Beth Shalom Gathers for Spaghetti Dinner

Temple Beth Shalom is the perfect setting for Flagler County's Jewish community to gather and break bread! This time, the bread was rich in garlic, tasty and filling thanks to the synagogue's Men's Club who prepared an outstanding Spaghetti Dinner for more than 100 people. The dinner was the finest expression of family, the family that is the Flagler County Jewish Community!

In a challenging world, family belonging provides a safe haven for people in every circumstance. . Family dinners not only satisfy our physical and emotional needs, but also offer a time and place to consciously demonstrate the value of caring for others.

Sharing family dinners sets the stage for us to value our family relationships, rather than take them for granted. Having dinner together as a family also keeps us in touch, allowing us to trouble-shoot problems in daily living, as well as keeping us abreast of our family members' activities and life experience. It is in the family group that we develop an ability to discuss, to express our opinions, to be ourselves and allow others to be themselves. We feel less alone in the world when we know there are people who love and care about us, no matter what we are going through.

The function of a family is to nurture the growth and development of each of its members. The overall "spirit" in a family is like the soil in a garden. Soil rich in needed elements supports growth, while earth anemic in necessary nutrients curtails blossom.

Thanks to Temple Beth Shalom and its Men's Club, our family has been mightily enriched!

Resounding Success at BSY Overnight & Yard Sale

BSY, Temple Beth Shalom Youth, spent the entire night before their last yard sale "camping out" in the synagogue's sanctuary, snacking, watching movies and preparing the goods to be sold to benefit their many activities. Not only did everyone involved have a fun time, but the bonds between these exciting new people and their friends were strengthened along with their connection with the Jewish community and its synagogue.

Temple Beth Shalom and BSY recognize the fact that youth must perpetuate Judaism, and are increasingly cognizant of the historical and cultural heritage of the Jewish People. Together they aim to bring about a meaningful and fully reciprocal encounter of Judaism, the Jewish people, and the Synagogue on one side, and the Jewish teenager on the other. As a result of this encounter, the Jewish teenager will, firstly, demonstrate and experience how the Jewish way of living, through study, action and fellowship, leads to personal fulfillment and growth while meeting his spiritual and social needs, and secondly, make a significant contribution to synagogue, community, society and the Jewish people.

Inaugural "Ask the Rabbi" Shabbat, Friday, August 10 at Beth Shalom

Friday, August 10th is the date set for the inaugural "Ask the Rabbi" night at Temple Beth Shalom. The program calls for those present in the synagogue's sanctuary to ask questions of the Rabbi during the time traditionally allotted for a sermon. While TBS' Rabbi Merrill Shapiro does not promise to answer all questions, every query is welcome, no question is "out-of-bounds!"

"Ask the Rabbi" Friday nights are open to all and everyone is welcome. As always, Oneg Shabbat refreshments follow the 75 minute service. The program is an expression of the democracy of Temple Beth Shalom where, in this case, the congregation determines what will be said rather than the Rabbi. "A great deal can be learned simply by listening carefully to the questions, "according to Rabbi Shapiro, "In those questions are expressed the care and the concern of the individual. It is sometimes possible to discern great and noble aspirations through the curiosity of members of the congregation!"