Temple Beth El
5975 South 12th Street Tacoma, WA 98465
February 6, 2025 / 8 Sh'vat 5785
Volume 23, No. 18
TORAH READING
B'shalach
Exodus 14:15-25
Haftarah
Judges 4:4-5:31
Candle Lighting
5:04 p.m.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Friday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join us online or in person for an Erev Shabbat service. Join us before the service at 5:45 p.m. for an oneg.
TORAH STUDY & SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Saturday, February 8, 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Our Saturday worship experience begins with Torah study, which goes from 9:00–9:45 a.m. This will be followed by services beginning at 10:00 a.m. (online and in person), now held in the chapel. At the conclusion of the service, the community is invited to join us in the social hall for a potluck pescatarian kiddush luncheon!
BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING Sunday, February 9, 12:00 p.m.
The TBE Building Committee is gearing up to create a long term plan for capital improvements, and we need you! Join us if you're interested in architecture, interior design, facilities management, or just love Temple Beth El and want our building complex to last for future generations. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have questions or suggestions, contact Jani Doctor, Building Committee chair, at jani@tripsnships.com or text at (253) 223-4705.
AN UPDATE TO NEXT WEEK'S ONEG Friday, February 14, 7:45 p.m.
Take note that next week's oneg will take place after services, around 7:45 p.m., and is sponsored by Bob Garden in honor of his 90th birthday! Welcome Cantor Beth, his daughter, as our cantorial soloist for the evening, who will join Rabbi Gorban in leading services. If you plan to stay for the oneg, please inform Cantor Beth at bethgarden@me.com (this helps ensure enough food is catered). Doors open at 6:00 p.m.—see you there!
SPEAKER SERIES: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FLAMES Thursday, February 20, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join local history-buff and author Deb Freedman as she shines a light on the intriguing insights and illuminating individuals she met researching and writing her newest book! A retired Tacoma Public Library veteran, Deb has dedicated decades to documenting our city's Jewish heritage. Her latest work, Finding History: Twenty-One Tales of Temple Beth El, weaves together the fascinating stories spanning our congregation’s 130-year history into an engaging and informative treasure hunt, bringing the past to life through the living memory of architecture. More details and registration found here.
COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WALK-A-THON Saturday, February 22, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Support or join Temple Beth El’s team, led by Rabbi Gorban and Stacey Soltoff, for Associated Ministries’ first annual Coldest Night of the Year walk-a-thon fundraiser! The main event will take place at Wright Park on the corner of 6th Ave & I Street. You can choose to join the team and walk, join the team and fundraise, volunteer, or support the team in reaching its goal of $1,800. Contributions of any amount are appreciated; money goes to support housing services in Pierce County through Associated Ministries. For more information or to support the team, click here.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: NANCY KATZ Sunday, February 23. 4:00–6:30 p.m.
In this program, targeted towards adults, artist-in-residence Nancy Katz will share more about her work in textiles, glass, and other media through a visual presentation. After a little nosh, she will lead the group in an art project. Each person's work (along with the work of our religious school students) will be incorporated into the creation of new belts for our Torah scrolls and other needed accoutrements for our sanctuary. Join us and take part in the important work of building the tabernacle! RSVP here.
BETWEEN OCTOBER 7TH AND 8TH Tuesday, February 25, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
What role can and must American Jews play in shaping Israel's "Day After" – the Jewish state that will emerge in the wake of October 7th? Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, brings a wealth of experience and insight to this critical discussion. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from an experienced leader dedicated to sculpting Israel's future and fostering Judaism globally, so don’t miss it! Registration is required. Read more about Dr. Hess and RSVP here.
SAVE THE DATE
VASHTI’S BANQUET & SHUK MARKET Saturday, March 22, 5:00 p.m.
Sisterhood members are invited to join us at TBE for a fabulous evening featuring a Shuk Market (henna and more), belly dancing, dinner, and Israeli dancing. Due to space constraints this event is for Sisterhood members only—each member may bring one non-member female identifying guest. Tickets are $36 for Sisterhood members and $53 for non-Sisterhood guests. If you would like to bring a guest, you will need to include them in your registration. Keep an eye on your email for full event details coming soon! Please register today as space is limited!
OPPORTUNITIES
SISTERHOOD’S ANNUAL MISHLOACH MANOT FUNDRAISER
This year marks a special milestone—the 18th anniversary of Sisterhood’s annual Mishloach Manot fundraiser! Each year, Sisterhood lovingly prepares complimentary Purim boxes filled with treats for every TBE household, helping our community fulfill the beautiful mitzvah of Mishloach Manot—giving gifts of food to friends and family. This act of giving strengthens our bonds and spreads Purim joy to all. Receiving the boxes truly makes a difference in our community! One recipient shared:
"Every year, I look forward to opening my Purim box. It’s a reminder that I’m part of a community that cares about me and that reaches out with kindness and generosity. It really makes Purim more special!"
Join us in honoring this meaningful 18th year by participating in this mitzvah—by donating, you add your name to the card put in each Purim box that’s given out. Your gift strengthens our community, connects us through tradition, and ensures that no one celebrates Purim alone. Donate today! Even if you don’t make a donation, please complete the planning questions regarding gluten-free needs or opting out.
NEW "TEMPLE BUDDIES" PROGRAM
Do you enjoy connecting with new people? If you thought yes, you are the person we're looking for! Since COVID-19, many people feel isolated and yearn for social connections. Our Membership Committee is looking for those willing to be a buddy for new members: all it takes is a phone call to welcome them and set up a time when you can meet, be it at a weekly service, religious school, or any event on our busy calendar! This is a great chance to foster new relationships and show others that we value them and want their transition into TBE to be comfortable and fulfilling. If you are interested in joining this group or have questions, reach out to membership@tbetacoma.org.
ADULT EDUCATION HAS JUST BEGUN
You might have missed the first sessions, but there's still time to sign up and catch up before registration ends! Whether you're looking to study Torah, explore Jewish history, engage in contemporary issues, or enhance your Hebrew skills, our classes are designed to inspire learners of all backgrounds and levels. To view our courses and register, visit the adult education page on our website.
INFORMATION
RESOURCES FOR HELPING THOSE IMPACTED BY THE L.A. FIRES
✡ A selection of organizations (vetted by the Jewish Foundation LA) responding to the devastating wildfire crisis in Southern California. Please note that this list is evolving and will continue to be updated: https://bit.ly/4awrgz4.
✡ Jewish Federation Los Angeles—Providing essential resources, including mental health support, warm meals, shelter, and space for displaced individuals, families, and institutions. Please give here: https://bit.ly/4h5duFX.
✡ Jewish Family Services LA—Your donation will go directly to helping those impacted by the wildfires. Donate here: https://bit.ly/4h5Z4W7.
✡ Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center—Your support covers unexpected costs as they get their community back on its feet, staying connected and covering needs that are not covered by other sources. If you'd like to donate you can do so now, with a note that this is for fire relief: https://bit.ly/4jqJF4p.
JUDAICA SHOP HOURS
We accept card transactions only. Our regular hours are as follows:
– Sundays: 9:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
– Wednesdays: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
– Fridays: 5:30–6:15 p.m.
We are still in need of volunteers to ensure the shop can always be open during regular hours. You can get in touch with Connie Person or Aubrey Sagalovich to volunteer or to schedule a shopping appointment outside of our regular hours by sending an email to judaica@tbetacoma.org.
CONTACT THE CLERGY
If you have a question or concern you would like to share with the clergy, please email Rabbi Gorban at rabbigorban@tbetacoma.org.
TACHLIS
Submitting an event or announcement to Shabbat Shalom
If you have an item you would like included in this weekly bulletin, please email it to frontdesk@tbetacoma.org by noon on Wednesday. Submissions must adhere to the guidelines, which may be found here.
For the URJ's transliteration guidelines, click here. Please note that submissions that do not follow these guidelines may not be accepted.
