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Remembering Loved Ones
Remembering Loved Ones
Honoring the yahrzeit of a loved one is a long-standing and wonderful Jewish tradition. The yahrzeit is the annual date in the Jewish calendar on which a close relative passed away. Traditionally, we observe these dates for parents, spouses, siblings, and children, although a yahrzeit may also be observed for any close relative or friend that one feels especially close to. The traditional manner of observing yahrzeit involves several rituals: saying the Mourners’ Kaddish during each of the three services (Ma'ariv – evening, Shacharit – morning, and Mincha – afternoon) on the day of yahrzeit, lighting a yahrzeit (twenty-four) candle in one's home the evening that the yahrzeit begins, making a donation to a charity in memory of the deceased, having an aliyah close to the date of a yahrzeit, and in some traditions fasting on the yahrzeit for a parent who passed away.
At Beth El Temple, we honor our members' yahrzeits in several ways:
- We send a yahrzeit reminder notification to all our members. If one wishes to have someone listed for yahrzeit notification, please contact Rabbi Sowalsky at hsowalsky@bethelwh.org and he will take care of that.
- We will say the "kel malay rachamim" prayer on behalf of your loved one during the week when we read Torah (generally Saturday afternoon, Monday & Thursday mornings) if you request to have that done. A form for such is sent along with every yahrzeit letter reminder. Additionally, you may wish to donate to Beth El Temple in memory of your loved one. The form for the "kel malay rachamim" prayer may also be found by clicking here.
- We list in our weekly flyer all the names of the yahrzeits of our members. The list is on the back page of our flyer and starts with Shabbat and ends the following Friday. if you wish, you can also come on a Friday night around the date of your loved one's yahrzeit and have their name read at services and also say Kaddish. If you wish to do that, please contact Rabbi Sowalsky at hsowalsky@bethelwh.org.
- For those who wish, one may purchase (for $600, effective July 1, 2022) a yahrzeit plaque. This metallic plaque is a permanent remembrance of your loved one at Beth El Temple. All the yahrzeit plaques (we have over 1000) are in our beautiful chapel, and each week, the plaques corresponding to the yahrzeits for that week (Shabbat to Friday) are hung on a special board in the chapel. If you wish to purchase a plaque for a loved one who has passed, please click here.
- Lastly, in our Sanctuary Lobby, we have a beautiful "Tree of Life" for which one can buy a leaf (for $500, effective July 1, 2022) and memorialize your loved one. If you are interested in such, please click here.
Thu, December 7 2023
24 Kislev 5784
Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 9 , 2023Light Up the Night: A Chanukah Campfire Havdallah
Motzei Shabbat, Dec 9th 5:30p to 8:00p
Beth El hosts a community Chanukah Campfire Havdallah! Join us for candle-lighting, a sing-a-long around the campfire, Chanukah treats, and more! Enjoy crafts and Chanukah fun with your Beth El family! Click in to register. -
Monday ,
DecDecember 11 , 2023Women's Network Chanukah Celebration
Monday, Dec 11th 6:00p to 8:00p
A celebration of Chanukah for the members of Beth El Temple's Women's Network. We will play games and eat latkes and other Chanukah treats. Guests may bring in cherished menorahs to show and share stories about, or may share stories about any special family traditions they may have that add to the joy and meaningfulness of this holiday. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 13 , 2023Hearing Men's Voices - "The War in Gaza and its Impact on You"
Wednesday, Dec 13th 6:00p to 8:00p
Men's Club invites Beth El men to join together for a deli dinner, followed by a lively discussion about the impact of the war in Gaza on each of us. Hearing Men’s Voices (HMV) is a unique program that engages Jewish men in Jewish life, enabling deeper connections and better relationships among our members. Trained leaders facilitate HMV sessions encouraging men to talk and engage in rich and meaningful dialogues about common issues using materials developed by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC), themselves, and other clubs and leaders. Our discussion will center on the topic "The War in Gaza and Its Impact on You." We’ll share stories, get some advice, and primarily enjoy the fellowship of one another. So come to talk or listen or both, to eat, schmooze, and learn something. Click in for details on how to RSVP (required by Thursday, December 7). -
Friday ,
DecDecember 15 , 2023Congregational Dinner Welcoming Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Friday, Dec 15th 7:00p to 9:00p
Please join us for a Shabbat of Light! We'll formally welcome Rabbi Rachel Zerin with a special Kabbalat Shabbat followed by congregational dinner with Rabbi Zerin's favorite -- Chinese food! Click in to register. -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 19 , 2023Just for Teens: Let's Talk About Israel
Tuesday, Dec 19th 6:30p to 8:00p
A chance for 8th-12th graders to share what’s on their minds about Israel, ask questions, and share experiences of what it's like to be Jewish in America since October 7th. Facilitated by Rabbi Zerin and Dr. Eliyahu.