Jeff

Fall '24/Winter '25

Hi there.  Thanks for being here with me…on this page, at this moment.  As I write this, we’ve just passed Rosh Hashanah, and commemorated the 1-year anniversary of October 7. Kol Nidre is tomorrow night. Our state, and much of the Southeast have been dramatically impacted by 2 devastating Hurricanes, and many of us are weary from all that has transpired in our world recently.  In the baseball playoffs, Cantor’s Phillies were upset by the Mets, my Orioles were eliminated by those pesky Royals, and the damn Yankees are holding on by a thread.   Isn’t it funny the ways we hold onto “normalcy” when extraordinary things are occurring all around us?  The continuity of watching our favorite baseball team, or attending services/programs at our preferred house of worship…these things keep us sane. Dinner with a friend. They keep us actually “living” rather than paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. 

By the time you read this, we’ll have celebrated Sukkot, Simchat Torah, and launched a new season of 2^ndSaturdays-Shabbatstock.  And of course, fast-approaching will be the “Festival of Lights.”  With visions of Latkes, Dreidels, Menorah’s being lit, and Gelt (not guilt) swimming in our head.  On the last Friday in December, we “Light Up the Night” with a special combination of Shabbat and Chanukah. A fantastic catered dinner, Menorah Lighting and songs of the season, and then a unique Shabbat Service back inside…There are fascinating Adult Education programs in the works. In January, we’ll host a Family Shabbat Dinner and Service. The Dinner is a fundraiser for our PTO, and ALL are welcome, RSVP a must.  We also have Campfire Shabbat in the works with services around the fire pit, under the big “Tree of Life” on the south lawn, followed by a camp out sleep over for all families interested. 

There is more on deck, but I’ll leave you with this.  They say, “you get what you give.”   In the context of this statement, I’m referring not to financial support of our Temple, though that is more crucial these days than ever before…no, what I’m referring to is your level of engagement at TBE of Hollywood.  The more you put in to either attending, or helping us “put on” programs…well then the more you’ll surely get out of them!  The more we see of you…the more you’ll meet new people, establish relationships, and of course be more fulfilled with your experience at TBE.  

We ARE seeking seasonal sponsors for “Tot Shabbat” and “Friday Night Music”, along with individual sponsors for all Onegs, and Bimah Flowers. Call the office and ask for Jackie, she’ll make it easy for you to “make it happen.”

May 2025 be a good year for you and yours. 

Jeff

Summer 2024

Dear friends,

As summer ends and our thoughts turn to football, school, and the High Holy Days, I’m reminded that fall was always my favorite time of year “back home.” Leaves changing colors, temperatures cooling, and the chopping and stocking of firewood. That smell of woodsmoke in the air is something I miss. In Florida, the season change doesn’t bring cooler temperatures, so much as a startling realization that another summer has passed.

Launching our Annual Magazine, “Chai Times,” as well as a re-imagined website, we enter a new year full of hope and growth opportunities. We glance in the rearview, and reflect…while keeping our eyes on the road ahead. What new programs interest us at TBE? Will the Middle East ever see peace? Will we make new friends or lose loved ones? Each day is a chance to start over, walk in gratitude, and be kind to ourselves and others.

I’m choosing to look at Sundays at TBE as “TBE Sundays!” In addition to our Sunday School, we’ll be working alongside Adult Education’s “Brunch Bunch,” the “LEV” program for neuro-diverse Jewish learners, and the “KESHET” program focusing on Israeli culture, the latter brought to us by the Israeli American Council.

2nd Saturdays/Shabbatstock returns in November with “JewGrass Revival” leading services, underwritten by “The Cecilia Lipton Farris Foundation.” We’ll be sharing a new Hannukah Song with you this year! If you know potential sponsors for “Tot Shabbat,” “Friday Night Music,” or “Livestreaming,” let’s talk.

As our security apparatus continues to evolve, this fall you’ll notice we’ve increased the height of the fence in key areas near the playgrounds, thanks to a grant.

If you’d like to get involved, my door is always open. We can always use more help with this or that.

This year, I pray you receive clarity of vision, guidance to help with those tough decisions, faith that it will “all be ok,” and strength to navigate life’s ups and downs.

See you soon,

Jeff Jacob