VaYishlach – 5780 Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 This is a huge parasha. Jacob wrestles with something big (God, an angel, his conscience – depending on who you ask) and as a result is transformed and becomes Israel. The next day, he makes peace with Esau. Dinah, Jacob’s daughter is raped by Shechem the Hivite, and […]
B’nai Mitzvah Guide The purpose of this guide is to describe and explain the philosophy and policies related to the celebration of Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth Ami. It is suggested that you read this guide carefully, because it will answer many of the questions you may have. It is the responsibility and pleasure of the Temple staff, […]
Hanukkah Tzedakah Want to teach your children that Hanukkah is about more than 8 nights of presents? Here are some ideas for Hanukkah tzedakah projects that are fun and rewarding for the whole family: Turn one night into a Hanukkah baking night! Bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes or muffins to deliver to a local homeless […]
VaYeitze – 5780 Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 While many of us took time this past week to feel and offer gratitude on Thanksgiving, some of us may have struggled to find gratitude. And, even among those who truly did have a grateful Thanksgiving are those of us for whom the holiday is just for once […]
Nothing stays the same. Sometimes things change suddenly and unexpectedly. Other times we know well in advance that change is on the way. Temple Beth Ami is very good at recognizing change in advance, planning for it, and managing that change through a period of transition. We have been able to thrive through numerous transitions […]
A Season of (Executive Director) ChangeDear Beth Ami Friends,What are the qualities of a good leader? Our tradition teaches that leaders lead for the benefit and wellbeing of the communities they serve. To do this they need to be responsible, good listeners, and compassionate. Good leaders are creative problem solvers and flexible in their approach, […]
Toledot – 5780 Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 As we celebrate Thanksgiving, Americans will gather around our tables to give thanks for the blessings which surround and infuse our lives, but what exactly is a blessing? According to the dictionary, there are four distinct types of blessing: A prayer asking for God’s favor and protection A […]
Bobbie Chait, our beloved Office Manager and Registrar, will be retiring at the end of December 2019. Bobbie has been an important part of our Temple Beth Ami community for over 21 years. Throughout that time, she has supported countless students, families and staff. Bobbie has been an integral part of all of our […]
Chayei Sarah – 5780 Genesis 23:1 – 25:18 From the title of our parasha, Chayei Sarah, we would assume that the portion is about the life of Sarah, because Chayei Sarah literally means ‘the life of Sarah.’ How surprising then, is the opening verse: “And the life of Sarah was a hundred and twenty-seven years, […]
