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!

June 2025 – Shofar (pdf)

A “Thank You,” and Coffee, Anyone?

Dear Heilige (Yiddish for “holy”) Sisters and Brothers of Temple Beth El.

First, I want to extend a special thank you to Avital Anders, our fearless leader for the past
two years. Under her watch, we have seen tremendous programmatic growth and solidification of our programs. From the “Third Annual Lag B’Omer Picnic” held this May, to a well functioning Pastrami King at the Kern County Fair, to a well-oiled machine for our religious school with three classes in the first time in years, and even to adding her very own moniker and imprimatur upon us— יש תמיד סיבה למסיבה , “There is Always a Reason for Celebration!”—Avitali (“my Avital” as I like to refer to her!) has been an outstanding partner in making Temple Beth El flourish. I will miss her unbridled generosity, ubiquitous presence, and willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that Jewish life is dynamic, multifaceted, and enriching our community’s lives. Rav Todot, Avital! Many Thanks!

Of course, we couldn’t be more fortunate than to FINALLY, after a lifetime of serving thecongregation, Irvin Pike is finally taking the reins from Avital to become our newest President! Decades of unassuming leadership, in every crevice of Temple Beth El’s existence, makes Irvin more than qualified to shepherd us into 5786 and into a new year of possibilities. As every person likely knows, Irvin has done everything for TBE over the past multiple decades, including changing air conditioning filters, purchasing new mics for our sound system and rearranging the setup, constructing and deconstructing our annual courtyard Sukkah, chairing the Religious
Practices Committee, serving as Financial Secretary, overseeing major work on our facility, arranging for security prior to Shabbat services, and countless (really!) little miracles unknown to anyone. And personally, I’m grateful for the ongoing flow of fruits that have made their way into my belly from this mensch of a man! A special shout out to Pamela Elisheva who, besides being Irvin’s wife, is also committed to taking over the role of Religious Practices so that we can benefit from Irvin’s undying love for Temple Beth El. Mazel Tov, Irvin, for taking on this mantle of leadership!

It’s summertime; I am excited to spend additional time in Bakersfield, due to the generosity of Esther and Rogers Brandon, who while being on Martha’s Vineyard during these months, have opened up what they call the menachem begin suite in their home for me to stay. This will make my work in Bakersfield stronger, and I want to leverage this into opportunities to build relationships with all of you. In particular, during the month of June, I would like to see you! Coffee on me, or lunch or dinner! Please let me know if you would like to meet with your rabbi! In particular, there are many who I don’t see on Friday nights and who are nevertheless deeply committed to Jewish life in Kern County. I will come meet you wherever you are. Just let me know and we will arrange a time to get together. The future of temple Bethel is bright, standing on the shoulders of giants. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Chazak ve’Ematz, Be Strong and Take Courage,

Blessings,

Rabbi Jonathan Klein

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

SHOFAR ARCHIVES