Capital Area Food Bank Donations

Let's start our High Holy Day Tzedakah season early. Just imagine if every member family were to contribute the cost of a day's meals or a restaurant outing to help fellow Texans in need be able to eat tomorrow.

The most cost effective way to help the food bank is to contribute money. So, like last year, we're set to conduct a virtual food drive. That is, the Capital Area Food Bank has created a secure web site, customized for our congregation, to make direct on-line contributions. In this fashion, the Food Bank can buy what is needed in large quantities and deliver the goods very quickly. With the needs magnified, please plan to donate generously like you have in the past. The link for online giving is here - Donate NOW

Over the last three years, Temple Beth Shalom members contributed over $20,000 to this worthy cause. We'd love to extend that fabulous record. Thanks for your consideration!

We prepare for a unique ten-day period of prayer, self-examination, fasting, and repentance. It is time for the Days of Awe, the High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Our High Holy Day services will be held on the Dell Jewish Community Center Campus with services in the gymnasium.

Please download the High Holy Days Special Message for important information and special High Holy Day messages.

Here is the downloadable 5773/2012 High Holiday Schedule.

In preparation for this observance, please take note of the following important deadlines: 

We still need a few greeters for the afternoon of Yom Kippur; please provide your name online or contact Jenny Corman. 

You can still register for  High Holiday Babysitting; download the registration form. You must return it to the ECP office.  Any questions, contact Paula Bilstein.  

September 19, 2012 - Yom Kippur Break Fast; we need kugel, salads-tuna and/or egg, veggies, bagels and cream cheeses, drinks and boxed juice for the kids, sign up online or contat Carolyn Perez.  

The High Holy Days offer us an opportunity to reflect on the past year's achievements and challenges and to look forward to the coming year with hope and determination for ourselves, our families and our community. The Temple Beth Shalom Board wishes you a Happy New Year filled with peace, health, and happiness. We encourage each member of the congregation to take pause from the routines that fill our lives and focus on hopes and dreams for the coming year, both as individuals and as Jews. Over these holy days, as we worship independently and as a Temple community, we hope you will find spiritual inspiration, renewal and tranquility.

L'Shana Tova Tikatevu.
Lynn Katz, President

Ride Sharing

The Caring Committee of our Temple is pleased to facilitate rides and drivers to the High Holiday Services. If you need a ride or have car space beyond your family needs and could help by providing a ride for another member, please contact David Kaufman (512-394-4763) or Barbara Waisman (512-461-4934).

High Holy Day tickets will be mailed to members in good standing by the second week of September. In order to be considered a member in good standing, one must have submitted a Financial Commitment Form to the temple office for 2012-2013. If you have any questions concerning membership or financial issues, please contact the temple office. For security reasons, all attending High Holy Day services must have a ticket.

In addition to tickets for members, a limited number of tickets are available at a cost of $180 per ticket. Tickets are for the entire High Holy Day season and are not sold for individual observances. The Temple Board has established the following exceptions to this policy who, upon request, will receive complimentary tickets:

· Children of Temple Beth Shalom members living in Austin under the age of 25

· Immediate family members (children, siblings, parents) living outside of Austin**

· Members in good standing of another congregation (URJ or otherwise) living outside of Austin**

· Students with current valid ID

· Members of the armed forces with current valid ID

· The Temple Beth Shalom President or Rabbi may issue complimentary tickets at their discretion

All individuals receiving complimentary tickets will also receive a donation envelope and are expected to make a donation to the temple which is meaningful to them. It is the policy of Temple Beth Shalom that no one will be denied admission to High Holy Day services because of financial hardship. Anyone with financial concerns is encouraged to contact the Temple office or Rabbi Freedman directly.

You must have your TICKETS with you at all times. If you are not a Temple member, but have reserved your tickets, your name will be on a “will call” list. No one will be admitted to the service without a ticket or their name being on a will call list.

For security purposes, no large bags, purses, backpacks, or strollers, except for diaper bags, will be allowed in Gymnasium. All bags, regardless of size, are subject to inspection.

**A High Holy Days courtesy seating request form, from the visitor's congregation, should be submitted to Temple Beth Shalom's office.