Temple Israel is a Reform Jewish congregation proud of our sixty-five year history in Tallahassee. We welcome you to join us as a place of worship, learning, and catalyst for social action. Please explore this website to find out more about us, learn about upcoming events, read the Rabbi’s or Cantor’s messages, and find opportunities to get involved. If you are a member, or are considering joining us (click here for membership information), we hope you will visit this site often for the most current information about scheduled events. Read more about us…
Weekly Service Times:
Friday Evening, 7:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
(6:00 p.m. early service is held the 4th Friday of each month)
Click here for information and events sponsored by Chaverim, Tallahassee's Young Professional Group for Jewish singles and couples in their 20's and 30's.
Jewish World News
Rabbi's Weekly Message - July 28, 2010
Although many of you are on vacation, Temple staff is preparing for the next Temple year. Shortly those with children of religious school age will be receiving school registration forms. Please return them ASAP as it helps us to organize the opening of school. High Holidays will be fast upon us and choir rehearsals will begin on August 24 at 6:30 PM. Contact the Cantor with any questions. Please note the date of the Open House, our community’s kickoff event for the new year.
Last week, beginning with Shabbat Nachamu, we began a series of Haftarah readings that are the Haftarot of comfort. Following the tragedy noted on Tisha B’Av (the destructions of both of the ancient Temples) the Haftarah readings for the succeeding 7 weeks are called the “7 Haftarot of Consolation.” The tone of each successive Haftarah over the 7 weeks builds in its comforting message, culminating in an almost ecstatic celebration as we head into Rosh Hashanah. This week’s portion is meant as a balm for those who, in the wake of the destruction of the Temple, fear that God has forgotten them. The verses are taken from Isaiah, 49:14 to 51:3. The words are of 2nd Isaiah who was preaching to those in exile yet about to return to a newly rebuilt Jerusalem. 49:19 says, “Your ruins, your abandoned places, your desolated land, shall soon be crowded with people, while those who sought to devour you shall be far off.” This time of year on our Jewish calendar has us headed towards the month of Elul (still a couple of weeks away). This is the time in which we begin to examine our “ruins and abandoned places” to see what needs to be healed. As our Haftarot move from words of comfort to words of joy, may you too heal from desolation and move towards joy.
Have a Shabbat of peace and blessing,
Jack Romberg Rabbi
Cafe Shalom
Be sure to stop by for Cafe Shalom. We are open during religious school from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Sundays and 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. We'll follow the religious school calendar and will be closed during summers and vacations.
We've made this a warm, cozy place for people to relax, chat with other Temple members or just sit and read the paper. We serve coffee, tea, bagels and sweets for a small donation. We hope parents will take advantage of this great opportunity while their kids are in class.
If you'd like to be a host at the cafe on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening, contact Terry Kant-Rauch. We are also looking for people to bake desserts. If you are willing to whip up some cookies, muffins, or other treats, get in touch with Terry.
