Sober Assessments of Life as the Year Comes to a Close
12/24/2018 11:41:30 AM
Rabbi Jonathan Biatch
Author | |
Date Added |
Many authors and philosophers across time have offered a version of “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.” A partial list would include George Santayana[1]; Edmund Burke[2]; young adult author Sara Shepard[3]; and even Kurt Vonnegut[4], who said it in his backhand, cynical fashion: “We're doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That's what it is to be alive.”
I believe that the original source is our own Israelite patriarch Jacob.
We find this thought in the Torah portion Vayechi, that closes the book of Genesis, as Jacob confers blessings upon his sons. Jacob can’t help but point out the flaws in his children’s characters and implies that they can set a better course for their descendants only when they recognize their faults and make changes in their lives. It is his last act before he dies.
The Torah narrative in the last two portions of Vayigash and Vayechi (which we read over the last two weeks) presents us with a number of resolutions of the issues surrounding Jacob’s family:
his children are now reunited;
their sibling animosities are on the way toward some kind of peaceful solution;
Jacob’s younger son Joseph has solidified his role as vizier of Egypt;
and Jacob’s family is well on their way toward becoming a comfortable, prosperous even, minority amid the teeming masses of the Egyptian populace.
Such a conclusion could itself have been the dream fulfillment of any immigrant family in their new homes. Jacob undoubtedly was a proud patriarch seeing his children and descendants grow in size and influence.
Why, then, is Jacob so sad? Let me tell you what I mean.
* * * *
In the parashah of Vayigash, Joseph brings his father Jacob to an audience with the Pharaoh, certainly a moment of special honor. Yet when the supreme ruler of Egypt asks Jacob his age, Jacob turns negative. He is not offended by the question, but what comes out of his mouth indicates curmudgeonly sorrow.
“Well, if you must know,” says Jacob, “I am 130 years old, but my life has been miserable and of little significance. I have attained nothing like my fathers before me.” The Pharaoh likely didn’t like having a naysayer in the court, so he accepts a perfunctory blessing from Jacob, then moves on to other court business, never to see the Israelite patriarch again.
Jacob’s response to the Pharaoh represents, perhaps, the bluntest of post-mortems that we might imagine. And Jacob is also cynical in Vayechi, the next week’s portion, where he offers to his sons his deathbed blessings, compounding his negative feelings about his own life, with his candid appraisal of his children’s achievements.
Jacob says to Reuben, ‘O my first born, you made me feel strong and vigorous. I had such hopes for you. But you slept with my wife’s concubine while I was away—you thought I’d never find out—and so you will amount to nothing.’[5]
Then Jacob turns to Shimon and Levi, and berates them for their massacre of the people of Sh’chem after the rape of their sister Dinah. ‘Taking justice into your own hands is not the way of the world. I don’t even want to know you.’
Jacob’s blessings to the other sons are not so negative, but he does not mince words: he identifies their character flaws in the hope of staving off further questionable behavior. Based on their demonstrated bad behavior, he implies that past is prologue, and that his sons are doomed to repeat the past mistakes unless they straighten out their crooked lives.
* * * *
Hearing Jacob’s cynical expressions in these two Torah portions might encourage us to wonder about the legacy that we will leave behind when we depart this world. In the moments of clarity before we die, will we offer a negative assessment like Jacob, that our lives ‘have been miserable and of little consequence’, and that we ‘have attained nothing like our ancestors before us’; or will we find reason to say, ‘it was a good run all-in-all, and – all things considered – we are satisfied.’
As the calendar year of 2018 concludes, our thoughts might turn to this question. Indeed, every day—with every word we utter and every action that we perform—we should bear in mind not only the immediate consequences but also the possible long-term ramifications of our words and deeds.
What, indeed, will be the examples that we set for others? What will be the legacy that we leave behind?
* * * *
I am reading, perhaps for the second time, Ray Bradbury’s novel “Something Wicked This Way Comes”. Originally published in 1962, it is a brilliant mixture of horror and science fiction in a classic battle of Good vs Evil, and it has recently been republished with notes and essays by contemporary sci-fi and horror authors. I would like to share with you a small segment of his book, because it presents us with a suggestion of how one contemplates the legacy to be passed down to future descendants.
A father and son, engrossed in solving their immediate problem, engage in this brief exchange trying to understand how we should evaluate our lives.
In the book, Will, the twelve-year-old protagonist, asks:
“Dad…are you a good person?”
“To you and your mother, yes, I try. But no man’s a hero to himself. I've lived with me a lifetime. I know everything worth knowing about myself…and adding it all up, yes, I'm all right.”
“Then dad”, asked Will, “why aren't you happy?”
And here is the father’s sagacious answer:
“Sometimes the man who looks happiest in town, with the biggest smile, is the one carrying the biggest load of sin. There are smiles and smiles; learn to tell the dark variety from the light. The seal-barker, the laugh-shouter, half the time he's covering up. He's had his fun, and he's guilty. And men do love sin, oh how they love it, never doubt, in all shapes, sizes, colors, and smells. Times come when troughs, not tables, suit our appetites. Hear a man too loudly praising others and look to wonder if he didn't just get up from the sty.
“On the other hand, that unhappy, pale, put-upon man walking by, who looks all guilt and sin, why, often that's your good man with a capital ‘G.’ For being good is a fearful occupation; men strain at it and sometimes break in two. I've known a few. You work twice as hard to be a farmer as to be his hog. I suppose it's thinking about trying to be good makes the crack run up the wall one night. A man with high standards, too, the least hair falls on him sometimes wilts his spine. He can't let himself alone, won't lift himself off the hook if he falls just a breath from grace.”[6]
In the past year, have we been good people? Have we worked hard at it? Have we been mindful of the ways we have affected other people?
Have we always chosen the right word for the right occasion, or have we let our emotions rule our tongues? Have we exhibited too much braggadocio; have our demeanors been humble and unassuming; or have we found a healthy compromise between the two, in a place where we have, like Rabbi Salanter of our Mussar tradition, asked for ‘no more than our space, and no less than our place’?
We know that the legacy we ultimately leave behind in the world does not necessarily consist of possessions or wealth, but rather in the way we approach the world and its complex set of personalities and situations, and in the way we treat other people. Rabbi Salanter commends to us an unpretentious and self-effacing life. But he reminds us, too, that we also have a place which belongs to us and of which no one should deprive us. Finding a life which leads to both, or a balance of the two, should be our goal. We must live with mindfulness and sensitivity, so that we don’t take up more room on the planet than we’re due, but that we also don’t lose our individual human dignity.
Returning to our pair of Torah portions that conclude the book of Genesis, we observe the way in which Jacob establishes his legacy: He offers it in the blessings he gives to others. In this way, he teaches us something about what we need to possess, and what we can give away.
In the Torah, Jacob has become ill; he lies on his deathbed, and his son Joseph and his grandchildren Ephraim and Menasheh come to visit. And Jacob takes this opportunity to offer his fatherly blessings to Joseph and his sons; they are the first to receive these blessings.
The Torah tells us that “this is the way Jacob blessed Joseph” … and Jacob proceeds to bless his grandchildren, not Joseph. He does bless Joseph, but not directly.
He says, “May the god in whose ways my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked; the god who has been my shepherd from my birth to this day; the messenger who has redeemed me from all harm: bless these youths (referring to Ephraim and Menasheh). In them may my name be recalled. And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they be teeming multitudes upon the earth.”
Jacob demonstrates that through his grandchildren—in all that their father has accomplished, and in every act that they will achieve in their lives to come—through his grandchildren will Joseph also come to be a blessing.
Perhaps this is a clue about why we, in the Jewish community, focus so intently upon our children. It is through them that we might better see our values lived out, that is, what we have taught them, and the priorities they have toward the world.
In the imagery of Ray Bradbury, a person who has striven with the world; someone who has, perhaps, been broken by their experiences yet is still walking and present in the world: it is through these people that goodness is perceived and properly evaluated.
Perhaps Jacob’s cynical words to Pharaoh, then, were not a skeptical commentary on his misfortunes. They were honest feelings, to be sure, but perhaps they represented the scars that Joseph acquired in his lifetime quest to instill decent values in his children.
In this quest, Jacob likely succeeded, for the Torah relates that his family carried on their traditions by burying their patriarch using the customs of the land of Israel, alongside Egyptian burial traditions. Both the native traditions, and the assimilated practices of their foreign home, were used. Overall, the descendants of Jacob, living in a foreign land and waiting to be brought back to the land that God promised to them, maintained their family practices and institutions, while assimilating some parts of their new culture.
A challenge for us to ponder as the year closes and a new one begins is this: Will we learn to mindfully discover how best to bequeath blessings to our physical and spiritual descendants, and remain upbeat and hopeful about the future?
I wish us all success.
[1] George Santayana (1863-1952) “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
[2] Edmund Burke (1729-1797) “Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.”
[3] Sara Shepard (b. 1977) “Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it”
[4] Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) “We're doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That's what it is to be alive. It's pretty dense kids who haven't figured that out by the time they're ten....
[5] Genesis 35:22
[6] Bradbury, Ray. “Something Wicked This Way Comes”. Simon and Schuster Paperbacks. Copyright 1962, 1980, 1997, by Ray Bradbury, page 124-125.
March 19, 2024
9 Adar II 5784
Worship Schedule
-
Friday ,
MarMarch 22 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Mar 22nd 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2024Beyond the Five Books: Study of Tanakh
Saturday, Mar 23rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Our study sessions during these weeks focus on parts of the Tanakh beyond the five books of the Torah. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 30 , 2024Beyond the Five Books: Study of Tanakh
Saturday, Mar 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Our study sessions during these weeks focus on parts of the Tanakh beyond the five books of the Torah. -
Friday ,
AprApril 5 , 2024Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, Apr 5th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service featuring Religious School students. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 6 , 2024Beyond the Five Books: Study of Tanakh
Saturday, Apr 6th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Our study sessions during these weeks focus on parts of the Tanakh beyond the five books of the Torah. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 6 , 2024Cole Klein Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Apr 6th 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
-
Friday ,
AprApril 12 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Apr 12th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
AprApril 13 , 2024Beyond the Five Books: Study of Tanakh
Saturday, Apr 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Our study sessions during these weeks focus on parts of the Tanakh beyond the five books of the Torah. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 13 , 2024Spencer Margulius Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Apr 13th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
AprApril 19 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Apr 19th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 20 , 2024Beyond the Five Books: Study of Tanakh
Saturday, Apr 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Our study sessions during these weeks focus on parts of the Tanakh beyond the five books of the Torah. -
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 -
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. -
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
-
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
-
Friday ,
JunJune 14 , 2024Shabbat Honoring Rabbi Biatch
Friday, Jun 14th 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
-
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
-
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 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 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. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 23 , 2024Stella Friedman Bat Mitzvah
Friday, Aug 23rd 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2024Zola Rodriquez Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Sep 7th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
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
-
Saturday ,
NovNovember 2 , 2024Avner Roginsky Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Nov 2nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
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
-
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
Engage with us!
-
Tuesday ,
MarMarch 19 , 2024Serving Meals at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Mar 19th 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 ,
MarMarch 19 , 2024Purim Shpiel Rehearsal
Tuesday, Mar 19th 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Casting Call for the TBE Purim Shpiel: “Esther’s Story (Taylor’s Version)” -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 20 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, Mar 20th 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 ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024Atidaynu, "Our Future": Emerging TBE Leaders
Thursday, Mar 21st 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Leadership training to inspire and develop emerging TBE leaders. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, Mar 21st 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 ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024Men's Club Book Group
Thursday, Mar 21st 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Friday ,
MarMarch 22 , 2024Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, Mar 22nd 9:00 am to 10:30 am
This is a breakfast gathering for the Singles Creating Community group. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2024A Swiftie Purim: Dinner and Shpiel
Saturday, Mar 23rd 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm
This year we'll celebrate Esther's heroism with the music of the world’s biggest pop star—Taylor Swift! Swiftly come in costume and get ready to make some noise as we end Shabbat together over Banzo dinner and celebrate Purim with Esther's Story (Taylor's Version). -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 24 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, Mar 24th 11:00 am to 2:00 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 ,
MarMarch 24 , 2024Community Purim Carnival
Sunday, Mar 24th 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Come one, come all to the Greatest Purim Carnival in Madison! Step right up and be thrilled by the most amazing, the most exhilarating, the most incredible show on Earth as our clergy and educators perform the death-defying story of Esther. Clown around with us in your favorite costume. -
Tuesday ,
MarMarch 26 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Mar 26th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 27 , 2024Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO)
Wednesday, Mar 27th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
An informal get-together for lunch. (Being retired is not required. All are welcome!) -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 28 , 2024Conversion Student Meetup
Thursday, Mar 28th 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
For anyone on the path to conversion to connect and support one another through the process. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 28 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Mar 28th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 28 , 2024Niftach Libeinu (“Let Us Open Our Hearts”): Exploring New Possibilities for Prayer and Ritual
Thursday, Mar 28th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
A “worship laboratory” with our clergy, exploring personal and communal approaches to a meaningful spiritual life. -
Friday ,
MarMarch 29 , 2024Men's Club Shabbat
Friday, Mar 29th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Shabbat worship with participation by the Men's Club of Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 31 , 2024My Jewish Journey
Sunday, Mar 31st 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Members of our community share their Jewish journeys in a panel discussion format. -
Tuesday ,
AprApril 2 , 2024
Tuesday, Apr 2nd 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
-
Tuesday ,
AprApril 2 , 2024Singles Creating Community Dinner
Tuesday, Apr 2nd 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join the Singles Creating Community group for dinner. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 4 , 2024Kesher Israel Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 4th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Kesher Israel Committee meets every six weeks on Zoom. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 4 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
AprApril 4 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 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. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 4 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, Apr 4th 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 ,
AprApril 5 , 2024Likrat Shabbat Family Dinner
Friday, Apr 5th 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Register for dinner preceding our Likrat Shabbat service on the first Friday of the month, November–May. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 7 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, Apr 7th 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 7 , 2024Sunday School for Adults
Sunday, Apr 7th 9:30 am to 10:30 am
This monthly course is an opportunity for parents and guardians of Religious School students who missed having a formal Jewish education to have a parallel learning experience while their students are in Religious School. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 7 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Apr 7th 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 7 , 2024Tots and Tunes
Sunday, Apr 7th 10:45 am to 11:45 am
This song and craft program for families with children ages 0–5 is open to the entire Madison Jewish community. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 7 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, Apr 7th 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
-
Sunday ,
AprApril 7 , 2024MaTTY's "Whodunit?" Pasta Dinner and Dessert Auction
Sunday, Apr 7th 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Join us for a roaring 20s themed evening filled with suspense, delicious pasta, and an exciting dessert auction all to support TBE's high school youth group! -
Tuesday ,
AprApril 9 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Apr 9th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
AprApril 11 , 2024Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe
Thursday, Apr 11th 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 ,
AprApril 11 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, Apr 11th 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 ,
AprApril 11 , 2024Niftach Libeinu (“Let Us Open Our Hearts”): Exploring New Possibilities for Prayer and Ritual
Thursday, Apr 11th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
A “worship laboratory” with our clergy, exploring personal and communal approaches to a meaningful spiritual life. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 14 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, Apr 14th 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 14 , 2024Mitzvah Day and Special Lunch Honoring Rabbi Biatch
Sunday, Apr 14th 9:15 am to 4:30 pm
Have fun while coming together to do good for our community and celebrate Rabbi Biatch. Along with a wide range of projects for all ages and abilities, our day of community service will include a special lunch honoring Rabbi Biatch’s social justice journey at TBE. Project registration is open and first come, first served. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 14 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Apr 14th 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 ,
AprApril 15 , 2024Fiber Arts Schmooze
Monday, Apr 15th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join friends at TBE for an evening of knitting, crocheting, stitching, and friendship! -
Tuesday ,
AprApril 16 , 2024Serving Meals at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Apr 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. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 18 , 2024Why? Because Israel Matters!
Thursday, Apr 18th 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm
Join Rabbi Biatch for this series to learn about and discuss the ongoing democracy movement in Israel and issues critical to the relationship between Israeli and Diaspora Jewish communities, the Reform movement, and other liberal streams of Judaism. Come and be part of the discussion, because Israel matters. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 18 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, Apr 18th 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 ,
AprApril 19 , 2024Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, Apr 19th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Please join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast and a hot drink. -
Friday ,
AprApril 19 , 2024Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, Apr 19th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast. -
Friday ,
AprApril 19 , 2024Dinner & Program Honoring Our Volunteers
Friday, Apr 19th 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Temple Beth El, and we want to show our appreciation! -
Sunday ,
AprApril 21 , 2024Beth El Bakers
Sunday, Apr 21st 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 ,
AprApril 21 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, Apr 21st 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 21 , 2024Conversion Student Meetup
Sunday, Apr 21st 10:00 am to 11:00 am
For anyone on the path to conversion to connect and support one another through the process. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 21 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Apr 21st 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 21 , 2024Youth Day
Sunday, Apr 21st 11:45 am to 1:00 pm
Join us for youth day activities with JEWniors, our social group for 3rd–5th graders, and MuTTY, which brings Jewish 6th–8th graders together to build relationships and create fun and relaxed Jewish spaces. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 21 , 2024Mishpacha Moments Chocolate Seder
Sunday, Apr 21st 11:45 am to 1:15 pm
Young families are invited to a chocolate seder! We will prepare for the upcoming holiday with different types of chocolate to represent each part of the Passover seder. This seder, geared towards ages 4-8 who can sit for short periods of time and starting to read. All ages welcome. Lunch will also be provided. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 21 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, Apr 21st 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Monday ,
AprApril 22 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Passover
Monday, Apr 22nd 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2024Office Closed for Passover
Tuesday, Apr 23rd (All day)
-
Tuesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2024Community Passover Seder
Tuesday, Apr 23rd 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Join Rabbi Jonathan Biatch and Cantor Jacob Niemi for a community seder on the second night of Passover using the Temple Beth El Haggadah featuring contributions from our members. -
Wednesday ,
AprApril 24 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, Apr 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 ,
AprApril 25 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 25th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
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 , 2024Feast 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)
-
Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 2nd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
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
-
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. -
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. -
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 , 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. -
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
-
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. -
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 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, May 19th 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024A Toast to Rabbi Biatch
Sunday, May 19th 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
-
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 , 2024Serving Meals 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. -
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) -
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.
TBE BLOG
Introducing Temple Beth El’s Code of Ethical Conduct
Thursday, Feb 8 3:32pmTemple Beth El strives to be an