Temple Beth Tefilloh

01/14/2026

We are deeply saddened by the news of the arson attack on Temple Beth Shalom in Jackson, Mississippi. Just a month ago, we gathered to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah and the enduring hope carried by the light of the menorah. Today, we find ourselves confronted once again by the darkness of antisemitism.

But we refuse to let hatred dim our light. As a Jewish community, we stand united—resolute in our faith, our identity, and our commitment to one another. Acts of violence and intimidation have no place here.

We also extend our heartfelt support to the Jackson community. No congregation should ever face such fear or loss, and we stand with them as they begin the difficult work of healing and rebuilding. May they feel the strength of the broader Jewish community holding them close, and may their sanctuary soon be restored as a place of peace, prayer, and hope.

Together, we will continue to shine our light into the world and affirm that love, courage, and solidarity are stronger than fear.

If you would like to donate to help rebuild Temple Beth Israel, please click the link below.

All are welcome here.At Beth Israel, belonging goes beyond being welcomed—it means being embraced. We come together in worship, in study, and in celebration, supporting one another as we live out Jewish tradition in today’s world. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll find a place here. Our...

01/09/2026

Shabbat Shalom! This is an excellent dvar about antisemitism.

Is the bigot evil or merely misguided? Throughout history, Jews have wrestled with this fundamental question. Are antisemites driven by irrational ignorance, or cunning hatred?

01/01/2026

Happy New Year, part 2.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1NGS9UWBKL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/24/2025

In the spirit of spreading the light of Hanukkah and this holiday season, TBT congregant Nancy Golderman turns her love of sewing into a gift for Ukrainian children.

In a providential twist, a St. Simons Island resident is sharing a little Christmas magic with orphans in Ukraine.

12/22/2025

We had a wonderful Hanukkah celebration at TBT. Thanks to Alisa Haber for putting it all together, Susan and Holle for decorating, and everyone who brought delicious food (especially the gelt cookies).
We lit up the shortest day of the year with the brightest night of Hanukkah.

12/20/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17cRvZfKeC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

"Chag Habanot is usually celebrated on the seventh day of Hanukkah (tomorrow!), the first day of the Hebrew month of Tevet. It is customary for women to sing, dance, and light the night’s menorah candles in honor of women, a tradition that my family cherishes as well. The festival focuses on bringing generations of Jewish women—grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, and sisters—together to celebrate."

—Sapir Taib on celebrating the Heroism of MENA Jewish Women on Chag Habanot.

📷 Hanukkah lamp depicting Judith holding a sword in one hand and the severed head of Holofernes in the other (ca. 19th century). Photo credit: The Jewish Museum, New York / Art Resource, NY.

11/22/2025

https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-daily/jewish-book-month-100-a-book-for-every-decade?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOOqVlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeXLLahiI6ayGUhaUZEnDcz3zSWEM-OAKeG7_f1QhpALfz3Sl6fuetVaoZdzU_aem_Hxxf71jfu8eE7DXs07HAFg

November 13th of this year will mark the 100th celebration of Jewish Book Month!

09/20/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CyUTJbjqX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we're thinking about Betty Robbins—the first female cantor to lead Rosh Hashanah services in 1955.

Her appointment as cantor marked the first time that a woman performed the traditional role of cantor in a synagogue anywhere in the world. It generated a tremendous amount of publicity, even making the front page of the New York Times.

📷 The New York Times, 1955.

08/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17FkxTpgFw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Tu B’Av began as an ancient day of matchmaking; women would dress in white and dance in the vineyards, while men chose brides from among them. Today, it’s sometimes called the “Jewish Valentine’s Day,” but it holds radical potential beyond romance.

From a feminist lens, Tu B’Av invites us to reclaim love not as something we wait to be chosen for, but something we define for ourselves. It’s a celebration of joy, mutuality, and the power of gathering together in community - whether for partnership, friendship, or collective healing.

The holiday begins tonight! https://buff.ly/2xFZRzv

📷 The Yad Yitzhak Ben Zvi Archive, part of the National Library of Israel Digital Collection.

06/30/2025

Please note the change in time for Rabbi Saul Rubin's burial at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah tomorrow. The burial will take place at 2:30 p.m., not 1:00 p.m. as previously mentioned.

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06/29/2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Rabbi Saul J. Rubin of St. Simons Island, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Tefilloh of Brunswick, Georgia, and of Congregation Mikveh Israel of Savannah, Georgia, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the age of 95.

He is predeceased by his wife, Elsie Rubin; his son, Lance Rubin; and his daughter, Stephanie Rubin.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Tefilloh, located at 1326 Egmont Street, Brunswick, GA, 31525, on Tuesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, located at 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA, 31404, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Police security will be provided.

Donations: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Beth Tefilloh at https://bethtefilloh.org at or Congregation Mickve Israel at https://www.mikvehisrael.org/donate .