Israel in the Consciousness of the Reform Jew (Yom Kippur Day Sermon 5780)
10/10/2019 01:25:44 PM
by Rabbi Jonathan Biatch
Author | |
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
April 25, 2024
17 Nisan 5784
Worship Schedule
-
Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Apr 26th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, Apr 27th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Yizkor
Sunday, Apr 28th 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Join us for a Yizkor (memorial) service as we conclude the holiday of Passover. -
Friday ,
MayMay 3 , 2024Likrat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat)
Friday, May 3rd 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The first Friday of each month is an all-ages Shabbat service featuring Religious School students. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 4th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Community Yom HaShoah Service
Sunday, May 5th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Please join us for a service of remembrance and to honor local Holocaust survivors and their families, led by clergy and members of the Jewish community of greater Madison. -
Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, May 10th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
MayMay 11 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 11th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Friday ,
MayMay 17 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, May 17th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 18 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 18th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 18 , 2024Andres Garcete Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, May 18th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
MayMay 24 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, May 24th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
MayMay 25 , 2024Torah Study
Saturday, May 25th 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Torah Study meets each Shabbat morning to discuss parasha and Tanakh. -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, May 31st 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
JunJune 1 , 2024Confirmation Service for the Class of 5784
Saturday, Jun 1st 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
The community is invited to worship with us as we celebrate the confirmation class of 5784. -
Friday ,
JunJune 7 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jun 7th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Saturday ,
JunJune 8 , 2024Lily Anderson Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Jun 8th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
JunJune 14 , 2024Shabbat Honoring Rabbi Biatch
Friday, Jun 14th 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Friday ,
JunJune 21 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jun 21st 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
JunJune 22 , 2024Henry Raether Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Jun 22nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
JunJune 28 , 2024Shabbat Worship
Friday, Jun 28th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for Shabbat worship both at TBE and on YouTube -
Friday ,
JulJuly 19 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jul 19th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 16 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Aug 16th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
AugAugust 24 , 2024Stella Friedman Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Aug 24th 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2024Zola Rodriquez Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Sep 7th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Sep 20th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Friday ,
OctOctober 18 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Oct 18th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 26 , 2024Jaime Tunis Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Oct 26th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Saturday ,
NovNovember 2 , 2024Avner Roginsky Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Nov 2nd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
NovNovember 15 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Nov 15th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 7 , 2024Andres Deano Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Dec 7th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Friday ,
DecDecember 20 , 2024Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Dec 20th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Friday ,
JanJanuary 17 , 2025Shabbat Midor Lador
Friday, Jan 17th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
A musical service for the whole Temple family, featuring Les Goldsmith and the Promised Band. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 8 , 2025Penelope Cesarec Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Mar 8th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
-
Saturday ,
MarMarch 29 , 2025Evan Sondel Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, Mar 29th 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
-
Saturday ,
AprApril 5 , 2025Marissa Paloian Bat Mitzvah
Saturday, Apr 5th 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Engage with us!
-
Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 25th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024Niftach Libeinu (“Let Us Open Our Hearts”): Exploring New Possibilities for Prayer and Ritual
Thursday, Apr 25th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
A “worship laboratory” with our clergy, exploring personal and communal approaches to a meaningful spiritual life. -
Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024CANCELED: Feast Without the Yeast: Forks, Friends, and Food for Families of 6th–12th Graders
Friday, Apr 26th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Join other families with children in 6th–12th grade to celebrate Passover with a Feast Without the Yeast before Shabbat worship. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, Apr 28th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Temple Beth El Sisterhood run Judaica shop, the only dedicated Judaica shop in Madison hours. Stock up Hanukkah, Shabbat and other Judaica items. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Apr 28th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Religious School Parent/Guardian Feedback Sessions
Sunday, Apr 28th 10:45 am to 11:45 am
Parents and guardians of Religious School students are invited to attend one of these two sessions to share feedback about the school year with the director of lifelong learning. -
Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Office Closed for Passover
Monday, Apr 29th (All day)
-
Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Men's Club Book Group
Monday, Apr 29th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2024MJND Post-Passover Pasta Party
Tuesday, Apr 30th 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Join Madison's Jews' Next Dor (MJND) 20's and 30's group in breaking Passover with pasta. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 2nd 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, May 2nd 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the basics of Judaism. It's perfect for those thinking about converting to Judaism, interfaith couples, or individuals who would like to broaden their knowledge. -
Friday ,
MayMay 3 , 2024Likrat Shabbat Family Dinner
Friday, May 3rd 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Register for dinner preceding our Likrat Shabbat service on the first Friday of the month, November–May. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024"When All There Is, Is Light": Reading and Workshop of Rabbi Jonathan Biatch's One-Act Play
Saturday, May 4th 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Join us for a congregational workshopping and reading of Rabbi Jonathan Biatch's original one-act play, along with a talk-back, refreshments, and fun. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Judaica Shop Open
Sunday, May 5th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Temple Beth El Sisterhood run Judaica shop, the only dedicated Judaica shop in Madison hours. Stock up Hanukkah, Shabbat and other Judaica items. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Mensches Spreading Mulch
Sunday, May 5th 9:30 am to 11:30 am
This is a Temple Beth El Men's Club mitzvah event at Beit Olamim, the Jewish cemetery off of Westfield Road just north of Mineral Point Road. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 5th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, May 5th 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
-
Tuesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2024Singles Creating Community Dinner
Tuesday, May 7th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join the Singles Creating Community group for dinner. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 8 , 2024Past Presidents Council
Wednesday, May 8th 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
The past presidents of the Board of Trustees will gather for coffee and bagels and talk about current TBE happenings. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 8 , 2024Kesher Israel Film: "Ahed's Knee"
Wednesday, May 8th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The film "Ahed's Knee" points to the human loss of the ability of free expression. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe
Thursday, May 9th 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe supports people experiencing memory issues, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers within the Jewish community and beyond. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 9th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024Madison Jewish Community Introduction to Judaism
Thursday, May 9th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the basics of Judaism. It's perfect for those thinking about converting to Judaism, interfaith couples, or individuals who would like to broaden their knowledge. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 12 , 2024Healing House Meal Volunteers Needed
Sunday, May 12th (All day)
Healing House provides respite care to persons experiencing homelessness who are recuperating from surgery, illness, or childbirth. TBE and other congregation volunteers cook meals for the residents and staff on a quarterly basis and drop them off at 5:00 pm each day at Healing House, 303 Lathrop St., Madison, WI 53726. Our team has signed up to provide meals the week of May 12–18. Menu items (not specific recipes) will be assigned to you by Ruth Frawley, our dinner coordinator, the week before. To help with this mitzvah, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E48A8AC22A4FF2-48372110-healing Contact Cathy Rotter at c.rotter.mail@gmail.com with any questions. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 12 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 12th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 14th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
MayMay 16 , 2024Kesher Israel Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 16th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Kesher Israel Committee meets every six weeks on Zoom. -
Friday ,
MayMay 17 , 2024Singles Creating Community Coffee Klatch
Friday, May 17th 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Please join the Singles Creating Community group for breakfast and a hot drink. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 19th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024MaTTY Maccabiah
Sunday, May 19th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Join MaTTY for an outdoor Maccabiah / color wars event! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, May 19th 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Sunday ,
MayMay 19 , 2024A Toast to Rabbi Biatch
Sunday, May 19th 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Please join us as we celebrate and thank Rabbi Biatch for his 19 years of dedicated service to Temple Beth El. -
Monday ,
MayMay 20 , 2024Fiber Arts Schmooze
Monday, May 20th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join friends at TBE for an evening of knitting, crocheting, stitching, and friendship! -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 21 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, May 21st 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 22 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, May 22nd 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
August 23, 2023 meeting is canceled. Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 23 , 2024Conversion Student Meetup
Thursday, May 23rd 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
For anyone on the path to conversion to connect and support one another through the process. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 23 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 23rd 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 26 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, May 26th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Monday ,
MayMay 27 , 2024Office Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 27th (All day)
-
Tuesday ,
MayMay 28 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, May 28th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Chevra Kadisha: Ordinary People Doing Holy Work (Volunteer Opportunity!)
Friday, May 31st 9:30 am to 11:30 am
A workshop for current and potential members of the Chevra Kadisha. The same information will be shared at each session. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Chevra Kadisha: Ordinary People Doing Holy Work (Volunteer Opportunity!)
Sunday, Jun 2nd 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
A workshop for current and potential members of the Chevra Kadisha. The same information will be shared at each session. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Jun 2nd 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, Jun 2nd 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
-
Sunday ,
JunJune 2 , 2024Annual Meeting
Sunday, Jun 2nd 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
All Temple Beth El members are invited to a reception with light appetizers on the terrace and then a brief business meeting in the sanctuary, also available on YouTube. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 6 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 6th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JunJune 6 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 6th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 9 , 2024Conversion Student Meetup
Sunday, Jun 9th 10:00 am to 11:00 am
For anyone on the path to conversion to connect and support one another through the process. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 9 , 2024Adult B'nai Mitzvah Hebrew Class
Sunday, Jun 9th 10:30 am to 11:30 am
This is an introductory Hebrew class for students who are a part of the adult b'nai mitzvah cohort. -
Tuesday ,
JunJune 11 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Shavuot
Tuesday, Jun 11th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Wednesday ,
JunJune 12 , 2024Office Closed for Shavuot
Wednesday, Jun 12th (All day)
-
Thursday ,
JunJune 13 , 2024Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe
Thursday, Jun 13th 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The Jewish Social Services Memory Cafe supports people experiencing memory issues, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers within the Jewish community and beyond. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 16 , 2024Beth El Bakers
Sunday, Jun 16th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the Beth El Bakers for Sunday sessions where we will create community while baking delicious treats to share with the congregation at upcoming Temple Beth El events. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 16 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, Jun 16th 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Monday ,
JunJune 17 , 2024Office closes at 2:00 pm for Staff Celebration
Monday, Jun 17th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
JunJune 18 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Jun 18th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Tuesday ,
JunJune 18 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Jun 18th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Wednesday ,
JunJune 19 , 2024Kesher Israel Film: "Aviva, My Love"
Wednesday, Jun 19th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The film "Aviva, My Love" asks: How is an Israeli woman to fulfill her own ambitions? -
Thursday ,
JunJune 20 , 2024“Why? Because Israel Matters”: Community Update from Rabbi Biatch’s Sabbatical in Israel
Thursday, Jun 20th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Come and share with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch what he learned, experienced, saw, and engaged in while in Israel during his recent sabbatical. -
Tuesday ,
JunJune 25 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Jun 25th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 26 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, Jun 26th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
August 23, 2023 meeting is canceled. Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 27 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 27th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 27 , 2024Kesher Israel Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jun 27th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Kesher Israel Committee meets every six weeks on Zoom. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2024TBE Office Closed for Independence Day
Thursday, Jul 4th (All day)
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 4th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 4 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 4th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 7 , 2024Support Group for Those Whose Lives Have Been Touched by Mental Health Issues
Sunday, Jul 7th 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
JulJuly 11 , 2024Board Meeting
Thursday, Jul 11th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 16 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Jul 16th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2024Bike Ride to Save the Environment
Sunday, Jul 21st 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us for the annual bike ride sponsored by the Environment and Climate Change Action Team. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2024Cancer Support Group
Sunday, Jul 21st 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
-
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 23 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Jul 23rd 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 24 , 2024Environment and Climate Change Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, Jul 24th 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
August 23, 2023 meeting is canceled. Join our action team as we make plans to engage the congregation in activities that raise awareness about environmental issues. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 25th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 1st 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 1st 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 4 , 2024Beth El Bakers
Sunday, Aug 4th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the Beth El Bakers for Sunday sessions where we will create community while baking delicious treats to share with the congregation at upcoming Temple Beth El events. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 13th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 20 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Aug 20th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2024Music Committee Meeting
Thursday, Aug 22nd 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information on the Music Committee, contact Cantor Jacob Niemi. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 27 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Aug 27th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 2 , 2024Office Closed for Labor Day
Monday, Sep 2nd (All day)
-
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 5th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sep 5th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 10 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Sep 10th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 17 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Sep 17th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Sep 24th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, Oct 2nd 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2024Office Closed for Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, Oct 3rd (All day)
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 3rd 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Oct 3rd 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Social Action Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of most months at Temple Beth El. -
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 8 , 2024Board Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 8th 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Friday ,
OctOctober 11 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, Oct 11th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 15 , 2024Serve Supper at the Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday, Oct 15th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
As the Catholic Multicultural Center resumes daily in-person dinners, join fellow TBE volunteers on the third Tuesday of each month to help serve dinner and clean up. -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 16 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Sukkot
Wednesday, Oct 16th 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
OctOctober 17 , 2024Office Closed for Sukkot
Thursday, Oct 17th (All day)
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 22 , 2024Religious Practices Committee meeting
Tuesday, Oct 22nd 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Religious Practices Committee meeting (RPC) -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 23 , 2024Office Closes at 2:00 pm for Erev Simchat Torah
Wednesday, Oct 23rd 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
-
Thursday ,
NovNovember 7 , 2024House Committee Meeting
Thursday, Nov 7th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Thursday ,
NovNovember 7 , 2024Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, Nov 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.