President’s Message

Dear members:
As I write this article, I was looking over the calendar for the month of November and it struck me that all the days and nights show some sort of activity, from USY and Kadima, K’tanim, movie series, adult ed classes, men’s club, sisterhood meetings and programs, lunch and learn, L’chaim Havdeli, social action, Sunday morning Rabbi’s programs, a book discussion later in the month, board of ed, board of directors meetings, Hebrew school program, and yes, daily morning and evening Minyans and Friday night services and of course, Shabbat. (more…)

Rabbi, Cantor and fellow congregants, Shabbat Sholom,
Good Yuntif.
Sitting up here on the Bimah and now standing before you and looking out at our congregation, I am seeing so many new faces.

Welcome to Temple Beth Sholom. I can’t help but be so proud of our shul. Of what we have done in the past and what we want to do and will do in the future. The heart and soul of our shul is here in this sanctuary, and all the other vital parts that make us whole, are spread out in this building. (more…)

June 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

             I would like to express my appreciation for all the volunteers who helped make our Passover Second Seder a success. Familiar tasks were performed once again by individuals comfortable with their role in the preparation of the event. I helped set the tables, but hope someday of having the honor of using my culinary skills in the kitchen. Every detail was considered to ensure a beautiful evening. Even the rain could not hamper the event.

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May 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

We will be celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut on the evening of Monday, May 5^th, corresponding with the Hebrew date of the 5^th of Iyar. In Israel, the joyous festivities will begin immediately after sunset following Israel Memorial Day. Twelve torches will be lit individually representing the twelve Tribes of Israel. The celebration continues throughout the next day. People are encouraged to spend the day outside by going on hikes and having barbecues. Historically, Israel Independence Day began on May 14, 1948 and centered on David Ben-Gurion reading the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. This carefully crafted seven part document has as much relevance now as it did sixty-six years ago during the reaffirmation of our Jewish homeland.

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April 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

I have been collecting Passover Haggadot for many years. I am most intrigued by the thousands of versions available. The obligation to retell our children of the exodus from Egypt may have been an influence in why the manuscripts are highly illustrated. When studying the printed versions of the Haggadah through the ages, we develop an appreciation of how the celebration of Passover has been continuously evolving. Our sense of freedom is challenged and our solidarity within the community is contested.

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March 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

We will be celebrating the holiday of Purim on the evening of March 15^th. It seems like we just celebrated Chanukah and Pesach will be quickly arriving soon. All are such joyous occasions celebrating triumphant historic events and freedom. The miracle of Purim is not as clearly seen as the other two holidays. G-d guided us with a watchful hand but is not mentioned in the Book of Esther. It is truly the story of concealment and hidden beauty. This is exemplified by the hamantash. It is a plain cookie pastry with its beauty hidden inside. Colorful, tangy, or sweet, it is always a wonderful surprise. My monthly column has not mentioned food in quite some time. The focus has been on the brain, so now with food being an important part of the upcoming holidays; we will go back to discussing gastronomy.

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