MLK, Jr. Redeeming the Prophetic Vision: Building a Safe Community
Sunday, January 14, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Join Associated Ministries for the 18th annual MLK Day interfaith celebration held at the Tacoma Campus of the Evergreen State College, 1210 6th Avenue, Tacoma. Register here. To donate in support of the event, click here. For more information, contact Judith Kay at (253) 579-7323.
Legislative Session Advocacy Training (Jewish Coalition of Immigrant Justice)
Tuesday, January 16, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
The Jewish Coalition of Immigrant Justice (JCIJ) is holding an open virtual training for legislative session advocacy. Hear WA Immigrant Solidarity Network’s Policy team share about legislative priorities and make an individual action plan for this legislative session. This is a free virtual event, and registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Register here.
Jewish Art: Mandala Class
Wednesday, January 17, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Join us for a free art class led by Alix Mullins. For questions, please contact Madi at madi@tbetacoma.org. Register here.
Speaker Series: Port of Tacoma
Thursday, January 18, 11:00 a.m.
Join us online or in person for the January session of TBE’s Speaker Series, where Commissioner Kristin Ang will give a Port of Tacoma update with all the latest Port news and will also be available to answer questions. An economic engine in our region since 1918, the Port of Tacoma serves greater Pierce County by promoting prosperity, trade, and jobs, while protecting and
enhancing our environment. Today, more than 42,100 jobs and nearly $3 billion in economic activity in Pierce County depend on the Port of Tacoma. Please RSVP to Lana at frontdesk@tbetacoma.org. This is a free event, sponsored by Lamed Vav. Donations are appreciated.
ADL Virtual Program: Understanding & Reporting Hate Incidents & Crimes
Friday, January 19, 12:00 p.m.
The Anti-Defamation League is hosting a virtual education program to help the community learn about hate incidents and crimes, best practices for reporting, and the difference between free speech and hate speech. Speakers will include: Bias Crimes Coordinator Detective Beth Wareing (Seattle Police Department), Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Dreher (Western District of Washington), and Legislative Counsel Beth Holtzman (Anti-Defamation League). Register here.
Tu BiSh'vat Family Seder
Sunday, January 21, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Religious school families are invited to join us as we celebrate the birthday of the trees with a fun Tu BiSh’vat seder in the social hall. Each student is asked to bring something to contribute to our seder, so please consult the list below for your class assignment. Also, parent support is needed for set-up and clean-up. If you are available and interested, please contact Madeline Pimentel Diaz at madi@tbetacoma.org.
- Pre-K: Green and red grapes
- Kindergarten: Apples and almonds
- 1st–2nd grades: Oranges and bananas
- 3rd–4th grades: Red and white grape juice
- 5th–6th grades: Dates and figs
- 7th grade: Olives and pomegranates
Confronting the Climate Crisis and Cultivating Spiritual Courage (Dayenu)
Sunday, January 21, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
This interactive workshop is part of an emerging field of climate spiritual adaptation work, anchored in practices from The Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy. Grounded in Jewish wisdom, song, and courageous conversations with one another, it offers a unique opportunity to process climate grief, cultivate active hope to build our a livable, just future, and a pathway forward to bold, systemic action. The event will take place at the University of Washington Hillel building. For more information and to register, click here. For questions, please contact info@dayenu.org.
Annual Coffeehouse and Talent Show
Sunday, Januray 21, 3:00 p.m.
Our coffeehouse and talent show returns! Come to the temple and be part of the audience for an afternoon of entertainment provided by some of our very talented congregants, including Debbie Jaap and Cantor Fine. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, and light refreshments provided. Come hear all styles of music, poetry, dance, and some surprises! This talent event is a wonderful and important way to share the diverse gifts within our community!
Art from Ashes (Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall)
Monday, January 22, 5:30 p.m.
For many years, Music of Remembrance has marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a free program that brings our community together in tribute to the musical talents whose very existence the Nazis hoped to erase from history. This year again, we’re joined onstage by some of Seattle’s most talented young people — ages 8 through 22 — who will be performing alongside our stellar professional artists. To receive your free ticket, click here.
Sharaka Presentation
Wednesday, January 24, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join representatives from Sharaka for a panel discussion about the exciting opportunities that the Abraham Accords have spurred in the Middle East. Sharaka, which means "partnership" in Arabic, works to shape a new Middle East through dialogue, understanding, cooperation, and friendship. This organization brings together leaders, influencers, and activists from Arab countries and Israel. Their mission is to build bonds between yound Israeli and Arab leaders through people-to-people engagement in order to strengthen peace, trust, and partnerships across the Middle East. There is no charge, but registration is required for attendance. To register, click here.
Save the Date
Shabbat Shirah: Shabbat of Song
Friday, January 26, 6:30 p.m.
Every year, Cantors around the world present different aspects of Jewish music in connection to the chanting of Mose’s Song of the Sea from the portion Beshallach. This year, join Cantor Fine as he presents a musical sermon entitled: “The Songs that Bind Me to Israel,” a journey into the different styles of Israeli music that Cantor Fine holds dear and the stories behind his love for these beautiful and diverse songs.
Gaga Ball Learn-and-Play Tournament
Sunday, January 28, 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Sagalovich brothers in the Bet Wing yard for an overview of Gaga Ball rules and safety for maximum fun! For questions, please contact Madi at madi@tbetacoma.org.
Erev Shabbat Service Featuring Tacoma Refugee Choir
Friday, February 2, 6:30 p.m.
The Jewish community across North America comes together for the sixth annual HIAS National Refugee Shabbat on Friday, February 2, 2024. Temple Beth El is delighted to have invited the Tacoma Refugee Choir to our Shabbat service. Join us as we take the opportunity to deepen our compassion for the refugee crisis and draw inspiration through song, story, and prayer.
