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The latest news and events from Temple Beth Sholom staff.

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Rabbi’s Corner: Joy as an Antidote to Fear

I do not cry often. This week, I found myself suddenly overcome by all the emotions of everything I have experienced since October 7th and the tears streamed down my cheeks. While I was attending the CCAR conference a few days ago (the Reform rabbis conference), I was sitting in a small group session and […]

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Rabbi’s Corner: Why This International Women’s Day is Especially Significant

Today we observe “International Women’s Day (IWD).” International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, the empowerment of women, and violence and abuse against women. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of […]

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No Tolerance for Intolerance, Hate, and Antisemitism

A few weeks ago, I led an interactive discussion with our Senior School students on the meaning of the word “tolerance.” The students defined “tolerance” as: • Acceptance • Understanding • To allow or support something • To be respectful of differences. I was impressed by their insight and depth of understanding. We shared examples […]

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Rabbi’s Corner: Moses and Jethro as Models of Leadership Heading into the Primary Elections

“Vote-by-mail” for the presidential primary elections begins this coming Monday, February 5th, 2024. Where did the last four years go?! Like all registered voters in Orange County, I recently received my Voter Information Guide in the mail. We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have the freedom, privilege, and the right […]

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Rabbi’s Corner:These Are the Names – V’Eileh Sh’mot

  On this first Shabbat of 2024 we begin reading the first chapter of the book of Exodus, the book of Sh’mot. The word “sh’mot” literally means “names” as the first portion, our parasha for this week, begins “V’eileh sh’mot b’nei Yisrael ha’ba’im Mitzraimah et Ya’akov..These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with […]

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