Upcoming Events
Joseph Babat*
Herman Baum
Alvin Gerald Bennett
Helen Brenner
Marian Brock*
Yvonne Casas
Charlotte Cohen*
Louis Cohen*
Warren Coopersmith
Bobby Osborn Cowart
Barnet Daybock*
Clara Elkind*
Allan Frank
Albert Friedberg*
Yahrzeits Shabbat Spotlight the
Barbara Friedman
Henry Ganz*
Estelle Gladstone*
Max Gleicer*
Rose Gleicer*
Betty R. Green*
Edith Herman
Stanley Kahn* We Remember...
Jacob Kaiser*
Israel Kranzel*
Doris Kriseman
Lois Zubrisky Langelier
Charles Lees*
Paul Lewin
Reney Lorditch
Ivan Margolis
Harry James Miller*
Irwin H. Miller*
Ronald G. Oxman*
Abraham Pardoll*
Bernyce Rossuck
Harry Saxe
Lee Schindler*
Sally Schwartz
John Sells Sr.
Uziel Shovali*
Ivan Siskin
Marjorie Will
Lee Zuber
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
Reach out to us with any questions.
Amy L. Morrison - Rabbi
727-347-6136 - RabbiMorrison@TempleBeth-El.com
Tara O’Donnell - Director of Finance & Operations
727-347-6136 - Tara@TempleBeth-El.com
Jennifer Hannon - Director of Early Childhood Center 727-350-5885 - JennHannon@TempleBeth-El.com
Alexis Kelly - Raymund Family Religious School Principal 727-347-6136 - RaymundRS@TempleBeth-El.com
Tracy Nash - Bookkeeper
727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@TempleBeth-El.com
Tovah Feld - Communications & Engagement Coordinator 727-347-6136 - Tovah@TempleBeth-El.com
Allison Fowler - Office Administrative Assistant 727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President 727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El.com
Parashat T’tzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison, Joyce Liu, & Stephen Miller
February 27, 2026
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
In Parashat T’tzaveh, we are invited into the intimate details of sacred service: the olive oil that keeps the ner tamid (Eternal Flame) burning, the carefully crafted priestly garments, the rhythms of daily offering. Notably, Moses’ name is absent from this portion. Instead, the focus shifts to the quiet, ongoing work that sustains holiness over time. Passion, the parashah suggests, is not only found in dramatic moments of revelation, but in steady tending.
The command to bring “pure olive oil, beaten for light” speaks powerfully to anyone who has felt their inner flame flicker. Oil does not appear by accident; it is cultivated, pressed, prepared.
So too with purpose. There are seasons when our sense of calling feels distant — worn down by responsibility, grief, or the relentless churn of the world. T’tzaveh reminds us that rekindling begins with intention. We gather what fuels us, we make space, we tend the lamp again.
This Shabbat, I invite you to gently search your own heart. What once animated you? What stirs you even now, however quietly? Give yourself permission to notice it without judgment. And then, like the priests who refused to let the sanctuary go dark, commit to one small act that will help keep that flame alive. May this be a Shabbat of rediscovery — and of tending the sacred fire within.
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, Feb. 28
10am - 11:30am - Torah Study & Brunch
Sunday, Mar. 1
8:45am - Brotherhood Schmooze
9:30am - Sunday School
10:30am - Adult Hebrew Class
Monday, Mar. 2
6pm - 8pm - Pickleball Purim (21+) @Pickle & Pint
Parashat T’tzaveh: Exodus 27:20-30:10
Saturday, February 28, 2026 / 11 Adar 5786
The children of Israel are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the ner tamid "a constantly burning light," above the sanctuary. (27:20-21)
Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are chosen to serve as priests. (28:1)
God instructs Moses to make special clothes for the priests. (28:2-43)
Aaron and his sons are ordained in a seven-day ceremony (29:129:46)
Aaron is commanded to burn incense on an acacia altar every morning and evening. (30:1-10)
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
OPEN COMMUNITY CREATES ENGAGING & DIVERSE JEWISH PATHWAYS
Located in St. Petersburg on Florida's beautiful west coast, Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish congregation that has served this area since 1928 and is focused on strengthening relationships and making connections. We are a welcoming Reform community for Jewish and interfaith households to experience an uplifting and joyful sense of belonging as we seek to connect our members with each other and the greater community and world around us.
Enjoy and have a Shabbat Shalom!
Suggestions for parents of our youngest congregants
Relax! God put the wiggle in children. Don’t feel you have to suppress it in our sanctuary or chapel.
Sit towards the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what is happening on the Bima. They tire of seeing the backs of other’s heads.
Quietly explain our rituals and sing or clap when appropriate. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
If you need to leave services with your child, do so, but please come back.
Remember that the way we welcome children in synagogue directly affects the way they respond to coming to synagogue, to God, to one another. Let them know that they are welcome in this house of worship, here, at Temple Beth-El.
