TBI’s Response to COVID-19 To keep our community together, we are live streaming numerous services, classes, and events, and some learning opportunities will be recorded so that you can watch at your convenience. To get the most up-to-date information, subscribe to This Week @ TBI, the weekly e-newsletter, sent each Wednesday afternoon. If you are in need of assistance, or if you have questions, please call the office at 541.485.7218.
Welcome!
Temple Beth Israel (TBI) is a center for Jewish life, embracing traditional wisdom with contemporary insight. We promote the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of our members, the Jewish people of Lane County, and the larger community.
TBI is a member of the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement. We welcome people of all Jewish backgrounds, interfaith families, and people exploring Judaism. Whether you are religious, cultural, atheist, agnostic, or searching, there is a place for you at TBI!
Current & Upcoming Events
2021 Zoom Gala Gala
Virtual Event is April 18-May 2
Mitzvah Moment is Sunday, May 2, 5:00pm
You are invited to this year’s Zoom Gala Gala Virtual Event & Mitzvah Moment on Sunday, May 2nd at 5:00pm when we honor those who have kept our community connected.
For over two decades, Temple Beth Israel and our generous supporters have gathered in the spring to raise critical funds for our community. While we are still not able to gather in person this year, we will gather virtually. We look forward to reaching our goal with the Online Fundraiser. We’ll finish off with the Mitzvah Moment and celebration on May 2nd.
We continue to rise above these unprecedented times to keep TBI a vibrant, connected, and caring Jewish community!
Seven Species: Tastes and Texts w/Rabbis Jonathan Rubenstein & Linda Motzkin (Zoom)
Sunday, April 25, 10:00am (Pre-registration required)
The Seven Species (Shivat Haminim), derived from Deuteronomy 8:7-8, are two grains and five fruits associated with the Land of Israel and imbued with special holiness and significance. The first fruits of the seven species—wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates—were the only acceptable offerings in the Temple in Jerusalem. They are also a Jewish folk motif and are frequently represented in Jewish art.
In addition to a text study and discussion of a selection of biblical, rabbinic, and kabbalistic sources on the significance of the Seven Species, the rabbis will show some artistic representations of the Seven Species and share ideas on how to incorporate them into a special Shavuot challah and other special holiday foods.
Lag B’Omer w/Fire Dancer Exhibition!
Thursday, April 29th 8:00pm in the TBI Parking Lot
“The high energy and intense spirit of the fire dancing community burns through my heart and shines into every show I put on!”
Big flames, high energy, an intense spirit, and fun tricks are Jeffrey Jenkins’ forte’ ! Keep your eyes peeled for the high flying tosses and cool contact tricks that his show has in store for you ! 🔥🔥🔥
We’re also having a firepit with smores. Bring a lawn chair, blankets, and warm clothes. We’ll provide basic ingredients for smores—graham crackers, chocolate, and gelatin-free marshmallows. In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.
Honoring Rabbi Myron Kinberg (YouTube)
TBI gathered April 11th via YouTube for a celebration of the lives and legacy of Rabbi Myron and Alice Kinberg, in honor of Rabbi Kinberg’s 25th yahrzeit. If you missed it and want to watch it, click the link below:
Course Conversations: Jews, Race and Religion (Zoom)
Free online lecture series
The lecture series is free and open to the public. It began late January and takes place live on Thursdays at 10:30am PST, with recordings of the lectures posted on the Reconstruction Judaism website after they occur. You may choose individual lectures or sign up for the whole series.
The TBI Not Free to Desist Task Force is offering three sessions for TBI members and friends. These are open spaces for conversation, reflection, and a bit of prep for upcoming lectures. All are welcome regardless of your participation in the lecture series. You do NOT have to pre-register for the TBI sessions. The last TBI session is:
April 28, 7:30pm w/Rabbi Ruhi Sophia & Rabbi Solomon – Series wrap up
» Join TBI Course Conversation Sessions via Zoom
(Please see previous email or go to Reconstructing Judaism’s site for details on the lecture series.)
PNW Reconstructionist Community Shabbaton
April 30 – May 1
Join (virtually) together for services, learning, yoga, meditation, and discussion with communities from Ashland to Seattle. Featuring Reconstructionist movement ethicist and Talmudist Dr. Mira Wasserman as Scholar-in-Residence, on “The Talmud of Social Justice.”
Please register below. Information and links for Shabbat services will be widely advertised, but links for the keynote and conversations will only go to those who pre-register.
What will your Jewish legacy be?
You can leave a Jewish legacy. It’s actually quite simple! By securing legacy gifts, Temple Beth Israel can be certain that we will be here for future generations.
Kol Haneshamah
Community members who do not have a printed copy of Kol Haneshamah can use these links to view or download PDF files and follow along with live-streamed services from home.
» Daily Prayerbook
» Shabbat Vehagim
» Prayers for a House of Mourning
More from TBI
Family Programming
Shalom, families! Temple Beth Israel has a variety of programming for all ages. There’s something for everyone!
Community Education Spring 2021
We have a wide variety of classes and activities to help get us into the warmer months!