Temple Beth Shalom, Austin

05/04/2026

With antisemitism—and hate of all kinds—on the rise, knowing what to say (and how to say it) matters more than ever.
Join this powerful seminar by the ADL - Anti-Defamation League (Austin) to learn skills and strategic story-telling methods using effective approaches and principles.

May 13 at 6:30pm at TBS: https://www.bethshalomaustin.org/event/lead-change-ADL

04/24/2026

We will gather for our Friday night Shabbat service at 7:00pm. We regret our live stream is not working tonight. We will be together online via Zoom for Torah study and will recite Kaddish together if you are observing a yartzeit. Shabbat Shalom!

04/01/2026

Hi Temple Beth Community! I wanted to reach out as we have one more family looking for a Seder Match. One adult with three kids. If you have an opening at your seder, please contact [email protected]. Thank you, and Chag Sameach!

02/11/2026

Tot Shabbat for our youngest community members is coming up this Friday! Geared for families with children ages 0-5 (and grandparents), our Tot Shabbat is a lively and engaging experience which takes place in the Temple Beth Shalom sanctuary. Let's sing, pray, and connect together! No RSVP needed for members; non-member guests may RSVP at this link:

https://www.bethshalomaustin.org/jewish-spark

01/21/2026

We are closely monitoring the weather this weekend!

12/17/2025

Hanukkah, Identity, and the Quiet Power of Ritual

In this powerful Hanukkah sermon, Rabbi Eleanor Steinman reflects on ancient history, modern Jewish identity, and the enduring power of Jewish ritual as both defiance and tenderness.

Beginning with recent archaeological discoveries near Jerusalem that echo the battles of Judah Maccabee, Rabbi Steinman weaves together the Hasmonean Revolt, contemporary Jewish life, and the teachings of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan’s Judaism as a Civilization.

As Jew hatred rises, she reminds us that Judaism has survived because it has never been just one thing — not only belief, but culture, peoplehood, language, memory, and light.

🕯️ The menorah, she teaches, is not about triumph —
It is about identity, continuity, and bringing light under pressure.

✨ Watch the full sermon here:
👉 https://youtu.be/6gRWGpUC0a4

📅 December 12, 2025
🕍 Temple Beth Shalom
🎙️ Rabbi Eleanor Steinman

Please like, comment, and share to help spread Jewish learning and light.

12/11/2025

What unfinished conversations or unresolved struggles do we carry with us?

In this week’s powerful sermon, “Wrestling With the Past,” Rabbi Will Hall explores Jacob’s mysterious night-long struggle in Parashat Vayishlach—and what it teaches us about courage, honesty, and transformation.

As we come out of Thanksgiving and into Shabbat, Rabbi Hall reminds us that the truths we avoid do not disappear… they wait for us.

✨ What does it mean to face what we fear?
✨ How do we repair relationships that feel too heavy or too old to revisit?
✨ And how do we emerge from struggle more whole?

Watch the full sermon here:
👉 https://youtu.be/AhlSwGq90ak

Shabbat shalom.

12/01/2025

Shabbat shalom and Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
Rabbi Eleanor Steinman shares a beautiful message about gratitude, the Amidah, and the spiritual power of silence. It’s the perfect reflection for this season of thanks.

🟦 Watch the sermon: https://youtu.be/5ly--TSkIfk

11/30/2025

✨ “The hardest word is often ‘I’m sorry.’”

In her moving Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Eleanor Steinman shares the whimsical and wise story of The Ziz, a giant bird who learns about imperfection, apology, and forgiveness.

This heartwarming message reminds us that Yom Kippur is about more than reflection — it’s about courage, humility, and connection.

📺 Watch the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/rRKZA9SBLBs

💬 Then, visit our new blog — https://www.bethshalomaustin.org/did-jew-know — where you can ask your own Jewish questions and explore answers rooted in our tradition.

Join Rabbi Eleanor Steinman in this inspiring Yom Kippur sermon as she shares the magical story of the Ziz, a giant, playful bird who learns an important les...

11/26/2025

🍁 This season of harvest and gratitude reminds us what truly matters — community, connection, and joy.

In her beautiful Sukkot sermon, Rabbi Eleanor Steinman shares the story of Rabbi Pinhas, a rabbi who learns that the true meaning of his work isn’t in the books he writes, but in the people he uplifts and the community he helps grow.

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, may we remember that joy is found in shared moments, open hearts, and the bonds that connect us. 💛

🎥 Watch the full sermon: https://youtu.be/g13-zpapcd4