Israel in the Consciousness of the Reform Jew (Yom Kippur Day Sermon 5780)
10/10/2019 01:25:44 PM
by Rabbi Jonathan Biatch
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Date Added |
L’shanah Tovah and G’mar Chatimah Tovah: May we all conclude this day with a brighter outlook and a renewed spirit for the work ahead of us: the work of tikkun, of repairing the fractured world we inhabit, and repairing our souls as they yearn for fulfillment.
Since Rosh Hashanah, and really since the beginning of the month of Elul 40 days ago, we have considered what we have done wrong and how we were going to reconcile our broken relationships. And Yom Kippur is a day on which we consider how we are to improve our lives in the future. So, this morning I’d like to speak about Israel because of the wonderful possibilities of that small nation playing a positive and significant role in our Jewish lives.
Imagine this as the teaser for a new television program called “Israel: Religious Freedom for All Its Citizens”:
“Imagine an Israel in which the State treats all expressions and streams of Judaism – and other religions – with equal respect and dignity; where the State recognizes the right to freedom of religion and freedom from religious coercion...”
And here is the teaser for another episode:
“Imagine an Israel in which the State guarantees and preserves the freedom of worship for members of all faiths at their holy sites in the spirit of mutual respect and sensitivity..”
Or maybe you could be enticed to watch this episode:
“Imagine an Israel in which gender equality fully guides the state, and women are not demeaned or otherwise disadvantaged, whether on public transportation, in legal proceedings regarding personal status, at the Western Wall, and in other public venues and services.”
Well, they make not make scintillating prime time television; I think “Shtisel” or “S’rugim” would score higher ratings. But these aspirations and others are on the mind of Israelis today. Promoted by Hiddush, an Israeli organization nearly 10 years old, they stand for a renewal of the pledge, audaciously a part of the Declaration of Independence, that aspired to a society of equals.
That document courageously states the hopes for a future of dignity and respect: “The State of Israel … will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it [the state] will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it it [the state] will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it [the state] will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture … ”
This is an achievable goal, even though after 71 years we have not yet realized it. But the good news is that despite forces in Israeli society that strive mightily to establish a narrowly-based theocracy, there are many more people who still believe in and struggle to secure a society that honors all streams of Judaism, and people of other religious traditions.
I invite us to consider the positive vision of Israel, a society that would not dwell on past events and mistakes even though they make them, but one that dreams of welcoming new Jewish residents and streams of Jewish visitors; one that makes equal room for those of other religious communities; one that develops and promotes life based on the aspirations and values of Judaism; one where secular models of democracy guide the Jewish state despite variations in the practices of religious communities or the secular society.
* * * *
What is the nature of our connection with Israeli Jews? What are the challenges inherent in this relationship?
Donniel Hartman, the president of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, explains that the challenge of Diaspora Jews connecting well with Israel is found in the degree to which we see Israeli Jews as members of our family.[1]
In a typical nuclear family, people view their spouse-parent-child relationships as primary; the “family” is the safety net that assumes that all will be present for each other no matter what, that we watch out for one another, that we have a special relationship to protect.
Inside this nuclear family, we experience life together. We celebrate, we mourn, we strive, we cry, and we laugh. All of that happens – for the most part – with people who are physically closer to us.
Outside of this primary relationship, we may have other relatives living hundreds or thousands of miles away with whom we DON’T share everyday life, and our family ties with them may not be as strong as with our primary family. We may feel concern for them, but the connection is not a primary one.
So, we might compare the relationships between Diaspora and Israeli Jewry to those distant relatives, people whom you hear about and feel empathy for, but the distance prohibits us from cementing a firm relationship. Perhaps there is insufficient reason to care about one another; or maybe we don’t share a vision of being close as family with one another.
Let’s see what the data say.
The American Jewish Committee last June released its annual survey of attitudes held by the Israeli and American Jewish communities toward each other, and visible were large disparities in how we feel about each other.
Almost a third [31%] of Israeli Jews consider us American Jews as “siblings”, and 47 percent consider us as “cousins”. Not bad. Yet only 13% of American Jews think of Israelis as siblings, and 58 percent of us see Israeli Jews as all kinds of relationships, and certainly members of an extended family. And in America, 28% of us don’t consider Israelis part of our family at all.[2]
Anecdotal evidence, however, does not always confirm this ‘relationship gap’. A few years back, I asked here as to the number of worshipers present who had visited Israel. The percentage of hands that shot into the air was significantly higher than the average of 35% of American Jews who have been to Israel. So, there is, at least within our community, a stronger recognition of family ties that bind us to one another. The challenge is to discover the association with Israel that motivates and excites us, and then strengthen and share that motivation with others.
* * * *
How do we come to know Israel living some 6,000 miles away? First is through teachers who come to share with us.
Some of you may be familiar with our Israeli sh’lichim here in Madison. The sh’lichim are the Jewish Federation-sponsored emissaries from Israel who help to awaken the spark of interest in Israel matters. And during my tenure in Madison, we have had some exceptional sh’lichim teaching us about and connecting us to Israel. Our current new sh’lichim – who are newlyweds, by the way – are no exception to this, and I hope you have an opportunity to meet them.
They both came, last week, to attend our Rosh Hashanah morning services, and they enjoyed them very much.
And talk about Jewish geography: I was speaking with our community Sh’lichah, Danielle, and it turns out that her father was a young resident of a certain youth village at the same time and in the same youth village that I spent my first summer in Israel. He was 10, and I was 15; so, I began to think back and wonder if he was the young kid – who knew a lot more than I did about farm life – working with me when we irrigated the banana orchards or mucked out the cow barn.
Anyway, the presence of the sh’lichim here in Madison – and in the other communities where Israelis go to connect with Diaspora Jews – has, over a long time, demonstrated that a connection to Israel is desirable and necessary.
Our religious school children feel it when, in Third grade, they take a year-long virtual trip to Israel (though I don't think they get to eat schwarma). We adults, if we have taken advantage of our congregational trips to Israel, know the joy and good nature of Israelis whom we meet along the way. People have visited on b'nai mitzvah trips, business trips, and other excursions. We are fortunate to have had a lot of TBE members visiting Israel.
Another way we learn about Israel is through our religious movements. We are informed that Israel is becoming a place of pluralistic religious fervor; being "religious" there is no longer the purview solely of the Haredi, or Ultra-Orthodox community.
We see organic Jewish life from many religious communities: from the Haredim to the standard dati or Orthodox Jews; from masorti or Conservative Jews to mitkadmim – Reform and Progressive Jews – and hitchadshim or Reconstructionist Jews. And there are independent communities of prayer and learning among the older and younger Israelis, especially the secular ones, Jews who are exploring their Jewish roots in search of values by which to live as Jews in the Jewish and democratic state of Israel.
Israeli Jews have also become more focused on religious and social matters as primary motivations for voting. We see this in the priorities of Israelis as they went to the polls recently.
Beginning with the election in April and continuing with the election held a few weeks ago, opinion polls demonstrated that security matters took a backseat to the influence of the religious right in Israeli life. We also learned that voters overwhelmingly wanted all men and women, including the Ultra-Orthodox, to serve in the army; most citizens want religious exemptions from national service to disappear. Secular Israelis also wanted the Orthodox rabbinate out of the personal and religious lives of Israelis. And there was a strong public expression that the next ruling coalition NOT include the religious parties.
In short, public attitudes and motivations for voting now center on developing true Jewish and democratic life in Israel. For in addition to its position as a place of Jewish refuge, Israel stands as an exemplar of Jewish literary and cultural creativity, coming from both religious and secular world's. And there is still appreciation for the rich cultural diversity of Israel, due to the immigration of Russian, Ethiopian, and other ethnic communities.
Our family may be an extended one, but its riches are beyond count.
* * * *
There still remains, though, the nagging question of how we view our relationship with Israel, and the degree to which we would want to be involved in the life of Israel herself.
According to that same American Jewish Committee survey, 63 percent of Israeli Jews believe it is “not appropriate for American Jews to attempt to influence Israeli policy on such issues as national security and peace negotiations with the Palestinians,” while 57 percent of American Jews feel it is appropriate for them to do so.[3] This statistic suggests our strong desire to connect to Israel. The challenge is to find the context where this makes the most sense.
We could always take the route that my niece’s son David traveled this past year. As a 20-something interested in serving Israel, he joined the two-and-a half year Garin Tzabar program of the Israel Defense Forces, and is now serving in a combat unit. Short of officially making aliyah, David now can fulfill his aspiration for service to a cause greater than himself. Whether he eventually immigrates will depend on other many factors, though his parents are supportive of his efforts. We're simply hoping he'll find a partner before he makes that big decision.
As for us, we can sit here in America and complain, and physically protest various Israeli government actions. But that is less likely to be effective.
Or we can lend our voices to the overall movement to expand the civil and democratic society in Israel and we can do this through our participation next year in the international elections to the World Zionist Congress.
The first World Zionist Congress took place in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897, and its primary goal was to establish the state of Israel. Today, the Congress serves as a parliament for the Jewish people to determine policy for the World Zionist Organization, designates the Organization’s course of action, chooses the leadership of the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish National Fund in Israel, and allocates funds to causes in Israel and the Diaspora. Closer to home, the Congress makes decisions that affect Reform Jews in Israel and across the world, and allocates considerable funding to Progressive Jews in Israel.
In elections five years ago, prior to the last meeting of the World Zionist Congress, Progressive Jews in America elected 56 delegates to the 500-member World Jewish Congress. It may sound small, only ten percent, but because our delegates voted in coalition with partners from other countries, movements, and Israeli political parties, we had a broad seat at the table, secured funding for Reform organizations in Israel, and helped to influence policy for many progressive causes. In this coming election cycle, the Reform movement both in Israel and the Diaspora could likely garner $20 million for their institutions.
But along with the money for our own movement, the Reform-Progressive presence on this governing board could have significant impact on Israeli social policies.
As a result of progressive Jewry’s presence at the last Congress, we influenced the appointment of key professionals to carry out our Reform Jewish values regarding equality, pluralism, and our commitment to a two-state solution. We joined with Israeli political parties to influence Israeli society in matters of conversion, marriage and divorce, religious pluralism, gender rights, and combatting racism. We passed key resolutions in the World Zionist Organization’s policy body for equality, transparency, and societal pluralism.
In short, our participation matters.
My offering you this information today is in preparation for the international voting that will take place beginning on January 20, 2020, and will extend for 50 days.
At that time, we will ask you to vote, and we hope that you vote for the slate connected to ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists in America. This is the one significant way that we Diaspora Jews can, indeed, influence what happens in Israel. The positions we take in the Congress next year will directly help our Israeli sisters and brothers who wish to create a civil and progressive Israeli society consonant with Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
Please watch your electronic inboxes and our synagogue bulletin for information about this election in January. There are four simple requirements to vote in this election:
- Be 18 years of age or older by June 30, 2020
- Self-identify as Jewish
- Agree to the Jerusalem Program, the official platform of the WZO and the Zionist Movement
- Pay the minimal $7.50 processing fee
Five years ago we were fortunate to have had Jane Taves, one of our more active TBE members, as a delegate to the World Zionist Congress meeting. For this upcoming election, she serves as a member of the campaign cabinet of the Association of Reform Zionists of America and the Union for Reform Judaism, as well as a congregational coach for us and three other congregations. Our Temple Beth El coordinator/captain will be our Associate Executive Director Kendra Sager. Along with a team of members, we will create ways to educate us and encourage us to vote, promoting a strong voter turnout and result.
If you would like a fact sheet covering some of the aspects of the election, as well as different websites for you to visit to learn more, I have them here and will hand them out after services all day today. Please see me.
Our participation really will make a difference. We can affect real change and become even more visible as our political influence increases. If we increase our Reform presence in the World Zionist Congress:
we will be able to directly promote the cause of liberal Judaism in and for the Jewish state;
we will be able to directly influence Israeli society toward both its democratic and Jewish destinies;
we will bring nearer the day when we will actualize the values of religious and societal pluralism for all of Israeli society;
and we will find even more positive reasons to support Israel from wherever we are in the world: as it will be a place with expanded creativity and ways for all Jews to create firm connections with our homeland.
* * * *
Five years ago, Reform and Progressive Jews secured a significant delegation at the World Zionist Congress. That was not the first time that Reform Jews participated in those elections, but it was the strongest showing to date. So that was, perhaps, a teaser to what’s to come in the elections and in our participation next year.
All it takes is imagination to perceive the future, a future of increased Israel activity for us all.
If you’ve not been to Israel, I invite you to imagine a place where one’s Jewish roots can be nourished by the soil of hundreds of years of Jewish history and learning; a place whose citizens are called sabras, after the hearty – some would say “tenacious” – prickly cactus pear, which is bristly on the outside, and mushy and soft and inviting on the inside.
If you have not been to Israel lately, I invite you to consider a return trip to re-orient yourself with the land and its fast-paced development.
Israel continues to be that ‘miracle on the Mediterranean’ that remains special to us. Is it what Theodor Herzl dreamed about when he remarked, “If you will it, it is no dream.”? He was a visionary, so it’s entirely possible that he was able to envision a land of great promise. You will see amazing changes there, and the potential for reaching its goals are still bright. Let us hope that we can all imagine Israel as a land of equality and dignity for all people. Let us then work for those changes.
L'shanah tovah!
[1] Rabbinic webinar August 29, 2019
[2] https://www.ajc.org/news/israeli-american-and-french-jews-on-the-issues-insights-from-ajc-surveys
[3] https://www.jta.org/2019/06/02/israel/israeli-french-and-american-jews-agree-on-almost-everything-except-trump
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
Saturday, Jul 12th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
Saturday, Jul 19th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jul 25th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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JulJuly 26 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Jul 26th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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AugAugust 3 , 2025Tishah B'Av Morning Study
Sunday, Aug 3rd 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
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Friday ,
AugAugust 8 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Aug 8th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 9th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2025Lea Levi Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Aug 9th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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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
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Friday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Aug 22nd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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AugAugust 23 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 23rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 23 , 2025Lillia Berger Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Aug 23rd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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Friday ,
AugAugust 29 , 2025Shabbat Worship
Friday, Aug 29th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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AugAugust 30 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Aug 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Sep 6th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Sep 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Sep 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
Saturday, Sep 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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
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Saturday ,
OctOctober 11 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 11th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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OctOctober 18 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 18th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
OctOctober 25 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Oct 25th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
NovNovember 1 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 1st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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Saturday ,
NovNovember 15 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 15th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
NovNovember 22 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 22nd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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NovNovember 29 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Nov 29th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 13 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 20 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 27 , 2025Torah Study
Saturday, Dec 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JanJanuary 3 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 3rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JanJanuary 10 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 10th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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JanJanuary 17 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 17th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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JanJanuary 24 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 24th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jan 31st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 14 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 14th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 21st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Feb 28th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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Saturday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 14th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 21st 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
MarMarch 28 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Mar 28th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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Saturday ,
AprApril 11 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 11th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
AprApril 18 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 18th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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AprApril 25 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 25th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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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
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Saturday ,
MayMay 9 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 9th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
MayMay 16 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 16th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
MayMay 23 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 23rd 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
MayMay 30 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
MayMay 30 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, May 30th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JunJune 6 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 6th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JunJune 13 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 13th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JunJune 20 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 20th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JunJune 27 , 2026Torah Study
Saturday, Jun 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
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Saturday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2026Torah Study
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
Join Madison’s Jews’ Next Dor (20s and30s) for our next in-person monthly potluck Shabbat dinner. Please bring a dish to share. -
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
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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. -
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)
-
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. -
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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