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    Community Involvement

    At Temple Beth Sholom, we believe that being involved and engaged with our larger Topeka community is a core value. We are a part of many interfaith organizations, and even host an annual “Blintze Brunch” (pictured here) for the whole city to come try some traditional Jewish food!

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    Our New Rabbi

    We are proud to welcome Rabbi Samuel Stern and his wife Dr. Caryn Stern to our community. Rabbi Stern has been recognized as a rising leader in the Reform movement by organizations like AIPAC and the Shalom Hartman Institute, which have selected him for exclusive fellowships. You can read his published work in the CCAR Journal and on 929 English as part of the 929 Project. When he is not working, Rabbi Stern enjoys writing, playing and watching sports, volunteering, and smoking barbecue brisket.

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    Our Congregants Volunteer!

    Temple Beth Sholom is successful because all our congregants offer their time and effort to ensure our community has everything it needs.

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    Love of Torah

    Whether dancing with the Torah on Simchat Torah or studying the Torah on Shabbat Morning, Temple Beth Sholom seeks to root all of our families in the values of our sacred tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest jemerman November 30, 2021

Ten Minutes of Torah
Erlanger family
At 10, Jeff Erlanger appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in his wheelchair. I recently asked Jeff’s parents about how they raised such a competent and loving son.

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry jemerman November 29, 2021

Holocaust
Major Philip Rudin shortly before the United States entered WWII
December 7 marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The attack led to America's formal entry into World War II. What ensued would have a profound impact on Jews everywhere, including the American Jewish community.

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard jemerman November 18, 2021

Death and Mourning
star of david starry lights
As we head into the holiday season, I am acutely aware of how much different this year is going to be than previous ones. I will be celebrating without my mom for the first time. My mother died in January 2021, and I'm still dealing with the unexpected waves of grief that wash over me, sometimes out of nowhere. As I head into this first winter holiday season without her, I'm not quite sure I know what to expect, other than everything is going to be very different.

Reimagining Hanukkah Gift-Giving

Reimagining Hanukkah Gift-Giving jemerman November 18, 2021

Jewish Values
Dasee Berkowitz family Hanukkah menorahs
There are a lot of creative ways to make Hanukkah meaningful when we pause to ask ourselves a few good questions before automatically going into shopping mode.