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Hello Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, please enjoy the attached, new issue of the Chai Lites, just in time for February 2024.  We appreciate the efforts of our columnists and contributors, and especially our President and Editor, Lorraine Mixter.  Look for links for this Shabbat’s activities, coming soon!

Speaker: Professor Emeritus Howard Kerner

Subject:  HEROES OF THE HOLOCAUST: WHY DON’T WE KNOW THE NAMES OF THE GOOD?

Date:  Saturday, January 27, 2024,10 – 11:30 am,

Legacy Christian Church, Classrooms 7 & 8,

901 West Beacon Road, Lakeland, FL

During the Holocaust, a time when doing good was illegal and punishable by death, there were still men and women of all ages, countries, religions and political affiliations who listened to a “higher law” than the law of the land and chose goodness by risking their lives to rescue persecuted people. These mostly unknown “lawbreakers” displayed extraordinary courage and creativity to save mostly total strangers from certain death.  In this uplifting presentation, we will learn not only about inspiring human goodness in the past but also some vital life lessons for the present and future.

Howard Kerner, Professor Emeritus of English and Speech at Polk State College, has published numerous articles on literature and drama. In recent years, his research has focused on Rescuers of the Holocaust, the subject of a variety of courses he has taught for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USF and at Eckerd College.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Polk County Archaeology Club leaders Richard Geringswald (863-859-2984) and Kathleen Riley (863-299-8430) invite all interested adults to attend.

Good evening Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, in a week of endings and beginnings we have a new issue of the Chai Lites for you, for January 2024.  Many thanks to our columnists and regular content contributors, especially to our Editor and President, Lorraine Mixter.  It was a busy time of holidays and transitions.

Dear Temple Beth Shalom Congregation, we received the sad news this morning that our friend Philip Grinker passed last night.  Our hearts are with Sandi, Rick, Debbie, and their extended family as they prepare to lay Phil to rest.  As many of you know, Phil had a long illness and he expressed gratitude daily for the time he had to continue serving his synagogue and the community.  Phil was a mensch, warm and kind, a model of what it is to do tikkun olam; and we are grateful for the time he gave to us as well.

Hello Temple Beth Shalom Congregation, see again this opportunity to view an exhibit of the art of Samuel Bak on Sunday, December 10 at 1:00 pm (CORRECTION: not 3 pm as shown in the Chai Lites)

Hello Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, the December 2023 Chai Lites are here for your reading pleasure and edification!  Many thanks to our monthly columnists and our other faithful content contributors, especially to our President and Editor, Lorraine Mixter.

Ride Share

Can’t drive at night?

You can still attend services or 

help someone who cannot drive.

What is Ride Sharing?

It is an arrangement in which drivers

who wish to offer rides and passengers 

who wish to obtain rides contact a 

central person who coordinates the 

sharing of individual automobile trips to 

religious services for the passengers.

Bert Devorsetz has agreed to coordinate this

 program.

Please RSVP to Bert if you are interested in participating:

727-914-8329 Home or Cell 863 397 6967

bertdevorsetz@gmail.com

Hello Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, our President and Editor, Lorraine Mixter, and her many columnists and contributors worked hard on your November issue of the Chai Lites.  See inside all of the activities in development and the ways you can get involved in your synagogue and in your Jewish community.