Antisemitism – It Should Not Have to be This Way in America Today (Erev Yom Kippur, 5780)
10/10/2019 01:23:39 PM
by Rabbi Jonathan Biatch
Author | |
Date Added |
G’mar Chatimah Tovah! May your new year be one of safety and peace.
In “Fiddler on the Roof”, Tevye bemoans the announcement brought to him by the town constable – and unofficial leader of the Cossacks – that a pogrom was going to be declared on the shtetel of Anatevka. In his one-way dialogue with God, Tevye complains, “It's true that we are the chosen people. But once in a while, can't you choose someone else?”[1]
Tevye’s dry remark was intended to bring forth a sympathetic, maybe even a comedic moment, but this past year, nothing has been more exhausting than dealing with antisemitism. We American Jews hurt. We ache. We are confused. And we are frustrated and angry over the vitriol and violence perpetrated against us. Antisemitism has raised its horrifying head, and this is my chief concern on this Night of Atonement.
Normally, when we engage in strategic discussions of the Jewish virtue of tikkun olam and actions we take to struggle for human rights, we include all those suffering pain, all those whose lives are endangered by haters. Our dignity and security are wrapped up in theirs; we advocate emphatically that none is free until all are free.
However: On this night of Yom Kippur – the most sacred and important night of our religious calendar – it is about us. Tonight is a night when I invite us to think of how to confront our unique situation.
Antisemitism in America is on the rise, the evidence is real, and our freedoms – and perhaps our lives – are at stake.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic activity in America rose 57% from 2017 to 2018. A reporter for the New York Times, notes that in New York in 2018, there were four times as many hate crimes against Jews as against blacks.[2]
We are obviously unnerved by the most egregious occurrences: violent, premeditated murders in synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, CA; a Racine synagogue, just a few weeks ago, where neo-Nazi slogans were painted on the walls; a shul in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Rosh Hashanah day last week, where there was vandalism while worshippers were still inside the building; and in recent years, blows against our own Jewish community in Madison, including threats, tagging, and antisemitic taunting of students in our high schools.
Are these increased occurrences the canaries in the coal mine, alerting us that Jewish existence in America will not be as comfortable as our parents and grandparents had hoped? Will we continue to be welcomed here?
* * * *
I am grateful for you members of Temple Beth El – and others – who have supported our security enhancements here, measures that provide our staff, and members and guests, with a greater degree of security when they’re in the building.
But it should not have to be this way today.
Shver tsu zayn a yid, as my parents of blessed memory would resignedly say: “It’s hard to be Jew”.
But that was a century ago. It should not have to be this way today.
Antisemitism lives as a virus in the bloodstream of humanity, sometimes dormant, and sometimes not, but is activated in every generation by the introduction of some new pathogen: a pathogen like white nationalism, or activists in other racial communities who adopt antisemitic tropes unknowingly or with intention. So why can’t our scientists develop an effective anti-viral treatment to save this body?
Despite years of suffering antisemitism; regardless of the toughening we have received; our body’s response to anti-Jewish attacks in America are always anguish and confusion, even though we appear to be tough.
But it should not have to be like this today.
In almost every generation, the Jewish community has learned to combat the forces of bigotry arrayed against us. We have struggled to achieve equality – both for us and for other victims of persecution – in all the places we have lived. This approach has been instilled in our Jewish DNA, and we teach it to our children, so that each generation understands its history as well as the responsibilities of the future.
But knowing these things; struggling and fighting for our very existence: It should not have to be like this today.
So perhaps, in the future, this is the “talk” that Jewish parents, teachers, and leaders have with Jewish children:
Never forget the past.
Be careful and wary and not too comfortable in the present.
Be optimistic – and cautious – about the future.
And always have a valid, up-to-date passport. (I am serious about this.)
But it should not have to be this way today.
* * * *
Antisemitism has had many manifestations over time and Jewish legendary space:
The Pharaoh, seeking an excuse to increase his labor pool, charged us with disloyalty, and chained us to slave labor.[3] The Romans assaulted and murdered Jewish scholars in the Talmudic era land of Israel, in the hopes of eradicating our connections to God. Torquemada and religious officials in 15th century Spain tortured Jews who would not renounce their religion. Bogdan Khmelnitsky massacred thousands of Jews in 16th century Poland. The Tzar of Russia instituted horrifying pogroms in 18th century Russia. Hitler and his Nazi-perpetrated Holocaust decimated six million brothers and sisters.
B’chol dor vador – “In every generation…”
But it should not have to be this way today.
* * * *
Events such as Pittsburgh and Poway in our recent memory, as well as similar attacks against other houses of worship in our generation, painfully remind us of our vulnerability as members of a unique religious tribe.
Every person’s response to hatred, or the fear of attack, is unique. Every soul, however, is precious. And therefore, we must listen to the distress in the hearts of others, as we seek resolution and comfort.
I’d like to share with you a posting my son made to Facebook about six weeks ago. Some of you might have seen it online:
“Friday night was Pride Shabbat at Temple Beth El … the synagogue where I have been a member and my father has been the rabbi for over 14 years. For those 14 years, I have felt nothing but safety, love, support, and community within Temple Beth El's walls. Pride Shabbat was no different…almost.
“It was beautiful: Jews of all kinds, young, old, straight, gay, of all genders and colors, all decked out in rainbows; the sanctuary had never been prettier, with the stain glass windows and warm wood paneling accented by the multi-colored draperies on the pews and the Jewish Pride flag hanging from music stands on the bimah … This was the first service I had attended at my synagogue since the Tree of Life shooting.
“The service opened with the song "The Rainbow Connection", a song about human curiosity … our pursuit of something just out of reach, something that may not even exist … a better world … a place where we all belong, where we all are included, where we all can find love…
“Throughout the service, songs of joy and pride rang out from all in the assembled congregation. There was such love in that room as to make one burst.
“There were also a few small children, wide eyes, toothy grins, impatient to return to the sweets in the Community Court. Their parents, try though they might, were hopeless in their attempts to corral [them]. Consequently, every so often from behind my seat, I would hear strange, disconcerting, child-not-happy noises I could not immediately identify.
“And those were not the only such noises.
“About mid-way through the service, as Cantor Jacob led us in song, I took occasion to observe my father upon the bimah; he was putting on a wireless microphone, and gathering items in a basket, preparing to leave the bimah and move out among the pews. But, all of a sudden, there was a muffled BANG followed by loud grunting, which emanated from the hallway outside. Both I and my father, from opposite sides of the room, flinched.
“The service went on. Evidently, no one else had heard the noise, or if they had, they were content enough to ignore it, to instead focus their energies where they should be: on prayer, on community, on love.
“I was not so able. My heart rate elevated, my eyes shot to the doors, searching for any hint of danger or alarm, as I began to formulate a plan. If the worst should happen, if the worst should be currently happening, what would I have to do.
“[The noise was] one of our custodians, breaking down the tables from the program before the service, I realized.
“I breathed, and relaxed back into my seat…
“Every night, when my father walks through our door, as we greet him and share stories about our days, there is always a nagging thought in the back of mind: thank God he made it; thank God this wasn't the night. This wasn't the night he didn’t come home; this wasn't the night we would rush to the hospital in hopes that he had only been injured; this wasn't the night that the work begun in the 1930's in Germany would come to my house. Thank God we're safe.
“Too few Jews can say the same.
“I don't know if I have a larger point here. I’m scared, and I’m sad, and I’m angry. And most of all I am tired; I am tired of being afraid. I am tired of men like this making me afraid to enter the ONE space I should always be safe. I am tired of being afraid to walk into my own father's place of work. I am tired of being afraid in my own skin.
“I'm just so tired.”
If my 22-year-old-son feels this way, there must be others who feel similarly: tired of the attention, exhausted from the necessary watchfulness, disappointed in humanity for foisting this set of circumstances upon us.
It shouldn’t have to be this way today.
I remember when I entered the field of Jewish communal work in 1980, “Jewish continuity” was the buzzword, the objective for creative programming and services. Today – sadly – we might use the term “Jewish continuity” in a more existential manner.
Pittsburg, Poway, Overland Park, the Bronx, Seattle, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Eugene, Washington, University City, and more: How many more bodily insults will we need to endure before we eliminate the scourge of antisemitic images, caricatures, accusations, and physical attacks that have been our lot in American life?
* * * *
And what is more, antisemitism comes at us from both the right and the left these days. It is dismaying and demoralizing to have fewer friends in each of those political arenas.
Looking to left, the relationships we should have with African Americans, for example, are sometimes strained because of the ties of some black activists with anti-Israel forces, or the likes of Louis Farrakhan. Clashes among Jewish and African American leaders of the Women’s March have led to disarray. Jewish women should be in the forefront of that movement along with all women who believe in the struggle against misogyny. But we don’t feel welcome there.
And to the right, white nationalists and hate groups have continued their traditional fomenting of antisemitism, albeit repurposed in modern-day trappings or veiled behind some disguise designed to appear less threatening. And those voices on the right echo the words and attitudes of some of the highest-ranking officials in our nation. The fact that our country elected these antisemitic voices also reveals new strains of this old disease.
And then, to add insult to injury, some white nationalists will hold their noses to temporarily dismiss their own antisemitism, and bludgeon the communities on the left with counterfeit charges of antisemitism. When this happens, we feel complicit in their attacks on the left, which is liable to distance us from our allies in many social movements. And we, if you will pardon the expression, we get caught in the crossfire.
* * * *
What gives me hope have been my meetings, over business and over meals, with supportive Christians and Muslims and others here in Madison. Never have I felt such close kinship with people who sincerely look out for us and our needs. After the Tree of Life murders a year ago, a thousand people came to support the Jewish community at the First Unitarian Society. These interfaith and inter-group alliances are significant and vital in this community.
What gives me hope is my work in organizing a multifaith coalition of faith leaders in south-central Wisconsin. At our second organizing meeting last week, we agreed on rapid response mechanisms for congregations and individuals who become the target of haters. I pray we do not need this network of helpers, but I am comforted by their existence.
What gives me hope are the emotions of my child as he expressed his anxiety about his experience here on Pride Shabbat. This gives me hope, especially when I read the sensitive and caring reactions to his post online from his peers, and I know that his generation is sweet, supportive, and – at the same time – passionate and engaged in the issue of eradicating hate.
What gives me hope is the optimism expressed by Bari Weiss, reporter and editor for the New York Times, who advocated for a positive and affirming American Judaism of the future,[4] one in which we could wear a kippah in public – or not – and one in which we stand up for ourselves along with allies of all colors and varieties. These alliances we need to form and maintain along the way, and not be reticent when seeking help.
What gives me hope is the support that you have given us, you who are members of this sacred community who support one another in this community of caring.
What gives me hope are the millions of allies across this country who will not allow prejudice to flourish, and who will not – like lemmings – follow the current blighted crop of bigoted leaders blindly into the abyss.
Sometimes our chosenness causes us to suffer assaults. And sometimes our chosenness reminds us that we have chosen to identify as Jews, and that we have decided to help others and ourselves achieve a life of dignity, despite our facing hostile forces. This, too, gives me hope.
* * * *
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last November ran the opening lines of the Mourner’s Kaddish in Hebrew across the front page. Praying for the dead, as well as for the healing of their community, became a city-wide event, something that might have annoyed the haters, but comforted the Jewish community and its supporters.
This small action bolstered the confidence of that community. And the words of the Kaddish, too, have the potential to strengthen us as well to reconsider, each time we recite it, how we need to act in a world that sometimes acts violently toward us.
The last two stanzas of the Kaddish say, “May there be abundant peace from heaven – and life – for us and for all Israel; and we say, Amen.” And “May the one who creates peace in heaven, may God create peace for us and for all Israel” – and we add, “and all the world” – “and we say, Amen.”
I can only add, may this be the will of heaven. When we engage in this struggle, may we feel comforted and supported, and may we be successful.
L’shanah tovah!
[1] Act 1, Scene 5, Fiddler on the Roof, book by Joseph Stein, MTI, New York NY: Page 34.
[2] Bari Weiss in https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/06/opinion/sunday/anti-semitism.html?searchResultPosition=1
[3] Exodus 1:10
[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/06/opinion/sunday/anti-semitism.html?searchResultPosition=1
July 2, 2025
6 Tammuz 5785
Worship Schedule
-
Friday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jul 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Saturday ,
JulJuly 5 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Jul 5th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
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
Saturday, Jul 12th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
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
Saturday, Jul 19th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jul 25th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Saturday ,
JulJuly 26 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Jul 26th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2025Shabbat Across Madison
Friday, Aug 1st 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 ,
AugAugust 2 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 2nd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Sunday ,
AugAugust 3 , 2025Tishah B'Av Morning Study
Sunday, Aug 3rd 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
-
Friday ,
AugAugust 8 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Aug 8th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Saturday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 9th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2025Lea Levi Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Aug 9th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
AugAugust 15 , 2025Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Aug 15th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, with Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
AugAugust 16 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 16th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Aug 22nd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Saturday ,
AugAugust 23 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 23rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
AugAugust 23 , 2025Lillia Berger Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Aug 23rd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
AugAugust 29 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Aug 29th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Saturday ,
AugAugust 30 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Sep 6th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Sep 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Sep 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
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
Saturday, Sep 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
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
Yom Kippur evening worship (Kol Nidrei) for the whole Temple community, led by our clergy and the Temple Beth El choir. -
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
Families with children ages 0–6 will gather for Yom Kippur worship including music and a story, led by our clergy. Little ones will learn what is special about this day and practice forgiving and being forgiven. -
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. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025T’filat K’hilah (Shacharit): Yom Kippur Morning Community Worship
Thursday, Oct 2nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Yom Kippur morning worship for the whole Temple community, led by our clergy. -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 4 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 4th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
OctOctober 11 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 11th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
OctOctober 18 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 18th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 25th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
NovNovember 1 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 1st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
NovNovember 7 , 2025Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, Nov 7th 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. -
Saturday ,
NovNovember 8 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 8th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
NovNovember 15 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 15th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
NovNovember 22 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 22nd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
NovNovember 29 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 29th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
DecDecember 5 , 2025Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, Dec 5th 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. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 6 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 6th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
DecDecember 13 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
DecDecember 20 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
DecDecember 27 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 3 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 3rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 10 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 10th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 17 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 17th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 24 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 24th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 31st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
FebFebruary 6 , 2026Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, Feb 6th 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. -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 7 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 7th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 14 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 14th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 21st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 28th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
MarMarch 6 , 2026Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, Mar 6th 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. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 7 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 7th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 14th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 21st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MarMarch 28 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 28th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
AprApril 3 , 2026Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, Apr 3rd 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. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 4 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 4th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
AprApril 11 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 11th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
AprApril 18 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 18th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
AprApril 25 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 25th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Friday ,
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. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 2 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 2nd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MayMay 9 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 9th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MayMay 16 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 16th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MayMay 23 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 23rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MayMay 30 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
MayMay 30 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JunJune 6 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 6th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JunJune 13 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JunJune 20 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
-
Saturday ,
JunJune 27 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Engage with us!
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 3 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 3rd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 3 , 2025CANCELED: Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 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. -
Friday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2025TBE Office Closed for Independence Day
Friday, Jul 4th (All day)
-
Sunday ,
JulJuly 6 , 2025Learn and Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Sunday, Jul 6th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
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
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch! -
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
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 17 , 2025Learn and Play Mahjong with Sisterhood
Thursday, Jul 17th 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Join Sisterhood for a fun afternoon of Mahjong! -
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
-
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
-
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
-
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2025Board Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 12th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
-
Wednesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2025Sisterhood "Monthly Mingle" Lunch
Wednesday, Aug 13th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for a Sisterhood lunch! -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 14 , 2025Congregational Book Club
Thursday, Aug 14th 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Join us in reading and discussion of challenging, but accessible, contemporary Jewish writings. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 14 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 14th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
-
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
-
Monday ,
AugAugust 25 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Potluck
Monday, Aug 25th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
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. -
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)
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 2nd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
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
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 7 , 2025Office Closed for Sukkot
Tuesday, Oct 7th (All day)
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 9 , 2025Sisterhood Exec Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 9th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 9 , 2025Board Meeting
Thursday, Oct 9th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
-
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
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 14 , 2025Office Closed for Simchat Torah/Sh'mini Atzeret
Tuesday, Oct 14th (All day)
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
Thursday ,
NovNovember 13 , 2025Board Meeting
Thursday, Nov 13th 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
-
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
-
Thursday ,
NovNovember 27 , 2025Office Closed for Thanksgiving
Thursday, Nov 27th (All day)
-
Thursday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2025House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Dec 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
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
-
Thursday ,
DecDecember 25 , 2025Office Closed
Thursday, Dec 25th (All day)
-
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 31 , 2025Office Closes at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec 31st 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 1 , 2026Office Closed for New Year's Day
Thursday, Jan 1st (All day)
-
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.
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
Click to find us on social media:
Thank you to our gold-level sponsor, Cress Funeral Services
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud