President's Column - November 2025

As the autumn leaves fall and the days grow shorter, November invites us to reflect, not just on gratitude, but on legacy. In Jewish tradition, legacy isn’t measured solely in material terms. It’s found in the values we uphold, the stories we tell, and the communities we nurture. Pirkei Avot teaches, “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” That resonates deeply as we continue shaping the future of TBT.

This month, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to deepen our learning and connection through our Scholar-in-Residence program, taking place November 7–9. We’re honored to welcome Yardena Schwartz, an award-winning journalist and documentary producer whose work explores the intersection of Jewish identity, politics, and culture. Her insights promise to challenge, inspire, and enrich our understanding of the world and our place in it. I encourage everyone to attend and engage—this is a rare and meaningful opportunity for our congregation.

Legacy also lives in the work we’re doing to secure TBT’s future. From the capital campaign led by David Sack, to the task force headed by Dr. Alan Friedman, we’re not just maintaining, we’re reimagining. These efforts are about more than finances; they’re about ensuring that TBT remains a spiritual home for generations to come.

And here’s where each of us plays a role. Whether through a contribution to the capital campaign to help retire our debt, or a legacy gift in your estate planning, your support becomes part of TBT’s enduring story. It’s a way to say: I was here. I believed in this community. I helped it thrive. I want to ensure its existence forever.

If you’re ready to be part of that legacy, I encourage you to reach out to David Sack at 917-744- 3503 or dsack1234@aol.com, or to Sabrina Maurer, our Director of Development and Financial Planning, at 215-620-8427 or sabrinalmaurer@gmail.com. They’ll be happy to talk with you about how your gift, large or small, can make a lasting impact.

I also want to extend a heartfelt welcome to the many new members who have joined TBT over the past few months. Your presence brings fresh energy and new perspectives to our community, and we’re so glad you’re here. To our longtime members: I encourage you to reach out, connect, and help us continue growing. If you know someone looking for a spiritual home, invite them to experience what makes TBT so special. Every new member strengthens our future.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I invite you to reflect not only on what you’re grateful for, but on what you’re building. What part of your story will live on in this community? How can we, together, ensure that TBT continues to be a place of warmth, meaning, and belonging?

Wishing you a season filled with learning, connection, and purpose.

Warmly,
Josh Broder
President of TBT ‘s Board of Directors

Temple Educator's Column - November 2025

Hakarat Hatov means Gratitude (or Thanksgiving if you prefer!)

Thanksgiving is a time for…check the boxes that fit your reality:
0 Family gathering?
0 Specific food choices?
0 Lions and/or Cowboys football?
0 Debating the historical origins of the holiday?
0 Booking flights and hotels?
0 Counting the blessings in your life?

As Jews, many of us tend not to use the “count your blessings” phrase too often. It sounds to some like language other people use. I think that may be a mistake for us.

During the High Holy Day season, we often talk about doing Cheshbon Hanefesh – an accounting of the soul. The idea is to review the past year and note the times we have hurt someone or fallen short from what we (and God) expect from our own behavior. Then we are supposed to go to those people and to God and atone – make amends – and try to restore our relationships.

Thanksgiving suggests a similar, yet slightly different, exercise. The Hebrew for gratitude is Hakarat Hatov. The literal translation of the two words is “recognizing the good.”

Cheshbon Hanefesh focuses on how we missed the mark. Hakarat Hatov demands that we take some time to take notice of the good things – both those we have done and especially those that others have done which we now value.

When President Lincoln formalized the holiday, he was asking that each American, in their own way, give thanks and praise. He did this in the months following Gettysburg, which was the turning point in the American Civil War and the end was seen to be nearing.

We teach Hakarat Hatov as a part of our Religious School curriculum. The idea is that no matter what negative things may happen, it is our job to find sparks of the divine in our world, to recognize and acknowledge them. I hope that as each of us may or may not begin to work our own pre-Thanksgiving checklists we each include a check box for counting blessings and giving thanks. Join me in recognizing the good.

L’shalom,
Ira J. Wise
0 Count Blessings
0 Give thanks

Rabbi's Column - October 2025

Dear Friends,

At Rosh HaShanah, I spoke about Levi’s block tower—how he stacked it high, marveled at his creation, and then knocked it down with glee. It was a moment of wonder, impermanence, and impulse control-in-formation. (Very toddler.) And, it reminded me: nothing we build lasts forever.

Some things do endure, though. Judaism has always been more interested in sanctifying time than constructing monuments. Our rituals, our holidays, Shabbat—these are the cathedrals we carry with us. They don’t crumble. They don’t fade. They live in us. We create formative Jewish memories with those we love, and they stay with us.

This year, I invited our community to make 5786 the Year of Shabbat. Not because we need one more thing to add to our calendars, but because we need something sacred to anchor them. Shabbat is our weekly reset. It’s our chance to stop, breathe, and reconnect—with ourselves, with each other, and with the Divine. Think about it less as a thing to do, and more as permission to slow down.

If you haven’t yet received your TBT Shabbat kit, we have one with your name on it! Just drop by the office. If you have one but haven’t opened it yet, I encourage you to do so this week. Light the candles. Enjoy the wine. Try baking a Challah — or grab one from Stop & Shop, there’s no shame in that!

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to get started. And if you’re not sure how, I’m here for you. Our RAC volunteers are available. You can learn the melodies for the Shabbat blessings here. I’ll be hosting the first Shabbat 101 workshop on Sunday, November 2nd at 11am. This is a judgment-free zone! Come learn the essentials of Shabbat: the blessings, rituals, and history. Everyone is welcome.

Finally, I’d love to hear what you’d like to try this year. Drop me a note, or stop by the office.

Let’s build something together—not in stone, but in spirit. Because in the end, it’s not the towers we build that define us. It’s the time we choose to make holy, together with those we love.

Shalom,
Rabbi Moss

President's Column - October 2025

Renewal, Reflection, and Connection: Stepping into October Together

As we move into October, we carry with us the spiritual energy of the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah invited us to reflect on the past year and envision who we want to be in the year ahead. Yom Kippur reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the importance of repairing relationships, with ourselves, with others, and with G-d. And as we cast our sins into the water at Tashlich, we symbolically let go of the burdens we’ve carried, making space for growth, renewal, and joy.

October also ushers in Sukkot, the festival of joy and gratitude. In the sukkah, we are reminded that security is fleeting and that life’s richness comes from community, hospitality, and connection. As we shake the lulav and etrog, we celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the blessings that surround us every day. Simchat Torah, which concludes this season, brings exuberant dancing with the Torah scrolls, emphasizing that joy and celebration are essential to our spiritual lives.

These holidays teach us something profound: Judaism is a balance of reflection and action, of contemplation and celebration. It is not enough to feel; we are called to act. Our traditions encourage us to turn inward and grow spiritually, but also to reach outward, to care for our neighbors, to build community, and to share our gifts.

At TBT, that balance comes alive every day. Our Chesed Committee connects members who can lend a hand with those who could use support. Our Social Justice initiatives, like the High Holiday Food Drive, remind us that helping others is central to our faith. And our Kesher Groups, Israel Committee, and learning programs, like Scholar in Residence, offer spaces to connect, learn, and grow together. Every service, program, and volunteer opportunity is a chance to live the values of our tradition in tangible ways.

As we move through October, I invite you to step more fully into our community:
- Join a Kesher Group such as singing, cooking, hiking, or others. Or, start one around your passion. You can learn more HERE.
- Attend Sukkot and Simchat Torah celebrations, and bring a friend or family member to share in the joy.
- Volunteer with Chesed or participate in Social Justice initiatives to help neighbors in need.
- Learn with us, come to a Torah study, a lecture, or a Scholar-in-Residence event.
- Give to TBT, of your time and resources to help strengthen our Jewish community on the shoreline.

Every connection you make strengthens TBT, and every act of participation enriches your own spiritual life.

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, may this season of reflection, celebration, and renewal inspire you to reach inward and outward, embracing both growth and joy.

Shanah Tovah u’Metukah, and Chag Sameach!

Josh Broder, TBT President

Tempe Educator's Column - October 2025

Teaching About Israel

My graduate thesis was all about how we need to bring our teaching about Israel in line with present realities, rather than merely teaching a dream of what we hope Israel could and one day will be. I wrote it having experienced the First Intifada firsthand, as my wife and I lived in Israel for the first year of grad school. I wrote having taught in schools where the lessons about the Zionist dream and the seeming miracles of Independence, and the Six-Day War and the mighty heroes of the State of Israel seemed to contradict what students were seeing on the nightly news. I wanted to teach our kids that we love Israel because it is our home. Its people are our family. No matter what, you stand by family, and you do that even while letting your family know you expect more and better.

In July I participated in a Jewish National Fund (JNF) Educators Mission to Israel. My goal was to learn with colleagues and figure out how we might improve how we teach about Israel in light of the events of the last two years. Same thesis, new reality. The object of the exercise to teach our kids to love Israel enough to engage in constructive dialogue about current events – and still love it after the conversation.

The trip was fascinating. I met a lot of people and heard a lot of their stories, some of which I shared at services a few weeks ago. I established a new network of colleagues who are wrestling with the same challenge: making a compelling case for Israel to our students in light of current reality. I did not come back with the golden ticket that will reveal all of the secrets of meeting this goal. I did come back with some ideas and some new friends to help develop them. I did come back more convinced than ever that the State of Israel is essential to the well-being and the basic Jewish identity of all Jews everywhere.

When Audrey and I lived in Jerusalem during the Intifada, we spent a fair amount of time in the Old City of Jerusalem and got to know a lot of shopkeepers in the Muslim and Christian Quarters. These were Arabs, Palestinians. It was during the first Intifada with its strikes, occasional terrorist acts and kids throwing stones. Nearly every shopkeeper we knew said the same thing. “We want our children to have a better life than we have, as we have a better life than our parents.”

I am certain that for all Israelis and for all Palestinians who are not a part of Hamas they want the same thing. And in their heart of hearts – removed from the immediacy of war – I believe they want that for each other.

A week after this issue of the Shofar is published will be the second yahrzeit of those who were killed during the Terrorist attacks from Gaza. Even more sadly, it may also be the second anniversary of the captivity of the remaining hostages from that day. I pray that they are able to observe that date from their homes in Israel. And I hope that all can soon be removed from the immediacy of war and return to making a better life for themselves and their children.

L’Shalom,
Ira J. Wise, Temple Educator

Rabbi's Column - Summer 2025

Dear Friends,

Some things are clearly right or wrong. Sometimes, though, clarity comes only in hindsight. In late May, 1967, three Arab armies were massing against Israel. Egypt had closed the straits of Tiran and ejected its UN Peacekeepers. The mood in the country was somber: Hospitals canceled elective surgeries. 14,000 graves were dug in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, in anticipation of mass casualties. Soldiers wrote farewell letters to their loved ones.

In the face of the Arab armies’ imminent attack, Israel launched a bold pre-emptive strike. IAF pilots destroyed the entire Egyptian air force while its pilots were still eating breakfast. Out of this existential morass came a resounding victory: in just six days, Israel expanded its territory threefold and solidified its place as a rising power in the Middle East.

In a recent poll 83% of Jewish Israelis support the pre-emptive strikes on Iran — despite the certainty of reprisal. This is notable, because Israelis are exhausted. They do not want more bloodshed. They do not want to keep running to their safe rooms. They do not want war, and yet they support this war. During the June 20 Shabbat I tried to explain why this is so. Will history vindicate this operation, furthering the cause of peace and stability? Will it be another Six Day War? Only time will tell. Our judgments today may be disproven tomorrow.

Rabbi Jill Jacobs teaches about a surprising ruling in the Babylonian Talmud: if every judge on a court votes to convict, the defendant is acquitted. (Sanhedrin 17a). The ancient sages identified that, in this instance, the judges may have succumbed to group think. They have not sufficiently raised questions and objections.

The modern luminary Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik expands, “If they all saw him as guilty with no aspect of merit, there is certainly some corruption or perversion of justice in that court.” Certainty, in other words, is not necessarily a virtue.

Within the Jewish and broader American communities, many have jumped to either blanket celebration or condemnation. So many breathless commentators and armchair diplomats fail to consider the nuances and risks of this situation – not to mention the lived experiences of those most in harm’s way. Rather than abject certainty, this may be a moment instead to acknowledge uncertainty; to admit that none of us really know what is right.

There are valid reasons to support this war, and other valid reasons to oppose it. The future is unclear, and the present danger is real. Whatever our views, our hearts are united for safety in Israel.

We also feel the urge to act. If you want to help, you might consider a donation to the Israeli Reform Movement’s Urgent Care and Relief Fund; or support temporary housing for Israelis abroad.

Finally, although peace feels painfully distant, we pray for peace. We will never stop praying for peace.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

President's Column - September 2025

There could be no better words to guide us into this sacred season than the very first words of Creation. Light was G-d’s first gift to the world, and it remains the symbol of clarity, renewal, and hope.

This summer, Temple Beth Tikvah received its own new source of light. As of August 11, 2025, we are officially generating solar power! This project lowers our electric bill, reduces our carbon footprint, and shows our commitment to both sustainability and long-term financial responsibility.

This milestone has been years in the making. It became reality through the extraordinary generosity of the Sack family, and through the tireless dedication of our facilities chair, Ben Muskin, along with many others who offered time and expertise. (Don’t miss the photo of Ben literally flipping the switch!) To all involved: thank you for helping TBT step into a brighter future.

As we now prepare for the High Holy Days, I have been reflecting on light in an even deeper sense. The book of Proverbs teaches us: “A mitzvah is a candle, and the Torah is light” (Proverbs 6:23) and “The soul of a person is the candle of G-d” (Proverbs 20:27). Light is not only what we see, it is what we do, how we live, and how we connect with one another.

The Sefat Emet, Rabbi Yehudah Leib Alter of Ger, taught that performing a mitzvah is like lighting a candle before G-d, preparing a space where the Divine presence can dwell. Each mitzvah adds a spark that brightens our own souls and helps illuminate the world around us.

That image feels especially meaningful during the Days of Awe. As we come together to pray, reflect, seek forgiveness, and celebrate, we are called to find the divine spark within ourselves and then share it, through acts of kindness, study, service, and love.

As we enter 5786, I encourage each of us to ask: how can I bring a little more light into TBT this year? Maybe it’s joining a committee, volunteering for a project, helping in the religious school, or sharing your professional expertise. Every act of involvement strengthens our synagogue, and when more people participate, the work becomes lighter for all.

TBT is blessed with extraordinary members: leaders, thinkers, healers, teachers, and innovators. This year, take one step beyond your comfort zone. Even if it feels like stepping into darkness, you may be surprised to discover how much light is already waiting there, and how much good you can bring into our community.

May this new year bring light, blessing, and renewal to you and your loved ones.

Shanah tovah from my family to yours,

Josh Broder, TBT President

Educator's Column - Summer 2025

This past weekend (June 21-22), my flight to participate in the Jewish National Fund Educator’s Mission on July 13 was cancelled due to the airport in Tel Aviv being closed because of the war with Iran. While I am working to get the airfare refunded, I am still hopeful that the war will end in time for me to go. Of course, hope is not a strategy.

As I write, October 7th was 625 days ago; I know that many of us at TBT have been watching the events in Israel and Gaza with concern, hope and compassion that is now compounded with the war with Iran. These emotions intensify. We each bring our own perspective to our emotions. Your feelings are yours alone. We should have conversations about them – that is part of a healthy process.

The idea of the mission I was to attend was to learn alongside other synagogue educators and explore how we might do better at teaching about Israel than we already do. Israel has been a core Jewish value for my entire personal life and for my professional practice since I first worked in a classroom as a 9th grade aide.

I believe that we need to teach our children the dream of what Israel can be and what led to the creation of the modern state. Theodor Herzl saw it as a home for our people, who were seen as outsiders, despite being citizens of the countries in which they lived. Ahad Ha’am described the dream as a center and source of Jewish culture for all of us. Ze’ev Jabotinsky saw it as a place where the Jewish people can be strong and defend themselves against all who sought to destroy us, and A.D. Gordon described a place where we could get our hands dirty in the soil, bringing life to an arid place. These are just a few of the ideas.

I believe in a developmental approach to learning. We are ready to explore topics in different ways at different times in our lives. So, we should revisit them, applying our experiences and ideas that we have developed since we last talked about them. We might think about God, for example, differently at 39 than we did in third grade – which is when we do our first deep dive into theology at TBT.

In the younger grades, we are teaching our kids about the dream of Israel and introducing parts of Israeli life and culture that will help them to learn, to connect, and perhaps even love it. As they get older, and develop skills in pulling apart complex issues, we get into the ideas that keep some of us up at night or cause flights to be cancelled.

I invite you to take advantage of the opportunities TBT will be offering for adult conversations around Israel and current events. I ask you to have real conversations about it with one another and with your kids in a way that makes sense for you and them. I want to gently remind everyone that even if our opinions on how to approach Israel may vary widely, we are all a part of the same Jewish family. We need to remember we are talking about people in our family. Our children will learn from our example, both in what we say about Israel and how to say it to one another and to people outside the Jewish community.

L'shalom,

Ira Wise

President's Column: June 2025

“It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

– Pirkei Avot 2:16

At our recent Annual Meeting, the 48th in our congregation’s history, I had the honor of

delivering my first “State of TBT” address as your President. It was a meaningful opportunity to

reflect on the progress we’ve made over the past year and to share some of the vision that

continues to guide us. When I stepped into this role last July, I set out with three primary goals:

1. Streamlining and Documenting Our Systems

Behind the scenes, a lot of work has gone into simplifying how TBT operates. We’ve transitioned to QuickBooks

Online for better financial reporting and expanded our use of ShulCloud to strengthen communication and data

management. We’ve also begun documenting key processes, roles, and responsibilities—an investment in

smoother transitions and institutional memory for years to come.

2. Rethinking Our Financial Model

We’ve launched a new financial task force, led by Alan Friedman, to explore how we might evolve our funding model

to better reflect the changing needs of synagogue life. They’re actively researching what other congregations have

done and will bring recommendations to the Board, and eventually to all of you, for input. This is a long-term project,

but one that could shape a more sustainable future for TBT.

3. Renewing Our Commitment to Financial Strength

As many of you know, the beautiful renovation of our sanctuary and building was a transformative milestone in

TBT’s story. But it also came with significant financial obligations that remain with us today. This year, we’ve reignited

our Secure the Future capital campaign under the leadership of David Sack, with the goal of meaningfully

reducing the debt associated with that renovation.

This campaign is not just about paying off a loan, it’s about honoring the investment we’ve made in our spiritual

home, preserving the sacred space we’ve built together, and ensuring that TBT remains vibrant and financially

healthy for generations to come.

“They shall give, everyone whose heart moves them.”

– Exodus 25:2

That verse from the Torah, about the building of the Mishkan, reminds us that generosity is not only about financial

support, but about heart, intention, and sacred responsibility. In the coming weeks and months, if you haven’t

already, you’ll hear more about how you can be part of this effort from a member of the Secure the Future

campaign team. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference and strengthens our future.

Beyond these priorities, there is so much more to celebrate. Our preschool is full of energy and joy. Our religious

school has over 90 students engaged in Jewish learning. We’ve welcomed new members into our TBT family. And

our calendar continues to be filled with meaningful services, thoughtful programs, and joyful moments of connection.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude and hope. This community is full of people who step up, give generously of

themselves, and help carry the mission of TBT forward. That’s what makes this synagogue not just a building, but a

sacred home.

Thank you for your continued support, your involvement, and your trust. I look forward to all we’ll build, together, in

the year ahead.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

President’s Column

Rabbi's Column: June 2025

Temple Beth Tikvah is a vibrant, inclusive Reform Jewish community, guided by Torah and interconnected through our traditions and values of tikkun hanefesh (enriching our lives) and tikkun olam (improving the world).

Dear Friends,

These words are proudly on display in our lobby and on our website. But what does TBT’s congregational mission really mean? 

Let’s start with the Hebrew concepts. Tikkun HaNefesh means “self-repair” —  this is the internal work of self-improvement. Tikkun HaOlam means “world-repair” —  this is our Jewish obligation to mend a broken world. You may have heard of Tikkun Olam before. But where does it come from, and what does it have to do with us?

In its modern form, Tikkun Ha’Olam emerges from Jewish Mysticism. In the beautiful mountain town of Tzfat the great Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal) [re]told the story of creation: In primordial existence, God’s presence filled all space and time. In order to create anything in space, God had to contract (tzimtzum) and open a vacuum of God-less-ness. Into that vacuum God launched countless vessels of light. But the delicate containers that held the light could not survive that vacuum, so they broke into millions of pieces. The light was scattered throughout the void. The world came into formation, but its goodness was suffused by the surrounding darkness. The mission of every Jew, therefore, is to locate these scattered pieces of light. Through mitzvot and righteous acts we may lift them out of darkness—  thus sanctifying God, and participating in the work of creation as God’s partners. Hence - Tikkun HaOlam —  the repair of the world.

This is one of the purposes of a Jewish life. At TBT, so many people are engaged in Tikkun HaOlam every single day. I am regularly moved by the passion of our members in the helping professions and who dedicate their lives to serving others. And our volunteers are doing amazing things, too: consider that just this year, our Social Justice committee has been working hard to settle a new refugee family; collect food for those in need; and serve hot meals at the Branford Community Dining Room. The need has grown considerably this year as federal funding for the former two projects has stopped; so our support is really critical. If you might like to get involved with either of these initiatives simply reach out to Robin Baslaw. The commitment is more manageable than you might think, and we’d really love a variety of TBT folks to participate.

Another highlight of the year was our 9th grade trip to Washington, DC.  They joined with our fearless Temple Educator Ira Wise and hundreds of Jewish teens from across the country to learn about creating a better world through legislative advocacy. They wrote position papers on issues of Jewish moral concern ranging from food insecurity to reproductive rights to gun violence prevention —  and then presented their speeches to our members of congress! This impactful weekend is called “L’taken” —  a different grammatical form of that same phrase, Tikkun Olam. You may have heard a few of those terrific young people present their speeches at services earlier this Spring. And the students reported the trip was awesome —  a truly transformative learning experience. Next year’s class is already raring to go!

I’d also like to share with you about a project I am working on. Together with our local congregational justice teams of CONECT and the National Gun Safety Consortium, we are partnering with police departments throughout the state. Law enforcement and military buyers constitute the large majority of firearm purchases, so they can make a meaningful impact in the production, adoption, and availability of firearm safety equipment. The NGSC’s non-partisan project seeks to implement safer storage and access practices, with the partnership of our local police. I am proud to share that Chief Massey (Guilford PD) and Chief Drumm (Madison PD) have both eagerly signed on. If you have contacts in other area departments, I hope you will let me know. These devices will save many lives.

Finally, our Kulanu (combating antisemitism) group is planning opportunities for learning, dialogue and connection with the broader community. Just last week, they organized an important conversation with our college students about their experience on campus.  If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Irma Grebel or Louis King.

My mom and dad joined our family synagogue in the 1980s. My childhood rabbi, a wonderful man named Mark Shapiro z”l, knew that it could seem intimidating to take a first step. So he invited my mom, who didn’t really know much about Judaism, to start with something manageable.  “What about making a sandwich for someone in need?” he asked.  “The committee meets on Sunday afternoons.” That first step led to new friends, the joy of doing a mitzvah,  and a lifetime of joyful Jewish connection. And yes, that one little sandwich is a small but meaningful step in Tikkun Ha’Olam.

So, let this be my invitation for you to “make that first sandwich!” I would love to connect with you, our members, about your Jewish Journey. I would love to hear your ideas about how to make the world a better place. Please let me know when we can get together, so we can get to work, together.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss