

When You Squeeze an Orange: On Democracy and the Events of January 6, 2021
We will remember January 6, 2021, as a day of infamy. America’s temple of democracy was defiled and her secular Torah, the U.S. Constitution, was imperiled as never before in the 230 year history of this republic. I share these words with spiritual purpose. As always, the ethics of my …

This Fertile Fallow January: Preparing for Tu B’shevat (Sun. 1/31, 4:00pm)
By Rabbi David I hate winter (and sometimes the Boston Red Sox, but I digress). I’m all for the Scandinavian hygge ideal of coziness – winter delights like hot tea, sweaters and soft blankets – but I’m still wired to hate winter. But this year, I’m deciding to love winter. And as spiritual …

Lighting Us Up: An Ode to Chanukkah
By Rabbi David December 2020 – doorway into winter nights and then increasing light, a new U.S. presidency, a world still breaking into an uncertain future. What we see may depend partly on how we look and how we are. This year especially, December’s usual “light up the dark” spiritual …

Yom Kippur 5781-2020 – This Plastic Hour: Love’s Forward Memory We Need Now
By Rabbi David Gut yontif on this Yom Kippur of loving connection, courage, vulnerability and forgiveness. These “love” themes of our High Holy Day journey all flow into this poignant day when Jewish wisdom urges that we can change our lives in just a day if we’ll take that inner …

Kol Nidre 5781-2020 – Ho’oponopono and the Light Bulb
By Rabbi Shohama Gut Yuntif! You might not expect the following question and answer on such a solemn evening, but it is both humorous and at the same time very serious. Question: “How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?” Answer: “One, but the light bulb has …

Rosh Hashanah 5781-2020 Day 2 – Spirit, Love & Vulnerability
By Rabbi Shohama L’shanah tovah. This is the greeting we give each other at this time of year. May this year be …

Rosh Hashanah 5781-2020 – The Courage to Emerge
By Rabbi David Shanah tovah. May 5781 dawn bright for you and your beloveds. Last night we introduced our High Holy Day …

Erev Rosh Hashanah 5781-2020: “The Kind of Love We Need”
By Rabbi David Shanah tovah. Welcome to Jewish spiritual year 5781 – may it bring sweet goodness and health for all of us …

2020 High Holy Days
Find all you need to join Temple Beth-El for the High Holy Days. From our High Holy Day Schedule to Suggested items and RSVP details. Updated regularly.
RSVP for the High Holy Days: Holy at Home
RSVP your virtual seat for our “Holy at Home” High Holy Days.