Photos above by Greg Proctor

Caring for our Torahs

Thanks to Ellie Schaul for taking care of the project, from start to finish, of refurbishing of the silver rimonim set, which caps one of our Torah scrolls.

The rimonim were repaired by Scott Petit of Petit Jewelry Designs of Charleston, who has done similar work for the Temple over the past few years. As always, the repair to our treasured pieces was beautifully done, and Scott donated his labor. His generosity is greatly appreciated.

 – Gayle Tigger-Shaw, President

From Wikipedia:

Torah finials or rimonim/rimmonim ([Hebrew: רִמּוֹנִיִם, lit. “pomegranates”], singular: rimon /rimmon) are silver or gold finials adorning the top ends of the rollers (עצי חיים Atzei Chaim) of a Sefer Torah (Torah scroll). Very often the rimonim are adorned with little bells and are very intricate.

Borrowing prayer books for Shabbat to use at online services

Please note: The CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) no longer provides online access to prayer books.

Temple Israel will continue to provide Zoom access and Facebook Livestreaming of the services, as we have been, so that you can still participate and view the services without coming into the building.

Click here to navigate to the CCAR website for info about purchasing Mishkan T’filah, the prayer book we use for Shabbat and Festivals. For a Kindle version, here’s a link to Amazon.com

Click here to navigate to the CCAR website for info about purchasing Mishkan HaNefesh, the prayer books we use for the High Holidays. For Kindle versions, here’s a link to Amazon.com

 –  Rabbi Joe Blair

These battery-operated audio assistance devices are for use by people who either don’t have hearing aids or whose hearing aids can’t access Loop technology. They are kept in the equipment closet behind the organ loft. Please check with the tech crew – before the service begins – if you would like to use one. Photo by Greg Proctor

Loop technology update and clarification

A few months back, I mentioned the Loop Technology installed in the sanctuary. It is still there and functioning, but I have since been told that newer hearing aids do not include the capability to tune in (in order to make them smaller), so that option may not be available directly. However, there are receivers in the choir loft area, with earphones, so you can still use the system. Ask the tech crew about them – before the service begins – if you want to use them at a service.

– Rabbi Joe Blair

Temple’s congregational Passover Seder for Temple and Sisterhood members

Temple & Sisterhood members:

A letter announcing Temple Israel’s Congregational Passover Seder was mailed March 21, and included an RSVP form. Please complete and return that form along with your check. The Seder is open to members of the Temple and Sisterhood and their families. The deadline for your pre-paid reservation is 3 PM Friday, April 12. We can only accommodate 114 attendees—please mail in your reservations as soon as possible. We cannot accept telephone or email reservations. If you would like to drop off your reservation in person, please call ahead to the Temple office. The Seder will be led by Rabbi Joe Blair on Monday, April 22 at 6 PM. We look forward to seeing you!