Welcome to Temple Beth El
Our congregation is devoted to seeking God, doing mitzvot, studying Torah, and creating community.
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Virtual Tour of the Renovated Sanctuary
Office Hours
High Holy Days 2022-5783
Everyone is welcome--please join us for our inspiring services, either in person or online! We have services and programs for all ages. For a complete schedule of High Holy Day services and other information, click here.
Programs & Classes
Timeless Tales, Modern Sensibilities: A Deep Look at the Books of Esther and Ruth
Monday, January 23 at 7:45 pm
Discover contemporary meaning in timeless texts during this 10-week class on the stories in the Scrolls of Esther and Ruth. Dive into the lives of these two heroic women who changed the course of history, leaving a legacy that influences our lives today. This class is offered by Melton in Kansas City.
Dates: Mondays, January 23 & 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 13, 20, 27, April 3
Time: 7:45-9:15 pm Location: Zoom
Cost: $295
For more information, contact the TBE office.
Israeli Film Series with Rachel Korazim
Sunday, January 22 at 10:00 am
Our Israeli film Zoom series kicks off next month with "The Fourth Window," a documentary about the life of Israeli writer Amos Oz. Behind the international success story of Amos Oz, a symbol of the Israeli conscience and a writer translated into 45 languages, lurked a double tragedy. When he was 12 years old, his mother committed suicide, and few years before his death his daughter accused him of being physically and mentally violent, ending all communication with him. A series of conversations with his biographer, presented in the film, weaves biographical passages, literature and conversations with the main people in his life, as Amos Oz tells his last story.
The information about the film will be released on January 2. On Sunday, January 22 at 10:00 am, Rachel will discuss the movie. On Sunday, February 12 at 10:00 am, Rachel will discuss the novel Judas, written by Amos Oz.
Katz Family Library Book Group
Wednesday, January 25 at 10:30 am
The book group will meet via Zoom to discuss "The Thread Collectors" by Shaunna Edwards and Alyson Richman. In 1863, in a small Creole village in New Orleans, an ingenious young Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, Stella has to hide not only her efforts but her love for William, a Black soldier and a brilliant musician. Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. When months go by without word from her husband, Lily resolves to make the perilous journey south to search for him. Contact the TBE office for the Zoom link.
Astounding Aggaditahs: An Exploration of Talmudic Tales
Tuesday, January 31 at 11:45 am
The Talmud is filled with tales (aggaditahas) that are dramatic, humorous, fantastical, and inspirational. This course will explore some of those tales by unpacking what is happening in each story, and seeking to understand the deeper life lessons that the rabbis are trying to convey. Each class will feature a different tale and delve into the themes and questions it raises. No prior Talmudic experience necessary! Feel free to drop into as many of these classes as you can.
Dates: Tuesday, January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 11:45 am -12:45 pm
Faculty: Dalia Davis
Cost: Free
Registration: Contact Lisa in the TBE office
Shabbat Shira
Friday, February 3 & Saturday, February 4
Special guest Cantor Elizabeth Shammash will be joining us for Shabbat Shira (Shabbat of Song). She grew up at TBE and was inspired by Cantor Morton Shames (z"l). Here is the schedule:
Friday, February 3 at 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Friday, February 3 at 7:30 pm - Shabbat Dinner - the cost is $20-$36 per person (sliding scale), and free for children under 13.
Saturday, February 4 at 10:00 am - Musical Shabbat Service, followed by Kiddush lunch.
R.S.V.P. for both the Shabbat dinner Kiddush lunch by January 27 by clicking here.
Saturday, February 4 at 7:00 pm - "Lullabies Around the World", a free concert at Glenmeadow with Cantor Elizabeth Shammash and pianist Dave Schlossberg, who will take us on a journey around the Jewish world in the form of lullabies in Yiddish, Hebrew and Ladino. R.s.V.P. by January 27 to llaudato@tbespringfield.org.
Click here for more details about the Friday night & Shabbat morning events.
Click here for more information about the Saturday evening "Lullabies Around the World" concert.
Past Events
Crystal Concert Celebration
August 28, 2022
Our fundraiser honoring Rabbi Amy Wallk for her 15 years of leadership at Temple Beth El was spectacular! From the cocktail reception with background music by Shalom Orchestra, to the Broadway-quality concert featuring Cantor Magda Fishman, and the dessert buffet, it was quite an evening. Thank you to the committee members, the staff, and our many generous donors and attendees for making the event such a success!
Click here to see the virtual Ad Journal.
Click here to see photos of the event.
Click here to watch a recording of the concert.