Shofar (TBE Newsletter)

The Shofar, Temple Beth El’s monthly publication, keeps community and temple members up to date on what’s going on. Take a look at this month’s Shofar to see what’s coming up or browse through the archives to see all that we’ve done!

August 2025 – Shofar (pdf)

Bonds Within a Pluralistic Community

As Jews, we understand that no person is meant to walk through life alone. The Torah teaches us ְלַבּ֑דֹו ָֽהָאָ֖דם ֱהיֹ֥ות לֹא־֛טֹוב, it is “not good for a person to be alone” (Gen. 2:18); this wisdom extends far beyond romantic partnership to encompass the broader fabric of a community that can sustain us. When we gather at Temple Beth El for Shabbat services, celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Purim, Passover, or Sukkot together, and support one another through times of joy and sorrow, we create something far greater than the sum of our separate selves. Our kehilah k’dushah (holy community) provides us with accountability, compassion, and the opportunity to live out our values in relationship with others. Through our community, we learn to balance our own needs with those all around us, displaying a radical empathy that Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, Micah, and other prophets demanded of us.

Israel embodies our profound truth of loving our community on a global scale. Israel represents far more than a geographical homeland; it is a living expression of Jewish peoplehood that transcends borders and generations. When we support Israel’s right to exist and thrive, we affirm our commitment to the principle that every person deserves safety, self-determination, and the opportunity to contribute their unique gifts to the world. And, of course, from this baseline of Ahavat Yisrael (love for Israel), we are called to uphold high moral standards, advocating for policies that reflect our deepest values of justice, human dignity, and peace. This complex dynamic and relationship teach us that true love sometimes requires difficult conversations and the courage to speak truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

The microcosm of our synagogue community mirrors these larger truths. At Temple Beth El, we practice the art of disagreeing with respect, supporting one another across differences, and working together toward common goals that benefit not just ourselves but the wider world. How we critique is often as important as the critiques themselves. Still, giving one another the benefit of the doubt —kaf z’chut— is essential for our community to thrive. When we show up for each other—whether it’s bikkur cholim (visiting the sick), celebrating milestones, or engaging in social justice/tzedakah efforts—we embody the Jewish understanding that Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh: We are all interconnected as Jews.

Our individual spiritual growth is inseparable from our collective flourishing, and our local community is strengthened by our connection to Jews worldwide and our shared commitment to repairing the world through love, justice, and hope. Ben Zoma says: “Who is wise? One who learns from every person” (Avot 4). As your rabbi, I invite you to share your truth and to simultaneously welcome different views that, ultimately, might serve to enrich your perspective and help you to grow.

Rabbi Jonathan Klein

p.s. send me feedback via phone: 424.248.5775. Thank you!

SHOFAR ARCHIVES