Enjoy the March-April Edition of
The Rising Star!
Highlights: Where does our Tzedakah money go?
Wisdom from Afar
Craig's Corner - Supplements
Click the link to learn more!
TBE LEADERSHIP
Richard Dimentstein - President
Joy Birnbaum - Vice President
Tish Richter - Secretary
Michele Bennett - Treasurer
TRUSTEES
Seymour Birnbaum
Andy Friedman
Ariane Lieberman
Butch Miceli
Carrol Sallas
New temple phone number.
(843) 325-0389
...a blend of faith and friendship
for over 100 years.
UPCOMING SERVICE
4/19 Metzora Andy Friedman
4/22 Passover
4/26 Passover Art Kaufman
TEMPLE BETH ELOHIM
For more information and articles, go to the
URJ Website at www.urj.org
Georgetown, SC
Services at Temple Beth Elohim...
VISITORS:
Please call (843) 325-0389 for information about attending services.
Modern-Day Plagues of Injustice and Inequality
APRIL 3, 2024
RABBI MICHAEL NAMATH
On Passover, we recount the Ten Plagues that were inflicted upon the Egyptian people. Below you can find some of the "plagues" and injustices that afflict our present-day society and actions you can take.
Download a printable version of these plagues to use at your seder.
1. ANTISEMITISM AND RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY
Antisemitism poses a direct, present threat to the Jewish people, inherently intertwined with the continuing rise of hate and white supremacy. Amidst rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of religious bigotry, we must work to ensure that people of all faiths can worship safely.
Urge Congress to strengthen security resources for houses of worship.
2. ATTACKS ON LGBTQ+ PEOPLE
LGBTQ+ people are under attack across the country. Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill is just one of many anti-LGBTQ+ policies, present in almost every state, specifically targeting the rights, safety, and equality of LGBTQ+ people.
Tell your governor to protect LGBTQ+ people.
3. BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Mental illness affects millions of people each year, yet mental health care remains inaccessible to many, including millions of young people. Schools are uniquely positioned to close this gap and expand mental health services for adolescents.
Urge Congress to expand mental health services in public schools.
4. BROKEN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
Our immigration system is in desperate need of repair. 11 million people still require a pathway to citizenship, and in the midst of a global refugee crisis, our asylum system is not equipped to handle the overwhelming number of migrants fleeing dangerous home countries.
Tell Congress to allow a pathway for Dreamers.
5. GUN VIOLENCE
Every year, over 40,000 Americans die as victims of gun violence. Gun violence is the leading cause of death of American children and teens ages 1-19. The scourge of gun violence in America is a public safety issue and a public health epidemic.
Demand Congress ends gun violence and save lives.
PA Residents Take Action
IL Residents Take Action
6. HUNGER
In the U.S., pervasive hunger and food insecurity affect millions, with approximately 13% of households experiencing inadequate access to nutritious food. Economic disparities amplify this crisis, demanding urgent attention for equitable solutions.
Urge Congress to Raise the Wage to combat hunger.
7. POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION
There are nearly 120 million people who live in places with unhealthy pollution levels. Much of this pollution stems from the production of greenhouse gas-producing activities, which worsens the climate crisis, exacerbates ongoing environmental degradation, and harms public health.
Urge Congress to Support Environmental Justice for All.
Northern CA Residents Take Action
Southern CA Residents Take Action
Activities for Children
8. RESTRICTIONS ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, states across the country have passed legislation limiting access to reproductive health care. Abortion bans, IVF restrictions, and attacks on birth control violate kavod ha'briyot (respect for individual dignity).
Tell Congress to protect reproductive rights.
Register to call Florida voters on May 7th.
9. UNQUALIFIED CHAPLAINS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
States across the country are introducing bills that would install chaplains in our public schools. This a threat to religious freedom and a failed attempt to address the need for mental health resources in schools.
Tell your governor to protect students.
10. VOTER SUPPRESSION
In a democracy, all rights begin with the right to vote. It is the bedrock of our democracy and essential for a strong democracy. Across the United States, states have enacted laws that have decreased voting accessibility and reduced representation.
Urge Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Act.
NJ Residents Take Action
OH Residents Take Action
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A
LAY LEADER?
For more information,
Contact Andy at Andyfriedman2012@gmail.com
LAY LEADERS
Temple Beth Elohim has Lay Leaders who conduct Shabbat Services every Friday night. We are grateful for their commitment and leadership and the unique individuality each brings to our services. They are:
Joy Birnbaum
Michele Gershman-Bennett
Lynn & Michael Davidson
Richard Dimentstein
Andy Friedman
*Shirley Giegerich
*Art Kaufman
Ariane Lieberman
We welcome 2 returning Lay Leaders, Shirley, and Art. We look forward to their contribution to our Shabbat services!