Temple Beth Or Everett

09/07/2026

What is antisemitism?
Antisemitism = Prejudice and hate against Jews, because they are Jews.

What is antisemitism?

Antisemitsm = Prejudice and hate against Jews, because they are Jews.

How to recognise it? And what can you do to counter it?

Antisemitism has a long and complex history. It has been around for centuries, taking many forms. For example, Jews have been blamed as scapegoats, portrayed in conspiracy theories about economic or political power and falsely described as ‘inferior race’.

Anne Frank wrote in her diary in 1944: ‘What one Jew does reflects on all Jews.’

Antisemitism is not something from the past. Social media, international conflicts and increasingly polarised public debate, have given antisemitism new ways to spread while reinforcing age-old myths.

No one should be held personally responsible for the actions of others – not for the actions of fellow citizens, fellow believers, or for the policies of a government.

Antisemitism spreads quickly on social media. Sometimes it’s easy to recognise, but often it’s disguised in the form of memes, opinions or ‘jokes’.

How to spot it? Does it:
Blame all Jews for a problem or crisis?
Portray Jews as powerful or controlling?
Show stereotypical images of Jews or dehumanising language?
Deny or trivialise the Holocaust?

What can you do?

Respond:
A question or calm comment can be enough to make someone think again and to prevent normalisation.

Learn:
Learn how exclusion and stigmatisation work. Be critical of how Jews are portrayed online, in the media and in political debate. Knowledge helps to maintain clarity and nuance.

Support:
Support initiatives that are committed to combat hatred, discrimination and polarisation.
..and help to establish a society where there is no space for antisemitism.

The long history of antisemitism and the many forms it has taken over time are too complex to cover in a single social media post. Do you want to learn more? The book Antisemitism: Myths, Masks & Misconceptions explores the history of antisemitism and its current dynamics. You can order the book on the website of the Anne Frank House.

09/07/2026

High Holy Days food drive

Once again, Temple Beth Or is helping our local Volunteers of America food bank with our food drive. Checks or bags of non-perishable food, hygiene items or baby items (diapers/wipes/
formula) can be donated prior to the Erev Yom Kippur or Yom Kippur morning service. Volunteers will be in the alley behind the TBO parking lot to collect donations. Note: we will not be accepting donations at our offsite Rosh HaShanah location.

Checks made payable to the VOAWW (Volunteers of America
Western Washington) food bank are appreciated. Please help make our fast a feast for those whose daily fast is neither symbolic nor voluntary.

09/07/2026

Please note that non-member registration is required for attendance. http://templebethor.org/hhd

Finding belonging in the brokenness:
High Holy Days and heart of a stranger

The Torah commands us 36 times to “know the heart of the stranger.” It is one of our tradition’s most repeated imperatives, reminding us that empathy is built on memory. Yet, during the High Holy Days, as we are together, many of us navigate different sides of identity and belonging. For some, there is a secret fear of being an outsider: Do I know enough Hebrew? Do I fit in? Am I “Jewish enough?” For those who grew up deeply rooted in Jewish
life, the reflection may take a different shape: How can I open the tent wider for others without losing the tradition I love?

This upcoming Yom Kippur afternoon, our TBO community will gather for a meaningful conversation centered on these exact
questions as we explore Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s powerful book, Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging.

I find Rabbi Buchdahl’s journey compelling for the High Holy Days. As the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi and cantor, her story confronts complex intersections of race, lineage, and covenantal commitment. But at its core, her memoir is not just about her unique journey - it is a mirror held up to the modern Jewish experience.

In Chapter 12, titled “Don’t Call It Conversion,” Rabbi Buchdahl recounts hitting “rock bottom” while studying in Israel, feeling alienated and questioned. It was only through encountering the theological teaching of shevarim - the broken, stuttering sound of the shofar - that she reframed her relationship with faith. Yom Kippur reminds us that none of us are whole without acknowledging our cracks. The holiness of this season does not come from perfect compliance or flawless knowledge; it comes from bringing our authentic, vulnerable selves before the Divine and one another.

Our Yom Kippur afternoon program promises to be a deeply moving highlight of our holiday experience. We will open our session with TBO member Rabbi David Fine, who will share his firsthand perspective from serving on the beit din (rabbinical court) that affirmed Rabbi Buchdahl’s Jewish identity. Following his reflection, we will facilitate an open, interactive group conversation where every voice and perspective is welcome.

Whether you read the entire memoir or focus solely on Chapter 12, we invite you to be part of this dialogue. To help you prepare, a PDF of Chapter 12 along with a thoughtful discussion guide are available on our TBO website here:
https://templebethor.org/high-holy-days/supplemental/ For another engaging way to enter this material, we highly
recommend the audiobook edition, which features Rabbi Buchdahl herself singing a song for each chapter. You can watch this at tinyurl.com/TBOBuchdahl or at the link on the above website.

As you prepare your heart for the Days of Awe, I invite you to consider this central question from our discussion guide:
Rabbi Buchdahl writes that “Feeling like the stranger might be the most Jewish thing about me.” Where in your own life or Jewish journey have you felt like an outsider - and how can our community better embrace both our brokenness and our diverse stories of belonging?

Join us on Yom Kippur afternoon for this vital discussion. Together, let us learn how our individual shards fit into the magnificent mosaic of our TBO family.

L’Shanah tovah,
Rabbi Rachel Kort (she/her)

In conversation with Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostei...

09/07/2026

**Today is the final day for non-member registration. **

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown this Friday, September 11th. If you are not a member and wish to attend High Holy Days services, please be sure to register at www.templebethor.org/hhd by September 7th.

We are happy to announce that our remodeled building is now accessible.

Members: Sign-up for RH lunch, youth programming, and more Also donations, service honors, bookplates, and more. Guest Registration Not a TBO member? Please complete the registration form to join us this year! High Holy Days greetings Volunteer Sign-Up (members only) High Holy Days schedule Online S...

09/07/2026

In honor of Sukkot and the great work done by Housing Hope, here is a children’s booklist about shelter. All books are appropriate for any reader. Click on the provided links for the online audiobooks.

A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story by Erin Gunti - A mom helps her daughter put a positive spin on their first night in a homeless shelter. The simple story is followed by basic explanations about why families might need to stay at a shelter, and the services shelters can provide. https://youtu.be/nLBkS0T6PII?si=MiG6xy141T3YZM76

Home by Tonya Lippert - A story written by an author who experienced homelessness as a child shines light on the feelings and uncertainties associated with not having your own housing. The short story is followed by a note from the author which describes her personal history and information about being unhoused. https://youtu.be/JG2G5ijUBpY?si=yuBxVXQv3vNNaUSS

Old Blue is My Home by Lita Judge - A girl and her family live in their old blue camper. The girl loves her home and also feels uncomfortably different because of her housing, especially at school. A note from the author reveals that the story reflects the author’s own lived experience. https://youtu.be/KewltH-CopU

I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely - A family living in their car in a park appreciate nature while also experiencing the lack of things that most of us take for granted. Click here to listen to the author explain how she came to write this story: https://tinyurl.com/Hippely.

“From the comfort of our own homes it’s hard to understand the complexities of something like poverty and homelessness,” says Dr. Terence Lester, a storyteller, minister and founder of Love Beyond Walls, an organization dedicated to helping people. Understanding a situation can be a way forward since understanding leads to empathy which leads to action.

For more recommendations for readers at all levels, visit Teaching for Change’s curated list of books about gentrification and housing at https://www.socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/gentrification
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The Temple Beth Or Tzedakah Box recipient for July-September is Housing Hope. The mission of Housing Hope is to promote and provide affordable housing and services to reduce homelessness and poverty for residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island. You can donate to Housing Hope through the physical Tzedakah Box at Temple Beth Or, through the TBO website www.templebethor.org/donate, or directly to the organization at www.housinghope.org.

Critically reviewed selection of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators.

08/30/2026

Thank you, Dolly Parton!
May your memory always be a blessing.

Did you know that Dolly Parton’s legacy includes the Jewish children’s book program she inspired, PJ Library? 📚

Dolly Parton has been mourned around the world as an prolific songwriter, consummate country hitmaker, savvy entrepreneur and generous philanthropist.

In Jewish circles, she is also remembered as the inspiration for PJ Library, a program that sends free children’s books to Jewish families in order to foster Jewish values and traditions.

The Forward has shared more in a wonderful article -- link in the first comment below. ⬇️

08/19/2026

Each calendar quarter Temple Beth Or identifies a local non-profit organization and encourages our followers to make a donation if they are able. For July-September, the recipient of our Tzedakah Box is Housing Hope.

Housing Hope works to promote and provide affordable housing and tailored support services that reduce homelessness and poverty for residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island. The organization currently owns and operates 652 affordable rental units across 24 locations in Snohomish County and has helped 328 households achieve homeownership through its sweat‑equity Team Home Building program. In addition to housing, Housing Hope offers a range of support services designed to help families move toward long-term self-sufficiency.

You can donate to Housing Hope through the physical Tzedakah Box at Temple Beth Or, through the TBO website at Templebethor.org/donate or directly at https://www.housinghope.org/donate

Learning: The primary Jewish word for giving is "tzedakah."

Housing Hope uses Givelively to process online donations. Donors may leave an optional % tip to Givelively during the checkout process, but please note this is not required. Any tips given will go directly to Givelively.

08/05/2026

Here is a great resource for anyone wanting to study Torah. MyJewishLearning.com

In this Torah portion, Moses tells the Israelites that if they worship idols, they will be punished. Moses explains the ...

08/05/2026

Registration is now open for the High Holy Days. Our theme this year is “a celebration of tradition and innovation” and we welcome non-members to join us at Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services as well as family and youth programming throughout the holiday season. Pre-registration is required. Please check our website for more information: templebethor.org/hhd

Members: Sign-up for RH lunch, youth programming, and more Also donations, service honors, bookplates, and more. Guest Registration Not a TBO member? Please complete the registration form to join us this year! High Holy Days greetings Volunteer Sign-Up (members only) High Holy Days schedule Online S...

07/31/2026