Have you been laid off, furloughed, or lost grants due to recent federal cuts and freezes? Have you experienced reductions in social security? Are you concerned about your ability to access or maintain access to food housing, healthcare, employment, etc.?
If so, please let our rabbi know at rabbigorban@tbetacoma.org as soon as you can. We are trying to ascertain the extent of the losses in our TBE community with an eye to convening a session for addressing this uncertainty together and supporting one another in coming weeks.
Please be in touch with her directly and confidentially.
Temple Beth El
5975 South 12th Street
Tacoma, WA 98465
March 20, 2025 / 20 Adar 5785
Volume 23, No. 24
TORAH READING
Vayak'heil
Exodus 35:30-36:7
Maftir
Numbers 19:1-22
Haftarah
Ezekiel 36:16-38
Candle Lighting
7:06 p.m.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Friday, March 21, 6:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join us online or in person for an Erev Shabbat service, led by our own Donna McKay-Randozzi! Join us at 5:45 p.m., before the service, for an oneg held in the main foyer.
TORAH STUDY & SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Saturday, March 22, 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). At the conclusion of the service, the community is invited to join us in the social hall for a potluck pescatarian kiddush luncheon.
VASHTI’S BANQUET & SHUK MARKET Saturday, March 22, 5:00 p.m.
Sisterhood Members—Join us for an enchanting evening at Vashti’s Banquet & Shuk Market, where community, culture, and celebration come together! Enjoy a vibrant marketplace, mesmerizing performances, and a delicious feast—all in the spirit of Purim! Each member may bring one female-identifying, non-member guest. Tickets are $36 for Sisterhood members, $54 for non-members. If you plan to bring a guest, please be sure to include them when you register. Registration will close before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, so register while you still can!
LANDSCAPING SPRING SPIFF-IT-UP DAY Sunday, March 30, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Bring your gloves and your favorite garden tools for this spiff-it-up day at temple, focused on the patio outside the social hall and the biblical garden! Refreshments will be provided. If you're interested in helping, email Jaque at jaquelyn.kleiner@gmail.com and Teddy at frontdesk@tbetacoma.org!
COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER Sunday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate Passover with us! All are invited to join together for our Community Seder. Together, we’ll honor this cherished tradition, share in the mitzvot of the Seder, and enjoy a delicious meal lovingly prepared by volunteers. The seder will be led by Rabbi Gorban, and will also feature Raymond Zachary, our High Holy Days Cantorial Soloist, who is returning to help co-lead. All are welcome but space is limited—register here to make sure you snag a seat! Reservations required by Sunday, April 6, 2025.
SAVE THE DATE
SECOND ANNUAL BELC FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 3, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing, signature cocktails, raffles, a silent auction, and a dessert dash—all while supporting a cause that truly matters. We’re raising $20,000 to support the BELC through classroom material upgrades, staff benefits/pay, and a potential scholarship program. Your attendance will directly impact the future of our children’s learning environment, so read more and register ahead of time by clicking here!
OPPORTUNITIES
WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTION
We need you to help ensure hostage release, religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a path to peace. The “Vote Reform” slate (#3) is deeply committed to a strong and secure Israel and strengthening the Israel-Diaspora relationship, working in close partnership with our Israeli Reform Movement. A vote for the Vote Reform slate is also a vote for Rabbi Gorban to be part of the decision-making process in the World Zionist Congress this October. Please vote at www.zionistelection.org.
SISTERHOOD NEEDS YOU
The Sisterhood Nominating Committee is looking to expand their board in the following roles, keeping fresh with new ideas and increased inclusiveness! These opportunities are 2-year terms for the 2025-2026 year and will begin after the Sisterhood Shabbat on June 20, 2025: - Leadership Council Co-Chair (with Melissa Medved) - Project & Events Manager - Recording Secretary - Sisterhood Board Liaison on TBE Building Committee
In addition to the above positions, we need women to join our team focusing on our Sisterhood Shabbat. If you're interested in either of these opportunities or have any questions, please contact Bonnie Becker at pisastero@gmail.com.
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER WOMEN'S GETAWAY 2025
Picture yourself spending Shabbat surrounded by the beauty of camp, connecting with other incredible women and enjoying activities that inspire, relax, and energize you. Whether you’re into hiking, crafting, yoga, or simply soaking in the serenity of Lake Stampfer, we’ve got something for everyone! Learn more at www.campschechter.org/womens-getaway/ and act fast, spaces are filling up! Questions? Contact Leah at lconley@campschechter.org.
MATANOT L'EVYONIM: SISTERHOOD'S EFN FUNDRAISER From March 1–31, Sisterhood is collecting donations for the Emergency Food Network, honoring Purim’s mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim (gifts for the poor). In addition to mishloach manot, help us fulfill this tradition by sharing our bounty with those in need. Together, we can fight hunger in our community! Click here to donate.
CONGREGATION KOL SHALOM SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
Congregation Kol Shalom, located in Bainbridge Island is hosting a musical Scholar-in-Residence Weekend on April 4–5, featuring ethnomusicologist, composer, and musician D. Zisl Slepovitch. The program is sponsored by an Ignition Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. If you're interested in attending, you can read more and register by clicking here.
INFORMATION
JUDAICA SHOP
Please come visit the shop to purchase your favorite Passover food selections! We have matzah, prepared desserts, mixes, and other "Kosher for Passover" foods.
We accept card transactions only. Our hours are as follows:
– Sundays: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
– Wednesdays: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
– Fridays: 5:30–6:30 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
WANT TO SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT?
If you have an item you would like included in this weekly newsletter, 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.
