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
May 1, 2025 / 3 Iyar 5785
Volume 23, No. 30
TORAH READING
Tazria-M'tzora
Leviticus 13:40-54
Haftarah
II Kings 7:3-20
Candle Lighting
8:05 p.m.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE CELEBRATING YOM HAATZMAUT (multi-access) Friday, May 1, 6:30 p.m.
Join us online or in person for a special Erev Shabbat service celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), which features our Shir Simcha choir. The service will include classic Israeli songs and new Israeli poetry. The oneg preceding our Kabbalat Shabbat service will be a continuation of the Meal of Condolence in memory of past-president Jim Friedman, sponsored by Lin Spellman and the Susan C.F. Hoffman Fund.
TORAH STUDY AND SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Saturday, May 2, 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 is followed by Shabbat 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.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE ON THE POWER OF SPEECH Thursday, May 1, 7:00 p.m.
Our local faith communities are coming together in the spirit of relationship-building to strengthen both our congregations and the Greater Tacoma community. All are invited to temple's social hall for an evening of short presentations, table conversations, and group discussions on the power of speech. In a time when public discourse can often divide, we’ll reflect on the power of speech for us both as individuals and as communities of faith. The presenters will be Rabbi Keren Gorban (Temple Beth El), Imam Abdulhakim Mohamed (The Islamic Center of Tacoma), and Rev. Briana Merkle (St. Mark’s by the Narrows). Coffee, tea, and light desserts will be provided. We hope you join us! Questions? Get in touch with Rabbi Gorban at rabbi@tbetacoma.org.
SECOND ANNUAL BELC FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 3, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Please note that registration has ended! If you bought a ticket, thank you endlessly for supporting BELC's efforts. We are excited to have you join us for an unforgettable Great Gatsby-themed evening of dinner, dancing, signature cocktails, raffles, a silent auction, and a dessert dash—see you there!
FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: PROTECTING JEWISH STUDENTS IN K-12 Sunday, May 3, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
This community-wide forum hosted in Seattle by the Jewish Community Relations Council is an opportunity for families to gain the knowledge and tools to support Jewish safety and inclusion through a relational approach in K-12 schools, including how to best respond to and report antisemitic incidents. Join local organizations, along with expert Carly Gammill, Director of StandWithUs’s Center for Combating Antisemitism, by registering here.
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES' LEAD THE WAY HOME BREAKFAST Wednesday, May 7, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Come to the LeMay Car Museum and join Associated Ministries for their 13th annual Lead the Way Home fundraising breakfast! Gather with great people, eat yummy food, and support Associated Ministries' efforts to provide resources necessary to house Pierce County families. Register at this link. When you register, type Temple Beth El in the "seat me with" prompt to be grouped with other TBE community members. We hope to see you there!
SPEAKER SERIES: DR. NANCY KOPPELMAN Thursday, May 8, 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a compelling talk with Dr. Nancy Koppelman, professor of American Studies and Humanities at The Evergreen State College, as she explores one of today's most complex and debated topics: the relationship between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Drawing from years of experience teaching and counseling on Jewish identity, Israeli history, and antisemitism in higher education and public forums, she offers nuanced perspectives on where these concepts intersect—and where they diverge. Please RSVP by clicking here.
TACOMA SACRED SPACES TOUR Saturday, May 10, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
If you've ever wanted to tour temple or if you're interested in other sacred religious spaces, this is for you! This free event organized by Urban Grace celebrates Tacoma's diverse religious history by inviting people to view and learn about our spaces. Participants will enjoy building tours and exhibits, each unique in their own way. You can read more about the participating locations and what you might see by clicking here.
SAVE THE DATE
TEMPLE BETH EL BBQ Sunday, May 18, 12:00 p.m.
TBE members are invited to our Community BBQ! Temple is bringing the food so join us for an afternoon of great food, fun, and community connection. We'll be celebrating the last day of religious school and also coming together as a community after the BBQ for our annual congregational meeting. Members are invited to stay and engage in congregational decision making—keep an eye on your email as more information is released.
OPPORTUNITIES
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 closes in just a couple of days, on May 4—if you haven't already, please cast your vote soon!
HFLA STUDENT ACCESS FUND LOAN APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Washington State (HFLA) is offering Student Access Fund (SAF) loans for students aged 18 and above. These are interest-free, no-fee loans of up to $7,500 that can be used by those pursuing higher education, including graduate programs. Applications will be open until May 31, so check your eligibility and apply now!
INFORMATION
JUDAICA SHOP
The shop accepts card transactions only, and will be open on the following days over the course of May:
– Wednesdays, May 7 and 14, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
– Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, and 30, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
– Sunday, May 4, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 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.
