Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday Rabbi’s Message – December 1, 2020   This year has sent us into such unchartered territory, but fortunately, we have been able to weather this storm together as a congregation.   As we continue to navigate these waves of challenges, we can reflect on the ways we have adapted to our new environment. […]

The Healing Powers of Music

The Healing Powers of Music Music Director’s Message – November 24, 2020 “Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears – it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more – it can provide access, even when no […]

Giving Thanks for the Small Things

Giving Thanks for the Small Things Rabbinic Intern’s Message – November 17, 2020 It is hard to believe that it is the middle of November already.  So, with Thanksgiving on the horizon, I am reminded of the importance of slowing down and appreciating all of the little things that we take for granted every day. […]

We Remember and Give Honor

We Remember and Give Honor Rabbi’s Message – November 10, 2020 One of the most moving speakers I’ve heard at Temple Israel was Pastor Chris Edmonds, who has twice shared the incredible story of his father, Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, and his organization “Roddie’s Code.”  The message never gets old, only more important.  In this […]

Seeking Peace Amidst the Disagreements

Learning from the Past & Hopeful for Our Future Rabbi’s Message – November 3, 2020 Twenty-five years ago I was living in Jerusalem when a hate-fueled political atmosphere became deadly.  On November 4, 1995 Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated not by one of Israel’s enemies, but by another Israeli.  Though I was young, […]

Moving Forward on a Narrow Bridge

Moving Forward on a Narrow Bridge Rabbi’s Message – October 27, 2020 As with other tragic moments in our communal history, we will all remember where we were when we heard about the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre.  It was a haunting reminder that we remain a target of hatred in a world where hate […]

Choosing Gratitude in the Storm Rabbi’s Message – October 20, 2020   We are all familiar with the story of the flood.  In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Noach, we learn about God’s anger at humankind and God’s decision to start over.  God chose Noah and his family to build an ark for themselves and […]

Setting Boundaries

Setting Boundaries Rabbi’s Message – October 13, 2020 This week, Jews across the world begin reading the Torah anew, with Parashat Bereshit, the very beginning of Genesis.  There is something about this portion that always strikes me as we read its words, and that is how God creates the world in the first chapter.  While […]

Marking the Time: A Personal Reflection

Marking the Time: A Personal Reflection Rabbi’s Message – October 6, 2020 So many core memories become associated with time markers, but marking the passage of time in 2020 has been challenging.  Key moments have changed: family seders, graduation parties, end of school picnics, summers by the pool or at summer camp, school supplies shopping, […]

Our High Holidays

Our High Holidays Rabbi’s Message – September 29, 2020 As we reflect on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, there are so many things to be thankful for and I am so proud of our community.  First, thank you to all of our congregants who participated in making these holidays so meaningful by filling it with […]

High Holidays During the Covid-19 Pandemic

New Year & New Online Platform Rabbi’s Message – September 15, 2020 For the last few months we have all been wondering what High Holidays would look like in a pandemic.  A lot of dreaming and hard work since the spring have culminated into an immersive holiday experience.  And I’m excited to unveil the fruits […]

Tech Solutions for a Better High Holiday Experience at Home

Enhancing Your Viewing Experience – September 8,2020 Most of you will be participating in our High Holiday services from home on devices like iPhones, iPads, Androids, and laptops. We recommend that you connect your device to your large screen TV for the best possible experience. Here’s how to do it:   Method 1 Get an adapter […]

Emerging with Resilience and Hope

Emerging with Resilience and Hope Rabbi’s Message – July 28, 2020 Our people are well acquainted with devastating loss.  Every year on Tisha B’Av, which begins Wednesday evening, we recall the destructions of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, a symbol of our Jewish sovereignty.  We also collectively remember all of the loss and […]

Combat Voter Suppression

Doing Our Part to Combat Voter Suppression  by Nancy Cohen June 26, 2020 As Jews, we have a duty and an obligation to repair the world, and the work of tikkun olam manifests itself in many different ways.  In a democratic society, everyone’s voice should be heard, especially at the ballot box.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case. […]

From Promotional Products to Personal Protective Equipment

How Shumsky Enterprises shifted to help our community and beyond by Courtney Cummings The ability to adapt and evolve is an important characteristic of the Jewish people, as we have had to do just that countless times throughout the generations.  In addition, our strong core value of repairing the world holds true from Biblical times. […]

Stay Connected!

Be sure to check your email!   A Message from Rabbi Bodney-Halasz May 8, 2020   When this quarantine began, I chose to produce TIDBITS myself.  I wanted to communicate more directly and more regularly with you during these difficult times.  To call attention to these changes, my TIDBITS emails did not specify TIDBITS in […]

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Resources for our community Physical and Mental Health: CDC (Center for Disease Control) is the source for how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you are sick as well as resources regarding travel, childcare, businesses, and community organizations NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provides resources and information on topics […]

Mi Shebeirach – A Prayer for Healing

Mi Shebeirach – Our Prayer for Healing All of us could use some healing right now amid the COVID-19 outbreak.  We may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or concerned about the health of a loved one or ourselves.  To help ease your fears, listen to the calming voice of Courtney Cummings as she reads the Mi Shebeirach […]

Temple Israel on Synagogues 360

  Temple Israel has been selected as one of the synagogues around the world to be archived in an exhibit of historic and exceptional synagogues around the world.  Select Temple Israel, Dayton, Ohio in the search.  Check out the website here.