Dinner with the Rabbi — Fri May 30, 6 PM
Social
May 2025 Chai Lites
Hello Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, the May 2025 Chai Lites issue is here! Thank you everyone for getting that content in so quickly. Lorraine Mixter did a lovely job with our newsletter as Editor these last many years, and consistently got us the news we needed and the updates from our friends. She is passing on the Editor duties to one of our new Board Trustees, Ethan Feldman, and with his talents it is sure to continue to be a pleasure to read.
2025MayChai LitesIn Recognition of Rabbi Herzfeld’s Service to TBS
Dear Temple Beth Shalom Congregation, by now you would have heard of the retirement of our longest-serving rabbi, Garson Herzfeld. Rabbi Herzfeld had the longest term, consecutively or not, with Temple Beth Shalom of any rabbi since our congregation formed 40 years ago. By a lot. If you ask Rabbi Herzfeld why or how he came to be with us this length of time when so many others found better opportunities or more convenience, or something else to do; when there were so many stressors (economic challenges, hurricanes, personal illnesses, miles to travel, problems to solve, family changes, Covid)…he might say because he valued our little, warm Jewish community and our relationships. We might say the same.
Rabbi Herzfeld’s last service with us will be on Friday, May 30, and we will have dinner in his honor. We hope you will join us then.
We would like to prepare a meaningful gift for Rabbi Herzfeld, with a contribution from each of you to remember us. We’ll compile a booklet of any of the stories, photos, messages, acknowledgements, anything you will share about Rabbi’s time with us. What did he teach you? What was unique about his services, Torah Study, holidays? What is a fond memory? Please collect and email as much as you can to us by Friday, May 16 so we can prepare the gift for the end of the month.
Baruch Dayan haEmet: Morton Levine
Dear Temple Beth Shalom Congregation, this morning we learned of the passing of our longtime member and friend to us all, Mr. Morton Levine. Funeral services are planned for this Wednesday, April 9 at Rolling Hills Cemetery. To extend your support to the family and for more funeral details, you can reach Morty’s daughter, Mona, at 678-683-4110.
At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.
‘We Remember Them’ by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer
April 2025 Chai Lites
Dear Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, kinoheara, the April 2025 Chai Lites issue is here! It is full of legit good things for you this month. Look inside for information and updates about our upcoming events:
- Community Passover Seder, April 13 — if you haven’t made reservations yet, there is still a little time! Also, the crew needs volunteers for setup, serving, and cleanup. Contact Lorraine Mixter at lorrainemixter@aol.com.
- Member-Led Service — Friday, April 25 at our usual Friday night member-led service time, 7:00 pm.
- Annual Meeting — Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 pm. Members be sure to attend, your support and input is needed.
- And lots of social and educational events!
Many thanks to President and Editor Lorraine Mixter for consistently bringing us this quality content all these years. Many thanks also to our contributors.
Passover Seder Volunteers Needed
Passover Seder
Looking for volunteers to assist with our
Passover Seder to make this a special event.
We need help:
Boiling eggs for the Seder Plates
Setting up the tables
Creating Seder Plates
Preparing food for serving
Serving food
Cleaning up
If you would like to be a volunteer, please let us know by contacting: lorrainemixter@aol.com
Or text or call: 863-409-8509
Community Passover Seder — Sun Apr 13, 6:00 pm
Passover Seder
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
In-person and on Zoom 6pm
Main Dish, Ritual Foods, Wine, Grape Juice, Water, Dessert
$20 for members $25 for non-members
Children 13 & under $18, & 5 years & under, Free.
Your check must be received by April 2nd
4 CUPS
4 QUESTIONS
4,000 YEARS
R.S.V.P. by April 2nd to: lorrainemixter@aol.com
Or text or call: 863-409-8509
Temple Beth Shalom
1029 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven Florida
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 313, Winter Haven Florida 33882-0313 Phone: 863-292-0722 (messages only)
Community Passover Seder — Sun Apr 13, 6:00 pm
Passover Seder
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
In-person and on Zoom (contact for link) at 6pm
Main Dish, Ritual Foods, Wine, Grape Juice, Water, Dessert
$20 for members $25 for non-members
Children 13 & under $18, & 5 years & under, Free.
Your check must be received by April 2nd
4 CUPS
4 QUESTIONS
4,000 YEARS
R.S.V.P. by April 2nd to: lorrainemixter@aol.com
Or text or call: 863-409-8509
Temple Beth Shalom
1029 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven Florida
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 313, Winter Haven Florida 33882-0313 Phone: 863-292-0722 (messages only)
Dinner with the Rabbi — Fri Mar 14, 5:30 pm
Dinner with the Rabbi
Enjoy a meal with Rabbi Herzfeld, take the opportunity to chat with the Host and the Rabbi
March 14th at 5:30 pm
Host: Lorraine Mixter
Thai Haven
309 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880
R.S.V.P. by March 12th to: lorrainemixter@aol.com
Or text or call: 863-409-8509
Lorraine and the Rabbi look forward to dining with you.
June 2025 Chai Lites
June 3, 2025 by urjtbs • Community, Social
Dear Temple Beth Shalom Members and Friends, join us in thanking Ethan Feldman for preparing this significant issue of the Chai Lites, and his first one as our new Editor. He did a great job in organizing and sharing our memories of Rabbi Herzfeld upon his retirement. He also had to make edits upon our receiving the news we never wanted, the unfortunate and sudden passing of our president and friend, Joseph Rodriguez. Please see Joseph’s last column.
2025JuneChaiLites