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
April 3, 2025 / 5 Nisan 5785
Volume 23, No. 26
TORAH READING
Vayikra
Leviticus 2:7-16
Haftarah
Isaiah 43:21-44:23
Candle Lighting
7:26 p.m.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Friday, April 4, 6:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join us online or in person for an Erev Shabbat service. Join us at 5:45 p.m., before the service, for an oneg held in the social hall.
TORAH STUDY & SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Saturday, April 5, 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.
SPEAKER SERIES: LORI FORTE HARNICK (multi-access) Thursday, April 17, 11:00 a.m.
Join us for an insightful program with Lori Forte Harnick, President and CEO of Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, as she shares how the organization fosters economic and environmental sustainability while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This engaging talk will take you behind the scenes of Goodwill’s operations, outreach efforts, and the meaningful ways this 123-year-old organization enriches our community. Register here!
YOM HASHOAH FLAG MEMORIAL Sunday, April 20, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join TBE in commemorating Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day—through our impactful Yellow Flag Memorial. Each year, we honor the six million Jewish lives lost by placing 6,000 yellow flags on our temple lawn, a powerful tribute seen throughout the Tacoma community. We need your help to make this memorial happen! Volunteers are invited to spend about an hour placing flags. They will remain on display for one week. Choose your shift and sign up today to take part in this important act of memory and community.
PARADE MUSICAL OUTING Sunday, April 20, 1:30–4:00 p.m.
"Parade"tells the heart-wrenching true story of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jewish man living in Atlanta, Georgia who was wrongfully convicted of the 1913 rape and murder of his 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan. This powerful musical highlights a momentous case that drew national attention to antisemitism. Join TBE members in a group outing to see it at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle! There are 10 tickets, so reserve your seat soon by emailing Pam at pamloginsky@wavecable.com. Tickets are $79.50 per seat, with a few tickets available at reduced or no cost upon request!
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
COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Thank you to those celebrating Passover with us—tickets have sold out! If you were unable to reserve a seat but still hope to attend, reach out to Teddy at frontdesk@tbetacoma.org to join a waitlist in case seats become available. If you have a ticket, please also consider getting involved by volunteering for set-up, serving, or clean-up. We are also in need of a few more people bringing charoset.Reach out to Teddy if you're able to fulfill any of these roles. Your help truly makes this celebration possible!
WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTION
We are at a crucial moment in shaping the future of Israel and the Jewish people. The World Zionist Congress elections provide a unique opportunity for you to champion the values you hold dear: equality, democracy, pluralism, justice, and peace. We need you to help ensure religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a path to peace. Your vote directly impacts funding, recognition, and the future of Reform and progressive Judaism in Israel. Cast your ballot for the Vote Reform slate (#3) today! A vote for this slate is also a vote for Rabbi Gorban to be part of the decision-making process in the World Zionist Congress this October. Voting is open from March 10–May 4.
FUNDRAISER FOR AIDNW AT BEN & JERRY'S IN GIG HARBOR
On April 8, from noon to 8:00 p.m., all proceeds from purchases at the Ben & Jerry's location in Gig Harbor will directly support Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest! Come enjoy delicious ice cream while playing a role in the shared mission of AIDNW and Ben & Jerry’s commitment to the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers.
HFLA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Washington State (HFLA) will be offering scholarships for Jewish students in Washington for the 2025–2026 academic year. Scholarships may be used by students pursuing higher education for bachelors, vocational, or technical degrees and run up to $6,500. Scholarship applications are open from April 1–30! You can apply here.
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER WOMEN'S GETAWAY 2025
Picture yourself spending Shabbat surrounded by the beauty of camp, connecting with incredible women and enjoying activities that inspire, relax, and energize you. Whether you’re into hiking, crafting, yoga, or simply soaking in Lake Stampfer, we’ve got something for you! Learn more by clicking here and act fast, spaces are filling up! Q's? Contact Leah at lconley@campschechter.org.
INFORMATION
SUPPORT FOR "MY SOCIAL SECURITY" ACCESS
On March 24, 2025, changes to the Social Security identity rules were announced that may affect you or your family. Each recipient must confirm their identity by setting up a "my Social Security" online account or go into an office physically to prove their identity. The Social Security Administration has said you only need to do this if you want to change information. However, there have been several official releases from SSA putting that assertion into question. The safest option is to set up the "my Social Security" online account. If you would like assistance navigating this website, contact info@tbetacoma.org.
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.
