What do I do if...
What to do if there is illness in the family
Please let us know if a family member or fellow congregant is ill or hospitalized by contacting the synagogue office at (941) 955-8121. Our clergy try to visit members and their close relatives in the hospital and healing prayers from the bimah will be recited.
- CLICK HERE to learn about our We Care Committee.
When a loved one dies please call our congregational phone number, 941-955-8121. There is an emergency number available twenty-four hours a day. The rabbi will be notified and speak to you promptly about making the proper arrangements. We also recommend that you might consider making pre-arrangements in which case the rabbi will be pleased to assist you. Our synagogue prides itself on being extremely sensitive and caring at these times of great need.
- CLICK HERE to get information about Temple Beth Sholom’s Cemetery.
- CLICK HERE to find out about the preparation of the deceased by Chevra Kadisha.
What to do if you want to get married
If you are getting married, contact Gerry Ronkin, Executive Director at (941) 955-8121. He will assist you and arrange contact with the Rabbi Mishkin.
What to do if you are expecting a baby boy
Contact Rabbi Mishkin at (941) 955-8121. He will help you with naming, prepare for the Brit Milah, and help you determine if a Pidyon HaBen is required.
- CLICK HERE to learn about circumcision and pidyon ha’ben related to the birth of a baby boy.
What to do if you are expecting a baby girl
Contact Rabbi Mishkin at (941) 955-8121. He will assist you with naming and making arrangements for a baby naming.
- CLICK HERE to learn about baby-naming ceremonies related to the birth of a baby girl.
What to do if you want to book an event at TBS
Contact Gerry Ronkin, Executive Director at (941) 955-8121.
- CLICK HERE to get information about catering, special events, and room rentals.
What to do if you are choosing schools for your children
Temple Beth Sholom has many educational options for your children. The Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool serves children 15 months to five years of age. The Goldie Feldman Academy (GFA) serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Kavita Vasil is the Director of these schools and can be reached at (941) 552-2770.
The Martin & Mildred Paver Religious School offers a religious school program for temple members. Students in grades K-2 attend on Sunday mornings and students in grades 3-7 attend on Tuesday afternoons as well as on Sunday mornings. Ewa Maniawski Tuschman is the Director of Congregational Learning and supervises the religious school. She can be reached at (941) 552-2780.
- CLICK HERE to get information about the Temple Beth Sholom Day School -- Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool.
- CLICK HERE to get information about the Temple Beth Sholom Day School -- Goldie Feldman Academy.
- CLICK HERE to get information about the Martin & Mildred Paver Religious School.
What to do if you want to make your house kosher
Before doing anything with your dishes or utensils, start by ridding your house of all non-kosher products: meat, processed items, baked goods, etc. Check your cupboards, freezer, refrigerator and storage areas. Gradually use up everything you have in the house that is not certified kosher (including spices, mixes, etc) and replace them with certified kosher items.
As you use up your non-kosher items and replenish with certified kosher products, begin simultaneously to get used to kosher preparation and presentation. Begin separating milk and meat products.
After everything in the house is kosher and you are comfortable with kosher style, you are ready to kasher your utensils and dishes. Contact Rabbi Mishkin with any questions.
What to do if you need to find out a Jewish calendar date
- CLICK HERE to see the Hebrew Date Calendar Converter.
What to do if you want to convert to Judaism
Contact Rabbi Mishkin to set up a meeting to discuss what is involved.
- CLICK HERE to learn about converting to Judaism.
What to do if you are moving into a new house
A mezuzah is a piece of parchment placed inside a decorative case, inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah. These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Listen, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One."
A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe of Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the doorposts of your house." Many families place a mezuzah on the front door only, but observant Jews affix one on every doorway in the home apart from bathrooms, as well as closets too small to qualify as rooms. The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe who has undergone many years of meticulous training, and the verses are written in black indelible ink with a special quill pen. The parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case.
What to do if you have a question not listed here
If it is a religious or counseling matter, our clergy are happy to answer any of your questions at any time. If it is an operational question and a staff person would be more appropriate, please contact the Main Office at (941) 955-8121.
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