Temple Avodah - Oceanside, NY

06/05/2026

Shabbat Shalom y’all. Shabbat is here.

May we all be united as one family, brothers and sisters together. In Beha’alotecha, God tells Aaron to light the Menorah, bringing light to the people. The portion teaches us about faith, humility, and responsibility. Moses leads the people through challenges with patience and trust in God. May this Shabbat inspire us to bring light, kindness, and understanding to others and strengthen our unity and friendship.🌹🙏🕎✡️🇮🇱🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🌹🎼🎻https://youtu.be/56jJejNdLvs?si=tkmfFpgjWhTH5Omc

06/01/2026

As a rabbi, a Jew, and a Reform Jew, I believe Pride Month must be honored because Judaism teaches that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim , in the image of God. My faith calls me not only to pray, but to protect human dignity, especially for those who have known rejection, fear, or silence. Supporting LGBTQ people is not a political gesture for me; it is a moral and spiritual responsibility rooted in compassion, justice, and love. A healthy Jewish community must be a place where people can live truthfully and without shame. Pride Month reminds us that acceptance can heal lives and strengthen society. As Hillel taught, “What is hateful to you, do not do to another” (Shabbat 31a). Philosopher Martin Buber wrote, “All real living is meeting.” 🌹💐✡️🕎🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸🇮🇱❤️ https://youtu.be/3pmt-wWzC1E?si=AUp5PE2Tmoesu81r

05/29/2026

Shabbat Shalom. This Shabbat, Jewish communities read different Torah portions: Parashat Naso in the Diaspora and Parashat Beha’alotcha in Israel. The difference exists because Jewish holidays are celebrated for one extra day outside Israel, which sometimes changes the weekly Torah reading cycle after a festival falls on Shabbat. Even with different readings, we are united in prayer, hope, and faith. Shabbat is a special time for rest, gratitude, family, and spiritual renewal. We pray for peace, blessing, healing, and growth, and wish everyone a calm, meaningful, and joyful Shabbat.Shabbat Shalom 🌹💐🇮🇱🇺🇸✡️🕎🎻🎼🕯️🕯️ https://youtu.be/e5ntdAL_1qg?si=4ua6-0fdDLdOW0AN

05/25/2026

Today we remember the brave souls who gave everything for freedom, and whose courage lives in every heartbeat of this nation. As Jewish Americans, we honor both memory and hope, pain and strength, standing together with gratitude, faith, and pride. May their sacrifice never be forgotten, and may their light continue to guide future generations toward peace, unity, and love.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🕯️🕯️🕯️🙏https://youtu.be/NSqVkuTegxY

05/21/2026

Happy Shavuot, the celebration of the giving of the Torah. May this sacred holiday fill our hearts with wisdom, kindness, and faith, and remind us that the light of the Torah is meant to guide not only the Jewish people, but all humanity toward compassion, justice, peace, and mutual respect. May we continue to learn from its timeless values and bring more goodness, understanding, and hope into the world. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).🕎✡️🌹💐🌾🌾🌾🇮🇱🇺🇸🎻🎶https://youtu.be/Jo-MEQonT6U?si=zps7YRSex8VQLEQ1

05/15/2026

Shabbat Shalom y’all!
A Shabbat of rest, togetherness, and listening.
This week we begin the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar), where the people of Israel are counted and organized before their journey through the desert. Parashat Bamidbar reminds us that every person has a place, a role, and unique value within the community. Just as the tribes camped around the Mishkan with purpose and order, we too are called to create balance, unity, and meaning in our lives as we move forward together.🕎✡️💐🌹🇺🇸🇮🇱🙏🎼🎻😍https://youtu.be/SXe1Q0vhDWU?si=cpdM91E7sZX1ECX1

05/08/2026

Shabbat Shalom. A Shabbat filled with joy through faith, peace in the heart, and true rest for body and soul. A time to pause from the rush of the week, reconnect with what matters most, and share meaningful moments with family and friends. May Parashat Behar-Bechukotai inspire gratitude, blessing, unity, kindness, and renewed spiritual strength for the days ahead.✡️🕎🙏🇮🇱🇺🇸🌹🎻🎼https://youtu.be/xqscakIaOm4?si=KMfT6KQ_5CKr7_iU

05/04/2026

05/01/2026

Shabbat Shalom and blessings to y’all .May this beautiful Shabbat bring light, joy, and peace into our homes and hearts. In Parashat Emor, we are reminded to honor sacred moments, live with kindness, and keep strong values in our daily lives. Shabbat is a special time to pause, connect with family, and feel gratitude for all we have. Wishing everyone a restful Shabbat filled with love, harmony, good thoughts, and endless blessings. 🕎✡️🌹💐🙏🇺🇸🇮🇱🕯️🕯️🎻🎼https://youtu.be/fskT-EVoxFI?si=acr0TF9I90UMac7h

04/27/2026

Mitzvah Day 2026 Temple Avodah, Oceanside, NY . This is not just a paper chain, its our Congregation supporting a student’s attempt to combat Holocaust denialism and promote understanding for the next generation. Thanks to everyone who participated!✡️🕎🇺🇸🇮🇱🙏🌹was written by Betsy 👏🙏