Please note two additions to the weekly-- 1) In "This Week at TBH" see an upcoming bris invitation. 2) In "Community Events/Resources" see the DRC Peacemaker Award Information
January 14, 2026 | 25 Tevet 5786
SHABBAT SHALOM!
Erev Shabbat Friday, January 16 Erev Shabbat, 6:30 pm In Person Join us to light candles and celebrate in community!
Morning Service and Bat Mitzvah, 10:00 am Hybrid This Saturday's Shabbat morning service will include the Bat Mitzvah of Laura Gallin. Read more below. Mussar is rescheduled this month to the 4th Saturday, January 24th.
Bat Mitzvah: Laura Gallin Saturday, January 17, 10:00 am Hybrid
Please join us as Laura Gallin, daughter of Will Gallin and Pam Moeller, is called as a bat mitzvah. Laura is a 7th grader at Reeves Middle School. She enjoys playing softball and volleyball, enjoys reading and crafting, and has played cello for four years in her school orchestra. For her community project she is volunteering at the Thurston County Food Bank with her dad.
Modern Mystics Book Discussion Group Sunday gatherings at 1:00 pm starting January 18 In Person
Contemporary authors have brought a new understanding of Jewish mysticism to modern readers.This group will begin by reading Seek My Face; A Jewish Mystical Theology, by Rabbi Arthur Green. We will meet on January 18, February 8 and 22, and March 8 and 22 from 1:00-2:15. (This is during the first session time slot of the winter quarter Darchai Noam children’s program.)
This book explores the possibilities of an inner connection to Divine Oneness, prayer, and Torah. In the introduction Rabbi Green says,
Cautiously, hesitantly, I begin to make the words of tradition once again my own. I hesitate because I know that its story is not quite my story, that it will try to take me along on its journey as I seek to appropriate it in order to express mine. Ultimately…I will enter into its language, celebrate the weekly re-creation of the world, the liberation from bondage in Egypt…I will do so not as a literal “believer,” but rather as one who recognizes that all these “events” are themselves metaphors for a truth whose depth reaches far beyond them.
This book is not available at Timberland Regional Library, but you can find inexpensive new and used copies online. Note: We will be using the 2003 edition. If you are unable to purchase a copy, or if you have any questions, please contact Nancy Snyder at nancy_snyder@comcast.net.
Family Dynamics in Jewish Tradition Registration Sunday Classes at 2:40 pm starting January 18 In Person
The Torah teaches “Honor your mother and father,” but what does that really mean? What does Jewish tradition teach about the obligations of parents to children and children to parents, and how does this change over time? What about sibling relationships? In this class we will explore family dynamics as they are expressed through classic Jewish texts and values.
We will meet on January 18, February 8 and 22, and March 8 and 22 from 2:40-4:00. (This is during the second session time slot of the winter quarter Darchei Noam children’s program.)
Bris: Boaz Uzzielli Monday, January 19, 5:00 pm In Person The TBH congregation is warmly invited to join Theo and Ria Uzzielli for the bris of their son Boaz, born Born Jan 13, 2026 at 5:25am (24 of Tevet, 5786], a 9 pounds, 2 ounces, 20 inches long. There will be light nosh to follow in the TBH social hall.
Book Group Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 pm In Person
Stockholm: A Novel by Noa Yedlin. An ingeniously plotted dark comedy about aging and friendship following a tight-knit circle of seniors as they attempt to hide the death of one of their best friends so he can win the Nobel Prize for Economics. Contact Linda Rubin at linda.rubin23@gmail.com with questions. Please don't be shy, come join us! See the full list of books for the year.
Lunch and Learn: Cancelled for Wednesday January 21st Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm Online
There will be no Lunch and Learn next week. We will resume on January 28th.
COMING UP AT TBH
Shabbat Salon: Sheriff Sanders Friday, January 23, 6:30 pm In Person
Registration for the dinner is due by Wednesday January 21st. For our January Salon, we welcome Sheriff Derek Sanders. Our salon includes a dinner at 6:30 pm catered by Nineveh! We will gather in the social hall to say Shabbat prayers as a community and enjoy dinner together. Our featured presenter will follow at approximately 7:30 pm. Register for the dinner>>
Board Meeting Wednesday, January 21, 6:00 pm Online
All TBH Members are welcome to join the monthly board meeting as guests.
Mussar Torah Study: Date Change for January Saturday, January 24, 10:00 am Online
Mussar Torah Study moves to the 4th Saturday this month only. Please join us for Mussar Torah Study on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The Parashat for our study will be Bo/ Exodus 10:1-13:16. The middah or soul trait for this parashat is Kavod-Honor; Making an Effort.
“Who is honorable? One who honors others.” Be a part of a lively discussion. Our study is from 10 AM to 11:30 AM on Zoom. We are looking forward to being with you. - Michele & Richard Jackman
Tu BiShvat at Camp Solomon Schechter Sunday, February 1, 2:00 - 7:00 pm In Person
Registration is due by January 20th. Join us at Camp Solomon Schechter for an afternoon of fun and learning as we celebrate the birthday of the trees. We'll wind down our day with a cozy meal before we head home.
Schedule (subject to change): 2 - 2:30 pm Storytelling 2:30 - 4 pm Glass Fusing OR Tot Tu BiShvat 4 - 5:30 pm Kumsitz Sing-a-long (see more below) OR Art 5:30 pm Dinner
Time to release your inner Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson (or Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, as the case may be.) Our March Munch and Mystery Fundraiser (Sunday March 8th) includes an original mystery, and we need cast members! Calling four young humans (two of whom should be 10 to 12); and up to four adult humans.
Contact Barnett Kalikow bnklwyr@gmail.com or 360-250-2595 for more information if you are interested; and if you are not interested, leave the poor guy alone.
Neighborhood Shabbat Hosts Needed! Monthly on the 3rd Friday evening, April - June In Person @ Home
While Rabbi Seth is on sabbatical April-July, we are looking to create neighborhood gatherings for Erev Shabbat once a month on the 3rd Friday. We are taking the opportunity while he is away to have Shabbat in members' homes, celebrate together, and get to know our neighbors a bit better.
HOW DOES NEIGHBORHOOD SHABBAT HOSTING WORK?
You pick the date(s) that work for you and fill out the form below. (April 17, May 15, June 19)
TBH community members will be asked to sign up to attend through the TBH website--coming soon! Staff will be grouping attendees by map location/neighborhood.
All dinners are potluck. Hosting does not require providing a full meal for your guests.
We will connect our hosts with their attendees via email. Hosts are encouraged to send follow-up instructions and final details (i.e. time adjustments, directions, food instructions)
We will send a few digital resources for you to use as desired, including Shabbat instructions, prayers, and conversation starters.
There is also the possibility that we may not need all the hosts that sign up--we will be in touch if so!
Hosts may submit reimbursement requests of up to $75 for costs incurred for hosting.
Volunteer with the Annual Thurston County Homelessness Census
It’s time for the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Census Count . In Thurston County, trained volunteers assist with this important survey which provides critical data that guides strategic response efforts. Volunteers also help with a winter clothing drive and assemble hygiene kits to distribute to persons in need. TBH members who volunteered in past PIT Counts state the experience as impactful.
There are volunteer opportunities from January 16 through February 5 sorting clothing, assembling hygiene kids, and assisting with the survey. Training is provided for survey volunteers. For more information and to sign up, go to https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/pit-count .
Immigrant and Refugee Task Force
We are once again collecting donations for immigrants. A collection box is labeled and in the front entry area at TBH. Below is a list of specific needs. Thank you for your consideration!
Household items: - specifically paper towels, toilet paper are in need Personal care product: - specifically feminine hygiene products are in need Food: - canned goods (specifically: diced or whole tomatoes; green beans; corn; fruit; hominy; tuna) - Masa (5lb bags max please) - Tostados - Onions - Vegetable oil - Tortillas (shelf stable)
Here's the JCIJ January newsletter for sharing with the Temple Beth Hatfilohl community. Sign up to be part of the JCIJ Community Response list; register for the JCIJ Advocacy Training and learn about JCIJ's legislative priorities; read recent local and national news, and more.
Library Committee
Heart of a Stranger is an engaging book of perseverance, commitment and courage. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl (from Korea and Tacoma) reveals her journey from Tacoma WA to New York's Central Synagogue in a beautiful engaging book. Each chapter and story of her journey is paired with Torah wisdom. It is now in our library. In the rare occasion you are not familiar with Rabbi Buchdahl, here is a link for you to enjoy. Go forth and read!
For 5786, we have integrated our various sign up sheets into one google sheet, so that all the volunteer roles are in one place. Here is a short description of TBH volunteer roles, and here is the sign-up for Shabbat volunteers (with other volunteer opportunities on additional tabs). Contact Kayla with any questions!
THANK YOU!
Contributions
Sustaining Fund Richard Blanke in memory of Ada R. Blanke Theresa Silva in honor of Anjali Silva
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund Karen and Alan Goldstein in memory of Ida Goldstein
Volunteers
Greeters Richard Jackman Suzanne Simons
Hybrid Host Andy Levitt
FORKids Packing Bernie Friedman Sue Goldstein Frances Caplan Brad Smith Laura Hurado Webb Paige Brown Tikva Glantz Michael Koppel
AROUND THE CONGREGATION
Yahrzeits
Sophie Scheier Jacob Weiss Ellen Hecker Whitting Shirley Lamm Isadore Isaac Goodman John Victor Kaydus Kenneth Edgan Goldstein Gale Rachel Kogan Abraham Shats Stanley Blum Maurice Rubenstein Jacob Goldberg Cindy Zita Lorrance Brandon Edward M. Reiner Lawrence Klein Adele Youdin Max Bach Herb Kadden Chaim Leib Maurice L. Halpern Paul Lazovick Irving Hanig John B. Vincent Mark Kogan Sol Dzieza Ralf Herman Wilma Timian Gregory Gilbert
Happy Birthday!
14 Fred Turkheimer 14 Yelena Rozenfeld 18 David Kohlenberg 19 Michael Koppel 20 Ellen Young
Yahrtzeit Updates & Additions
Members are able to view, edit, and add Yahrtzeits on the member portal of the TBH website here (requires log in). If you need assistance, please feel free to send any updates to kiverson@bethhatfiloh.org.
Mi Sheberach Updates
During Shabbat services, we always include a prayer for healing and maintain a list on behalf of members who want to include names in the healing prayers (as well as offering them verbally during services). Fill out this form to add a name to the list. May all be blessed with a refua shleyma, a complete healing of body, mind, and spirit.
COMMUNITY EVENTS/RESOURCES: Note: These are not officially sponsored or endorsed by TBH, but they are listed as they have Jewish content and/or may be of interest to our community.
Dispute Resolution Center: Nominations Sought for 2026 Peacemaker Award
Do you know someone who deserves recognition for promoting peace and civility in our community?
The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (DRC) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.
Established in honor of Founding Executive Director Evan Ferber, this annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in strengthening civil discourse, and promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility.
Members of the community are encouraged to submit nominations for this award, which will be presented later this year at the DRC’s Celebration of Peacemakers event.
The deadline for submitting nominations is March 1st, 2026.
The Dispute Resolution Center serves residents of Thurston and south Mason Counties through a wide range of resources to prevent and resolve conflict, and improve communication, including mediation, conflict coaching, training, group facilitation and youth services.
Camp Solomon Schechter: Women's Getaway March 13-March 15
From Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, get ready to unwind, relax, and have fun as we put together a unique program designed entirely around YOU! This extraordinary weekend is all about reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, while experiencing the magic of camp. Whether you prefer lounging by beautiful Lake Stampfer, taking on the exhilarating challenge course, or embarking on a picturesque hike, this retreat is your canvas to paint the perfect weekend for yourself.
Camp Schechter is offering a day pass price of $150 to to the local community. Please make a donation online and indicate it is for Women's Getaway. Then register here for the weekend.
IJS: The Peaceful Grandparent Project Starts January 15
The Peaceful Grandparent Project is offered in partnership with our colleagues at Orot. This transformative cohort offers grandparents the tools to deepen connections with their adult children and grandchildren and infuse family moments with sacredness and tranquility.
This accessible six-week course interweaves Jewish wisdom with mindfulness practices and teachings to help grandparents cultivate greater empathy, understanding, and connection in their families.
TBH frequently tries to share news and events from partner organizations and other items of interest for our community. We encourage you to explore some of these organizations and sign up for their newsletters if you are interested:
Growing Shabbat! at TBH Friday, Feb 13th 5:30p to 8:00p Everyone is welcome to join us for family friendly dinner and a service.
Registration is free but required for planning.
Please put any dietary requirements in the notes when registering.