How Do We Measure a Year? Reflections on S’lichot
09/16/2019 06:31:39 PM
by Cantor Jacob Niemi
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“How do we measure a year?” This question posed by Jonathan Larson in his signature musical Rent seeps into our consciousness, as we find ourselves in a transition between seasons, summer fading away into autumn. And for Jews, preparing for the upcoming Days of Awe, the question looms even more prominently.
In anticipation of the Jewish New Year, we will observe the service of S’lichot at Temple Beth El on Saturday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m. Our service will include stories from sacred texts, as well as inspirational liturgy, all intended to help direct our focus to the tasks of penitence and the spiritual work of the Days of Awe. We will also ceremonially change the covers on our Torah scrolls from the multicolor covers that they wear throughout the year to their white High Holy Day vestments.
In preparation for this powerful ritual, I offer some reflections on S’lichot, including two narratives from the Torah that illuminate its significance.
As we’re called upon to measure our days, to look inward, and to consider our relationships with one another and with the divine, it can be beneficial to have ways to mark time and to orient ourselves. Fortunately, our calendar is full of rituals and liturgy that function like signposts, helping to give us a sense of where we are in the year and guiding us through journeys of emotional and spiritual growth.
Some of these signposts are subtle, a change of words in a particular prayer in the liturgy, or a special Torah portion whose selection for that time of year may or may not immediately resonate with us. Others are intentionally jarring, stirring us out of complacency, preparing us for the spiritual work that the upcoming cycle will demand of us (perhaps the best example of this is the sounding of the shofar).
In this time leading up to the Days of Awe, all these signs, whether subtle or striking, become explicit and tangible in the observance of S’lichot. The shofar is sounded once more, the Torah vestments are changed to white, and the liturgy introduces themes that will recur throughout the holiday season, even containing text that will return on Yom Kippur.
But what are these themes? What exactly is the message that the composers of the S’lichot liturgy hoped would carry throughout the days that follow?
To answer this, at least in part, we can start by looking at two biblical narratives that form a theological bedrock for the S’lichot and High Holy Day liturgy, each recounting an instance in which the Israelites sinned against God, faced punishment, repented, and were ultimately forgiven. The first of these is perhaps among the most famous sins in the Torah, the sin of the golden calf.
Many are familiar with the first part of this story. Frustrated with the amount of time that Moses had spent up on Mount Sinai, supposedly receiving the commandments from God, the Israelites began to worry that Moses might not ever return. They insisted that Aaron, Moses’s brother, make them a new god. And so, they gathered up all their gold, melted it down, and fashioned it into the form of a calf, which they then began to worship.
But rather than focus on the punishment they received for this sin, I want to direct our attention to what happened after they repented, and after Moses interceded on their behalf. Moses pleaded to be able to behold God’s presence. But, according to God, one cannot see God’s face and live. So, God instructed Moses to stand in the cleft of a rock, where God would pass before him, so that Moses could see God’s back:
The Eternal came down in a cloud; He stood with him there, and proclaimed the name Eternal. The Eternal passed before him and proclaimed: “The Eternal! The Eternal! A God gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, extending lovingkindness to the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He does not remit all punishment, but visits the iniquity of parents upon children and children’s children, upon the third and fourth generations.” (Exodus 34:5-7; source pronouns retained intentionally)
One might notice ambiguity in the pronouns in this passage. Who is standing with whom? Before whom is the Eternal passing? The rabbinic sages of the Talmud noted this ambiguity and offered the following interpretation:
The verse states: “The Eternal passed before him and proclaimed” (Exodus 34:6). Rabbi Yochanan said: Were it not written in the verse, it would be impossible to say this. The verse teaches that the Holy One, Blessed be He, wrapped Himself (lit. “passed before himself”) like a prayer leader (i.e. with a prayer shawl) and showed Moses an order of prayer. He said to him: Whenever the Jewish people sin, let them act before Me in accordance with this order, and I will forgive them. (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 17b)
This “order of prayer” that Rabbi Yochanan mentions is what has become our liturgy of S’lichot, a liturgy that is built around those very attributes that God proclaimed. Our sages have come to refer to these as the Thirteen Attributes of God’s Mercy: “(1) The Eternal! (2) The Eternal! (3) A God (4) gracious (5) and compassionate, (6) slow to anger, (7) abounding in lovingkindness (8) and [abounding in] faithfulness (9) extending lovingkindness to the thousandth generation (10) forgiving iniquity, (11) [forgiving] transgression, (12) and [forgiving] sin,” and (13) remitting punishment (note that this last attribute changes the biblical text, which is an interesting conversation for another time).
Another name for the service of S’lichot is actually Seder B’rit Sh’losh Esrei, “The Order of the Covenant of Thirteen.” And this is the covenant, as laid out in that Talmudic text, that whenever we sin, whenever we miss the mark with our actions, or with the ways in which we relate to one another and to God, we can recall these attributes of compassion and mercy.
We can remind ourselves that God is gracious and compassionate, and that we are all called upon to strive to be gracious and compassionate as well. And knowing this, we can remind ourselves that the work of sincere repentance is both worthy and worthwhile.
The second passage that informs the theology of S’lichot comes from the book of Numbers. It recounts what is sometimes referred to as “the sin of the twelve spies.” Without going into detail (join us in our S’lichot worship at Temple Beth El to hear the full story), the most outstanding moment occurs when Moses shows a bit of chutzpah, reminding God of the attributes God had previously proclaimed. God then responds by saying, “I forgive, as you have said” (Numbers 14:20).
As we enter this season of the Days of Awe, let us do so with gracious chutzpah, with an expectation of lovingkindness from God to us, from one another, and from ourselves.
July 9, 2025
13 Tammuz 5785
Worship Schedule
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Friday ,
JulJuly 11 , 2025Shabbat Across Madison
Friday, Jul 11th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Celebrate Shabbat with Temple Beth El at parks around Madison. Join us at 5:15 pm for pre-Shabbat nosh and stay for worship at 6:00 pm. Please bring your own lawn chairs. -
Saturday ,
JulJuly 12 , 2025Torah Study
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Friday ,
JulJuly 18 , 2025Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jul 18th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, with Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
JulJuly 19 , 2025Torah Study
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Friday ,
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 2 , 2025Torah Study
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Friday ,
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AugAugust 16 , 2025Torah Study
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Friday ,
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Saturday ,
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SepSeptember 6 , 2025Torah Study
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025Torah Study
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Monday ,
SepSeptember 22 , 2025T’filat K’hilah: Erev Rosh Hashanah Community Worship
Monday, Sep 22nd 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm
Rosh Hashanah evening worship for the whole Temple community, led by our clergy and the Temple Beth El choir. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025T’filat Gan: Rosh Hashanah Worship for Families with Children Ages 0–6
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 8:45 am to 9:30 am
Rosh Hashanah worship for families with children ages 0–6. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025T’filat K’hilah: Rosh Hashanah Community Worship
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Rosh Hashanah morning worship for the whole Temple community, led by our clergy. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025T'filat Noar: Rosh Hashanah Youth Worship and Program for Ages 7–12
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Rosh HashanRosh Hashanah worship for ages 7–12 including music and sounds of the shofar. Worship is followed by snack and a program. -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 27 , 2025Torah Study
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Wednesday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2025T’filat K’hilah with Kol Nidrei: Erev Yom Kippur Community Worship
Wednesday, Oct 1st 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025T’filat Gan: Yom Kippur Worship for Families with Children Ages 0–6
Thursday, Oct 2nd 8:45 am to 9:30 am
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025T’filat Noar: Yom Kippur Youth Worship and Program for Ages 7–12
Thursday, Oct 2nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Yom Kippur worship for children ages 7–12, followed by a program and optional snack. -
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OctOctober 2 , 2025T’filat K’hilah (Shacharit): Yom Kippur Morning Community Worship
Thursday, Oct 2nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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OctOctober 4 , 2025Torah Study
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Saturday ,
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Friday ,
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The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service with participation by Religious School students. Join us in welcoming Shabbat as students from each grade participate by leading a portion of the worship. -
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NovNovember 8 , 2025Torah Study
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FebFebruary 6 , 2026Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
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The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service with participation by Religious School students. Join us in welcoming Shabbat as students from each grade participate by leading a portion of the worship. -
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FebFebruary 7 , 2026Torah Study
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The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service with participation by Religious School students. Join us in welcoming Shabbat as students from each grade participate by leading a portion of the worship. -
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MarMarch 7 , 2026Torah Study
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AprApril 4 , 2026Torah Study
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AprApril 11 , 2026Torah Study
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AprApril 25 , 2026Torah Study
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MayMay 1 , 2026Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, May 1st 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service with participation by Religious School students. Join us in welcoming Shabbat as students from each grade participate by leading a portion of the worship. -
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MayMay 2 , 2026Torah Study
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Saturday ,
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Saturday, Jun 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
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Saturday, Jul 4th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Engage with us!
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Thursday ,
JulJuly 10 , 2025MJND July Shabbat Potluck
Thursday, Jul 10th 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Friday ,
JulJuly 11 , 2025Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, Jul 11th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Please join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 13 , 2025Splish Splash Shalom
Sunday, Jul 13th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Families with young children splash pad meet up, bring your water wear and a picnic lunch, we'll have some snacks. -
Monday ,
JulJuly 14 , 2025Men's Club Book Group
Monday, Jul 14th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The Men's Club Book Group will gather to discuss "American Midnight: The Great War, a Violent Peace, and Democracy's Forgotten Crisis" by Adam Hochschild. -
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 15 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Tuesday, Jul 15th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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Tuesday ,
JulJuly 15 , 2025Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, Jul 15th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. We meet on Zoom. -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 16 , 2025Let My People Gooooooal: TBE at Forward Madison
Wednesday, Jul 16th 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Please join Temple Beth El for an outing to see Forward Madison Soccer where Cantor Niemi will sing the national anthem at the start of the match! -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 17 , 2025ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Thursday, Jul 17th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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Thursday ,
JulJuly 17 , 2025Learn and Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Thursday, Jul 17th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
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Sunday ,
JulJuly 20 , 2025Bike Ride and Learn How to Care for the Environment
Sunday, Jul 20th 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us for a community bike ride around beautiful Lake Wingra and spend time learning about an important environmental topic -
Monday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2025Fiber Arts Schmooze
Monday, Jul 21st 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join friends at TBE for an evening of knitting, crocheting, stitching, and friendship! -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 23 , 2025Singles Creating Community Dinner
Wednesday, Jul 23rd 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join the Singles Creating Community group for a dinner gathering. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 24 , 2025Monthly Meditation
Thursday, Jul 24th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Please join us as we continue the growth in our community around spiritual practice and meditation. -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 30 , 2025
Wednesday, Jul 30th 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 2 , 2025Annual Men's Club Retreat: How events shape our thoughts, emotional wellness, & sense of security
Saturday, Aug 2nd 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
Join us for this year's Men's Club retreat. It is an opportunity for Temple men to meet, connect, laugh; hike, share nosh and lunch, and discuss topics of interest to Jewish men, facilitated by Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit. -
Wednesday ,
AugAugust 6 , 2025Singles Creating Community Dinner
Wednesday, Aug 6th 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join the Singles Creating Community group for a dinner gathering. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 7 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 7th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 7 , 2025Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 7th 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. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 8 , 2025ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Friday, Aug 8th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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Tuesday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2025Board Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 12th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Wednesday, Aug 13th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 14 , 2025Congregational Book Club
Thursday, Aug 14th 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 14 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 14th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
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Friday ,
AugAugust 15 , 2025Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, Aug 15th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Please join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 17 , 2025Magic Pride Festival
Sunday, Aug 17th 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Temple Beth El is partnering with Beth Israel Center and Congregation Shaarei Shamayim to host a table at the festival. Don't forget to stop by our booth if you're attending the festival! -
Monday ,
AugAugust 18 , 2025Fiber Arts Schmooze
Monday, Aug 18th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join friends at TBE for an evening of knitting, crocheting, stitching, and friendship! -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 19 , 2025Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 19th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. We meet on Zoom. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 21 , 2025Learn and Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Thursday, Aug 21st 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Friday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2025Senior Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Aug 22nd 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Enjoy Dinner together after the 6:00 pm Shabbat worship. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 24 , 2025New Religious School Family Orientation
Sunday, Aug 24th 10:00 am to 11:30 pm
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Monday ,
AugAugust 25 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Potluck
Monday, Aug 25th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
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Monday ,
AugAugust 25 , 2025Men's Club Book Group
Monday, Aug 25th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The Men's Club Book Group will gather to discuss "James: A Novel" by Percival Everett. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 28 , 2025Monthly Meditation
Thursday, Aug 28th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Please join us as we continue the growth in our community around spiritual practice and meditation. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 1 , 2025Office Closed for Labor Day
Monday, Sep 1st (All day)
-
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 4 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 4 , 2025Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 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. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, Sep 5th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Please join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Camp Shabbat and End of Summer Celebration
Friday, Sep 5th 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat Across Madison as we celebrate the end of another beautiful summer in Madison. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Sunday, Sep 7th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 8 , 2025ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Monday, Sep 8th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 9 , 2025Board Meeting
Tuesday, Sep 9th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025Tots and Tunes
Sunday, Sep 14th 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 ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025MJND Apples and Honey Cook-off and Tasting
Sunday, Sep 14th 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Join Madison's Jews Next Dor (20s and 30s group) for our apples and honey cook-off and tasting! -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 15 , 2025Fiber Arts Schmooze
Monday, Sep 15th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join friends at TBE for an evening of knitting, crocheting, stitching, and friendship! -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 16 , 2025Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, Sep 16th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. We meet on Zoom. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 18 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Thursday, Sep 18th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch! -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 18 , 2025Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Thursday, Sep 18th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 22 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Monday, Sep 22nd 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Office Closed for Rosh Hashanah
Tuesday, Sep 23rd (All day)
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Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Tashlich
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm
Following the Rosh Hashanah morning service, we proceed to Lake Wingra to symbolically cast away sins, as well as any thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve us well. -
Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2025Singles Creating Community Dinner
Wednesday, Sep 24th 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join the Singles Creating Community group for a dinner gathering. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2025Monthly Meditation
Thursday, Sep 25th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Please join us as we continue the growth in our community around spiritual practice and meditation. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2025Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 25th 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. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 26 , 2025Kever Avot: A Days of Awe Cemetery Visit, Forest Hills and Beit Olamim
Friday, Sep 26th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
As we prepare our hearts for the High Holidays, join us for a brief Kever Avot service—a sacred tradition of visiting the graves of loved ones before Rosh Hashanah. -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, Oct 1st 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025Office Closed for Yom Kippur
Thursday, Oct 2nd (All day)
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 2nd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2025Sukkah Building with Men’s Club
Sunday, Oct 5th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the TBE Men's Club and friends as we set up the Paul S. Gratch Sukkah for our 28th year. Everyone is welcome! No previous experience or skill required. Please bring work gloves and a 6' ladder or cordless drill if you have one. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2025Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Sunday, Oct 5th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Monday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Monday, Oct 6th 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Tuesday ,
OctOctober 7 , 2025Office Closed for Sukkot
Tuesday, Oct 7th (All day)
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 9 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 9th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 9 , 2025Board Meeting
Thursday, Oct 9th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 12 , 2025Tots and Tunes
Sunday, Oct 12th 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. -
Monday ,
OctOctober 13 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Monday, Oct 13th 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Tuesday ,
OctOctober 14 , 2025Office Closed for Simchat Torah/Sh'mini Atzeret
Tuesday, Oct 14th (All day)
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 16 , 2025Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Thursday, Oct 16th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 19 , 2025Sukkah Take Down with Men's Club
Sunday, Oct 19th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the TBE Men's Club and friends as we take down the Paul S. Gratch Sukkah for our 28th year. Everyone is welcome! No previous experience or skill required. Please bring work gloves and a 6' ladder or cordless drill if you have one. -
Monday ,
OctOctober 20 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Monday, Oct 20th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch! -
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 21 , 2025ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Tuesday, Oct 21st 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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Tuesday ,
OctOctober 21 , 2025Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 21st 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. We meet on Zoom. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 23 , 2025Monthly Meditation
Thursday, Oct 23rd 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Please join us as we continue the growth in our community around spiritual practice and meditation. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 30 , 2025Sisterhood Potluck
Thursday, Oct 30th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
TBE Sisterhood is inviting all women of TBE to join us for a potluck. Bring a dish, enjoy good company and good food. Beverages will be provided. -
Sunday ,
NovNovember 2 , 2025Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Sunday, Nov 2nd 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Thursday ,
NovNovember 6 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Nov 6th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Thursday ,
NovNovember 6 , 2025Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Nov 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. -
Friday ,
NovNovember 7 , 2025Likrat Shabbat Family Dinner
Friday, Nov 7th 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Join us for a light dinner preceding our Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat) service on the first Friday of the month, November–May. Dinner is $18 per family unit/household. Please note: there is not a special Likrat Shabbat service on the first Friday in January. -
Tuesday ,
NovNovember 11 , 2025Office Closed
Tuesday, Nov 11th (All day)
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Thursday ,
NovNovember 13 , 2025Board Meeting
Thursday, Nov 13th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Sunday ,
NovNovember 16 , 2025Tots and Tunes
Sunday, Nov 16th 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. -
Tuesday ,
NovNovember 18 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Tuesday, Nov 18th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch! -
Tuesday ,
NovNovember 18 , 2025Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 18th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. We meet on Zoom. -
Wednesday ,
NovNovember 19 , 2025ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Wednesday, Nov 19th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
NovNovember 20 , 2025Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Thursday, Nov 20th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
Wednesday ,
NovNovember 26 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, Nov 26th 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Thursday ,
NovNovember 27 , 2025Office Closed for Thanksgiving
Thursday, Nov 27th (All day)
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Thursday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Dec 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Thursday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2025Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Dec 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. -
Friday ,
DecDecember 5 , 2025Likrat Shabbat Family Dinner
Friday, Dec 5th 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Join us for a light dinner preceding our Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat) service on the first Friday of the month, November–May. Dinner is $18 per family unit/household. Please note: there is not a special Likrat Shabbat service on the first Friday in January. -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 9 , 2025Board Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 9th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
DecDecember 11 , 2025ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Thursday, Dec 11th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
DecDecember 11 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Meeting
Thursday, Dec 11th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
-
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 16 , 2025Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 16th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. We meet on Zoom. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 17 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Wednesday, Dec 17th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch! -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 24 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec 24th 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Thursday ,
DecDecember 25 , 2025Office Closed
Thursday, Dec 25th (All day)
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Wednesday ,
DecDecember 31 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec 31st 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Thursday ,
JanJanuary 1 , 2026Office Closed for New Year's Day
Thursday, Jan 1st (All day)
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Thursday ,
JanJanuary 1 , 2026Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jan 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. -
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 8 , 2026Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Thursday, Jan 8th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch!
TBE BLOG
Thank you for donating to TBE events!
Thursday, Jun 26 11:23amEndowment Funding and the Start of Fiscal Year 2026
Thursday, Jun 26 10:35amAnnual Sponsorship Opportunities
Thursday, Jun 26 10:14amTemple Beth El • 2702 Arbor Drive, Madison, WI 53711 • 608-238-3123 • Contact Us
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