on the Temple website (select Allied Wellness Center as the donation type). You can also mail a check to Temple Beth El (2702 Arbor Drive, Madison, WI 53711) with “Allied Wellness Center” in the memo.
The Allied Drive staff is now inspired to reach out to other Madison area congregations to follow our example, giving the Essentials Pantry a reliable source of funding for these items. If you would like to help with purchasing items, or getting the boxes ready on Mondays or Thursdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, contact Betsy Abramson to explore whether this volunteer role is a good fit for you.
Middle School Literacy and Math Tutors
The Racial Justice Action Team is partnering with the Urban League of Greater Madison to recruit adults as literacy or math tutors in Madison’s middle schools. Volunteers complete online training and then select the middle school of their choice to commit to at least one hour each week working with individual students. You can begin to explore this opportunity by completing the volunteer tutor application. To learn more about it from a tutor who participated this spring, please contact Betsy Abramson, who tutored in algebra twice/week at O’Keeffe Middle School, at 608-332-7867. She learned a lot of algebra herself and reports great satisfaction in helping a 7th grader catch up on critical skills lost during the a year of online school.
Volunteering through Jewish Social Services
Jewish Social Services succeeds because of its fabulous team of volunteers. Our volunteers serve as drivers, friendly visitors, events supporters, language tutors, helpers with the Refugee Resettlement program, and so much more. Here are some of our volunteer roles:
- Friendly visitor: Volunteers will visit and support people coping with memory loss and various forms of dementia. We will also have ongoing opportunities for training and staff support. Also looking for volunteer drivers, shopping companions, and persons to assist with blind and low-vision clients.
- Locating and securing safe, affordable housing: For newly arrived refugee families, we need people to conduct searches for housing, make calls to prospective property managers and other partners, and attend showings.
- Community Action for Refugee Arrivals (CARA) program: Support JSS refugee clients by setting up apartments and engaging the broader community in ways to make Madison an even more welcoming place for refugees.
- Office help: Assist in keeping track of participants in various social and educational activities. Help with recording and tracking volunteers.
- Volunteer at holiday, social events, and Shabbats: Help residents, family, and friends at retirement facilities to celebrate Shabbat. Seat guests, pour wine and juice, distribute challah, and interact with the residents and their families.
- Learn to be an English tutor: Thanks to Jewish Federation of Madison through the Cheryl Rosen Weston Fund, Jewish Social Services is partnering with the Literacy Network to offer training and volunteer opportunities working with adult learners in English as a Second Language, GED preparation, and/or general literacy skills. Check for further descriptions, specific training dates, applications, and other details on the Literacy Network website.
For all volunteer-related questions, contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org.
JSS is also revamping its refugee mentorship program to pair refugee clients with individual mentors. Two TBE members recently began mentoring an Afghan woman as a pilot pairing of sorts and have found the experience to be meaningful and enjoyable. Contact Erica Serlin or Lynn Silverman to hear about their experience and learn more about the program.
Drivers Wanted for Immigration Check-Ins, Hearings, and Attorney Appointments
12/15/2022 03:02:23 PM
by Dan Zimmerman
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Date Added |
Since 2019, volunteers for the Dane Sanctuary Coalition have provided rides for many immigrants to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices in Milwaukee, Waukegan, IL, and Chicago, as well as the United States Immigration Court in Chicago. While there are 54 individuals currently on the email distribution list, some of them have never volunteered because they don’t want to drive in Chicago (well, no one does), some can’t be away from home/Dane County for a full day, some are snowbirds, etc. There have been a couple of times in which no one has volunteered to take an individual or a family to their scheduled appointment. So, we are always seeking additional volunteer drivers.
The scheduled appointments typically are for:
- Collection of biometrics, which includes a photograph, fingerprinting, and completion of a form providing identifying information (e.g., color of eyes).
- Security checks, which are generally done annually. For recently arrived immigrants, they may have an appointment to remove an ankle monitor once the immigrants have a permanent address.
- Asylum interviews.
- Court hearings to determine if the immigrant/family will be given a deportation order.
Between January 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022, we received 61 requests for rides from referring agencies and attorneys. Over half the requests have been during the last three months, following a pandemic lull.
When an immigrant or family has a scheduled appointment with USCIS or Immigration Court, we email the distribution list seeking a volunteer driver for the specific ride. Volunteer drivers only commit to a specific ride based on their availability. The rides to Milwaukee or Waukegan and back generally are completed within four to six hours. The rides to Chicago and back are full-day events. Dane Sanctuary Coalition is able to provide a $25 reimbursement for rides to Milwaukee or Waukegan and a $65 plus parking reimbursement for rides to Chicago.
We recently expanded the mission of the volunteer program to include local rides. The Dane County Immigration Affairs Office is working with Christ Presbyterian Church (at the corner of E. Gorham Street, Brearly Street, and Sherman Avenue) to set up a free legal clinic for immigrants on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Some of the immigrants live in Dane County in areas without a viable public transportation option, such as Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Waunakee, so we have agreed to provide volunteer drivers to help meet this monthly need.
For persons interested in volunteering, we have a virtual training session to provide further explanation about the role and responsibilities of a volunteer driver, USCIS processes, and other information. If you are interested in being a volunteer driver and would like to attend the training, please email me at zimmerman_dan@hotmail.com or call me at 608-241-1158.
The Joys and Challenges of Helping Refugees Resettle in Madison
12/15/2022 02:51:40 PM
by Lynn Silverman and Erica Serlin
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Imagine moving to a new country because of circumstances beyond your control and leaving behind your old life, your family, and your friends. You may have been living in a refugee camp for years, or war has suddenly made staying in your country dangerous. You may have experienced trauma and devastating loss. Your new country has customs and a culture that are completely different from your own, and you don’t know the language or anyone who lives there. This is the situation for many of the refugees who have been settled in Madison.
Since 2016, Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) has been a refugee resettlement affiliate of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). Over just this past year, JSS has resettled over 143 people from countries as varied as Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This could not have been done without the support of Open Doors for Refugees, an all-volunteer organization that works closely with JSS to help refugees make Madison their home. Additionally, many community-based organizations, state programs, and congregations have worked together with JSS to help our new neighbors receive health care, integrate their children into the school system, get employment, learn English, and stay safe and secure. Many TBE congregants volunteer with JSS and Open Doors for Refugees to help set up homes, provide initial food and supplies, provide winter wear for new arrivals, and help with transportation to appointments.
JSS has initiated a program called Aljirani (this word combines Arabic and Swahili and means “neighbor”), which is a six-month volunteer program that pairs a refugee or refugee family with one or two companions from the Madison community to be mentors. The purpose is to provide emotional support and practical help to enable refugees to feel welcome in the community, and to build confidence and self-sufficiency as they begin their new lives.
We are two of the TBE volunteers who have joined this program. We have been working with an Afghan woman, meeting in her home, joined by her sister-in-law and several of their younger children. Our time together is filled with acting out various situations, including introductions and learning and using basic vocabulary as well as playing games involving new words. Sometimes our time together has been challenging, as the woman we mentor has gone through trauma and can sometimes be sad and withdrawn, but at other times is joyful, as the women laugh at us and at themselves in response to our playacting. We are learning their customs and they learn ours. We have been touched by their hospitality, offering us delicious food and drink, including such treats as homemade flatbread and sautéed spinach with onion and garlic (dodey and saag) and sweets with milk tea (shodu chay).
Anyone interested in learning more about any of these volunteer opportunities is welcome to contact Lynn Silverman or Erica Serlin. We are the co-chairs of the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Action Team and would be happy to tell you about our work.
Interfaith Community Gathers to Observe Transgender Day of Remembrance
12/15/2022 02:03:12 PM
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Date Added |
On November 20, members of local organizations and faith communities joined TBE members to mark the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring those who lost their lives to anti-LGBTQ violence. The mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, a welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in Colorado, added sadness and urgency to the solemn service.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was started by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith in 1999 in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who had been killed the previous year. It became an annual tradition to honor all transgender people who lost their lives to violence because of who they were.
“We pray for the strength to carry on their legacy of vision, bravery, and love,” said Cantor Jacob Niemi.
TBE hosted the service this year and was joined by these interfaith partners:
Beth Israel Center
Bethany United Methodist Church
Briarpatch Youth Services (Teens Like Us Program)
Circle Sanctuary
City of Madison Office of the Mayor
Congregation Shaarei Shamayim
Covenant Presbyterian Church
El Tawhid Juma Circle-Madison
First Baptist Church of Madison
First Unitarian Society of Madison
First United Methodist Church
Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
Holy Wisdom Monastery
Jewish Federation of Madison
Jewish Social Services of Madison
Just Dane
Lake Edge UCC
League of Women Voters of Dane County
Madison Christian Community - Advent Lutheran Church and Community of Hope UCC
Madison Insight Meditation Group
Memorial United Church of Christ
Middleton Community Church UCC
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center
PFLAG-Madison
Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society
Pres House
Pres House Apartments
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
The Crossing Campus Ministry
Trinity United Methodist Church
Vivent Health
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
Countering the Threat of the White Christian Nationalism Movement
12/15/2022 01:40:45 PM
by Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
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Date Added |
White Christian nationalism poses a threat to our democracy and to our faith. But people of faith are pushing back. Rev. Jennifer Butler, founder in residence of Faith in Public Life, is on a “Faith and Democracy Tour,” visiting states where democracy is most threatened. Her goal is to inspire and equip communities to reclaim their faith and protect our democracy, grounded in spiritual disciplines that have strengthened justice-centered communities for centuries.
From February 5 to 7, 2023, Rev. Butler will be in Wisconsin to train communities to reclaim their faith traditions. Rev. Butler is partnering with Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, WISDOM, MICAH, the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis, and other faith organizations and congregations to empower communities to push back more effectively against the misuse of religion, and interrupt the grip of hypocrisy and heresy on white Christians in particular, across the current social and political landscape. She will draw from her decades of successful coalition-building and organizing and from her book, Who Stole My Bible?, which is a guidebook for all seeking to reclaim faith-centered justice.
Events during Rev. Butler’s visit include:
Sunday, February 5, 2:00 pm
Workshop: “Talking to Friends and Loved Ones Caught Up in Conspiracy Theories and Christian Nationalism”
First Baptist Church of Waukesha (247 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha). In-person only.
Monday, February 6, 7:00 pm
“The Rise of the Christian Right and White Christian Nationalism”
Unitarian Universalist Church West (13001 W. North Ave., Brookfield). Livestream option available.
Tuesday, February 7, 7:00 pm
“American Democracy and the Role of Faith”
First Baptist Church of Madison (518 N. Franklin Ave., Madison). Livestream option available.
Fall Voting Wrap-Up, Spring Elections Coming Right Up
12/15/2022 01:34:42 PM
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Date Added |
The TBE Voter Engagement Action Team had a busy election season. This campaign was part of a national effort, grounded in our Jewish values and commitment to racial justice, to strengthen our democracy by encouraging and protecting voter participation.
- We participated in a nonpartisan canvass of low-turnout neighborhoods in Madison, sharing information and encouraging voting as part of an effort by the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign.
- Our volunteers assisted the League of Women Voters in a new effort to offer two weeks of voter registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This program was very successful and will be expanded next year.
- With the Dayenu Circle of Madison, a Jewish climate action group, we provided voter registration and information at an open house at Hillel in September.
- TBE members helped the Madison city clerk prepare a mailing and served as poll workers on Election Day.
- In August, 19 TBE members gathered at Temple and on Zoom for a postcard party, sending postcards to voters in low-turnout areas of Virginia. The postcards noted some of the key social justice issues that were at stake on the ballot and gave the recipients the information they need to vote. We did this as part of the “Every Voice, Every Vote” campaign of the Union for Reform Judaism. Nineteen TBE volunteers sent over 1,000 postcards!
- Nationally, the “Every Voice, Every Vote” campaign resulted in a record-high level of engagement. They formed a network of 600 leaders, organizing 6,500 members of the Reform movement, making a total of over 650,000 voter contacts through phone calls, postcards, text messages, and canvassing.
Although the national midterm elections brought out the volunteers, our work isn’t done. Elections for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and many local races are coming right up, with the primary on February 21 and the general election on April 4. Our team will continue its efforts to register voters and get out the vote.
Related news:
- In early February, Reverend Jennifer Butler will be in Wisconsin on a “Faith and Democracy Tour,” where she will speak about countering the threat of the rising White Christian nationalist movement.
- Please join us at the Social Action Shabbat on March 31, where the topic will be protecting our fragile democracy.
April 25, 2024
17 Nisan 5784
Worship Schedule
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Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Apr 26th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Yizkor
Sunday, Apr 28th 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Join us for a Yizkor (memorial) service as we conclude the holiday of Passover. -
Friday ,
MayMay 3 , 2024Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, May 3rd 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service featuring Religious School students. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 4th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Community Yom HaShoah Service
Sunday, May 5th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Please join us for a service of remembrance and to honor local Holocaust survivors and their families, led by clergy and members of the Jewish community of greater Madison. -
Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, May 10th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
MayMay 11 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 11th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Friday ,
MayMay 17 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, May 17th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 18 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 18th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 18 , 2024Andres Garcete Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, May 18th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
MayMay 24 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, May 24th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
MayMay 25 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 25th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, May 31st 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
JunJune 1 , 2024Confirmation Service for the Class of 5784
Saturday, Jun 1st 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
The community is invited to worship with us as we celebrate the confirmation class of 5784. -
Friday ,
JunJune 7 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jun 7th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
JunJune 8 , 2024Lily Anderson Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Jun 8th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
JunJune 14 , 2024Shabbat Honoring Rabbi Biatch
Friday, Jun 14th 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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Friday ,
JunJune 21 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jun 21st 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
JunJune 22 , 2024Henry Raether Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Jun 22nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
JunJune 28 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jun 28th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Friday ,
JulJuly 5 , 2024Shabbat Across Madison
Friday, Jul 5th 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Celebrate Shabbat with Temple Beth El at parks around Madison. Join at 5:30 pm for a pre-Shabbat nosh and stay for worship at 6:00 pm. -
Friday ,
JulJuly 19 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jul 19th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 2 , 2024Shabbat Across Madison
Friday, Aug 2nd 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Celebrate Shabbat with Temple Beth El at parks around Madison. Join at 5:30 pm for a pre-Shabbat nosh and stay for worship at 6:00 pm. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 16 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Aug 16th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
AugAugust 24 , 2024Stella Friedman Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Aug 24th 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2024Shabbat Across Madison
Friday, Sep 6th 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Celebrate Shabbat with Temple Beth El at parks around Madison. Join at 5:30 pm for a pre-Shabbat nosh and stay for worship at 6:00 pm. -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2024Zola Rodriquez Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Sep 7th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Sep 20th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Friday ,
OctOctober 18 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Oct 18th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 26 , 2024Jaime Tunis Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Oct 26th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Saturday ,
NovNovember 2 , 2024Avner Roginsky Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Nov 2nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
NovNovember 15 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Nov 15th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 7 , 2024Andres Deano Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Dec 7th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
DecDecember 20 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Dec 20th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Friday ,
JanJanuary 17 , 2025Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jan 17th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 8 , 2025Penelope Cesarec Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Mar 8th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Saturday ,
MarMarch 29 , 2025Evan Sondel Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Mar 29th 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
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Saturday ,
AprApril 5 , 2025Marissa Paloian Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Apr 5th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Engage with us!
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Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024Niftach Libeinu (“Let Us Open Our Hearts”): Exploring New Possibilities for Prayer and Ritual
Thursday, Apr 25th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
A “worship laboratory” with our clergy, exploring personal and communal approaches to a meaningful spiritual life. -
Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024CANCELED: Feast Without the Yeast: Forks, Friends, and Food for Families of 6th–12th Graders
Friday, Apr 26th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Join other families with children in 6th–12th grade to celebrate Passover with a Feast Without the Yeast before Shabbat worship. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, Apr 28th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Temple Beth El Sisterhood run Judaica shop, the only dedicated Judaica shop in Madison hours. Stock up Hanukkah, Shabbat and other Judaica items. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Apr 28th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Religious School Parent/Guardian Feedback Sessions
Sunday, Apr 28th 10:45 am to 11:45 am
Parents and guardians of Religious School students are invited to attend one of these two sessions to share feedback about the school year with the director of lifelong learning. -
Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Office Closed for Passover
Monday, Apr 29th (All day)
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Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Men's Club Book Group
Monday, Apr 29th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
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Tuesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2024MJND Post-Passover Pasta Party
Tuesday, Apr 30th 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Join Madison's Jews' Next Dor (MJND) 20's and 30's group in breaking Passover with pasta. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 2nd 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, May 2nd 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the basics of Judaism. It's perfect for those thinking about converting to Judaism, interfaith couples, or individuals who would like to broaden their knowledge. -
Friday ,
MayMay 3 , 2024Likrat Shabbat Family Dinner
Friday, May 3rd 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Register for dinner preceding our Likrat Shabbat service on the first Friday of the month, November–May. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024"When All There Is, Is Light": Reading and Workshop of Rabbi Jonathan Biatch's One-Act Play
Saturday, May 4th 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Join us for a congregational workshopping and reading of Rabbi Jonathan Biatch's original one-act play, along with a talk-back, refreshments, and fun. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, May 5th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Temple Beth El Sisterhood run Judaica shop, the only dedicated Judaica shop in Madison hours. Stock up Hanukkah, Shabbat and other Judaica items. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Mensches Spreading Mulch
Sunday, May 5th 9:30 am to 11:30 am
This is a Temple Beth El Men's Club mitzvah event at Beit Olamim, the Jewish cemetery off of Westfield Road just north of Mineral Point Road. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 5th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, May 5th 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
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Tuesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2024Singles Creating Community Dinner
Tuesday, May 7th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join the Singles Creating Community group for dinner. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 8 , 2024Past Presidents Council
Wednesday, May 8th 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
The past presidents of the Board of Trustees will gather for coffee and bagels and talk about current TBE happenings. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 8 , 2024Kesher Israel Film: "Ahed's Knee"
Wednesday, May 8th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The film "Ahed's Knee" points to the human loss of the ability of free expression. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe
Thursday, May 9th 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe supports people experiencing memory issues, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers within the Jewish community and beyond. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 9th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, May 9th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the basics of Judaism. It's perfect for those thinking about converting to Judaism, interfaith couples, or individuals who would like to broaden their knowledge. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024Niftach Libeinu (“Let Us Open Our Hearts”): Exploring New Possibilities for Prayer and Ritual
Thursday, May 9th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
A “worship laboratory” with our clergy, exploring personal and communal approaches to a meaningful spiritual life. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 12 , 2024Healing House Meal Volunteers Needed
Sunday, May 12th (All day)
Healing House provides respite care to persons experiencing homelessness who are recuperating from surgery, illness, or childbirth. TBE and other congregation volunteers cook meals for the residents and staff on a quarterly basis and drop them off at 5:00 pm each day at Healing House, 303 Lathrop St., Madison, WI 53726. Our team has signed up to provide meals the week of May 12–18. Menu items (not specific recipes) will be assigned to you by Ruth Frawley, our dinner coordinator, the week before. To help with this mitzvah, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E48A8AC22A4FF2-48372110-healing Contact Cathy Rotter at c.rotter.mail@gmail.com with any questions. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 12 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 12th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 14th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
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Thursday ,
MayMay 16 , 2024Kesher Israel Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 16th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Kesher Israel Committee meets every six weeks on Zoom. -
Friday ,
MayMay 17 , 2024Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, May 17th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Please join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast and a hot drink. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 19th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024MaTTY Maccabiah
Sunday, May 19th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Join MaTTY for an outdoor Maccabiah / color wars event! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, May 19th 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
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Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024A Toast to Rabbi Biatch
Sunday, May 19th 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Please join us as we celebrate and thank Rabbi Biatch for his 19 years of dedicated service to Temple Beth El. -
Monday ,
MayMay 20 , 2024Fiber Arts Schmooze
Monday, May 20th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join friends at TBE for an evening of knitting, crocheting, stitching, and friendship! -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 21 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, May 21st 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 22 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, May 22nd 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
August 23, 2023 meeting is canceled. Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 23 , 2024Conversion Student Meetup
Thursday, May 23rd 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
For anyone on the path to conversion to connect and support one another through the process. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 23 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 23rd 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 23 , 2024Niftach Libeinu (“Let Us Open Our Hearts”): Exploring New Possibilities for Prayer and Ritual
Thursday, May 23rd 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
A “worship laboratory” with our clergy, exploring personal and communal approaches to a meaningful spiritual life. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 26 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 26th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Monday ,
MayMay 27 , 2024Office Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 27th (All day)
-
Tuesday ,
MayMay 28 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, May 28th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Chevra Kadisha: Ordinary People Doing Holy Work (Volunteer Opportunity!)
Friday, May 31st 9:30 am to 11:30 am
A workshop for current and potential members of the Chevra Kadisha. The same information will be shared at each session. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Chevra Kadisha: Ordinary People Doing Holy Work (Volunteer Opportunity!)
Sunday, Jun 2nd 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
A workshop for current and potential members of the Chevra Kadisha. The same information will be shared at each session. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Jun 2nd 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, Jun 2nd 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
-
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Annual Meeting
Sunday, Jun 2nd 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
All Temple Beth El members are invited to a reception with light appetizers on the terrace and then a brief business meeting in the sanctuary, also available on YouTube. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 6 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 6th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JunJune 6 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 6th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 9 , 2024Conversion Student Meetup
Sunday, Jun 9th 10:00 am to 11:00 am
For anyone on the path to conversion to connect and support one another through the process. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 9 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Jun 9th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Tuesday ,
JunJune 11 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Shavuot
Tuesday, Jun 11th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Wednesday ,
JunJune 12 , 2024Office Closed for Shavuot
Wednesday, Jun 12th (All day)
-
Thursday ,
JunJune 13 , 2024Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe
Thursday, Jun 13th 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe supports people experiencing memory issues, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers within the Jewish community and beyond. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 16 , 2024Beth El Bakers
Sunday, Jun 16th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the Beth El Bakers for Sunday sessions where we will create community while baking delicious treats to share with the congregation at upcoming Temple Beth El events. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 16 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, Jun 16th 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Monday ,
JunJune 17 , 2024Office closes at 2:00 pm for Staff Celebration
Monday, Jun 17th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
JunJune 18 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Jun 18th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Tuesday ,
JunJune 18 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Jun 18th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Wednesday ,
JunJune 19 , 2024Kesher Israel Film: "Aviva, My Love"
Wednesday, Jun 19th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The film "Aviva, My Love" asks: How is an Israeli woman to fulfill her own ambitions? -
Thursday ,
JunJune 20 , 2024“Why? Because Israel Matters”: Community Update from Rabbi Biatch’s Sabbatical in Israel
Thursday, Jun 20th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Come and share with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch what he learned, experienced, saw, and engaged in while in Israel during his recent sabbatical. -
Tuesday ,
JunJune 25 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Jun 25th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 26 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, Jun 26th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
August 23, 2023 meeting is canceled. Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 27 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 27th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 27 , 2024Kesher Israel Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 27th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Kesher Israel Committee meets every six weeks on Zoom. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2024TBE Office Closed for Independence Day
Thursday, Jul 4th (All day)
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 4th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 7 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, Jul 7th 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 11 , 2024Board Meeting
Thursday, Jul 11th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 16 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Jul 16th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2024Bike Ride to Save the Environment
Sunday, Jul 21st 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us for the annual bike ride sponsored by the Environment and Climate Change Action Team. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, Jul 21st 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 23 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Jul 23rd 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 24 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, Jul 24th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
August 23, 2023 meeting is canceled. Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 25th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 1st 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 1st 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 4 , 2024Beth El Bakers
Sunday, Aug 4th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the Beth El Bakers for Sunday sessions where we will create community while baking delicious treats to share with the congregation at upcoming Temple Beth El events. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 13th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 20 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Aug 20th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 22nd 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 27 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Aug 27th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 2 , 2024Office Closed for Labor Day
Monday, Sep 2nd (All day)
-
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 5th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 5th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 10 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Sep 10th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 17 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Sep 17th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Sep 24th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, Oct 2nd 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2024Office Closed for Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, Oct 3rd (All day)
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 3rd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 3rd 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 8 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 8th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Friday ,
OctOctober 11 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, Oct 11th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 15 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Oct 15th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 16 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Sukkot
Wednesday, Oct 16th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 17 , 2024Office Closed for Sukkot
Thursday, Oct 17th (All day)
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 22 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Oct 22nd 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 23 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Simchat Torah
Wednesday, Oct 23rd 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
NovNovember 7 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Nov 7th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm