Congregations

Chabad of Brandon

High Holiday Fair: The Jewish community is invited to attend the High Holiday Mitzvah Fair at Chabad Jewish Center, 3005 Waylon Lane in Valrico, on Sunday Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair is geared for children of all ages. Each child will get to saw, drill, sand and polish their very own shofar. There will be other crafts, activities and races with a High Holiday theme as well. A kosher hot pizza lunch will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 per child; $25 per family; adults are free with a paying child. For more information, visit www.chabadbrandon.org or call 657-9393.

Cong. Beth Shalom

Brandon

Selichot play: The public is invited to join the Congregation Beth Shalom Players, the temple’s theater troupe, for a live dramatic presentation of the original work, The Engagement Party (PG), on Selichot, Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The play will take you into the lives of a small group of friends and relatives working through issues of loss, lasting love, guilt, second chances, blame, and above all, forgiveness — food thought in preparation for the High Holy Days. The presentation includes mild sexual references and mature language and it not intended for younger audiences. Rabbi Betsy Torop will lead a discussion immediately after the show, with a Selichot service to follow.

The service includes traditional prayers and melodies associated with the High Holy Days and concludes with the sounding of the shofar. Audience members are invited to bring dairy desserts to share between the discussion and the service. There is no charge to attend. For additional information, contact the synagogue at (813) 681-6547.

Cong. Kol Ami

Sisterhood meet and greet: Join the Kol Ami Sisterhood for a breakfast “nosh,” meet some of the Sisterhood members and find out what Sisterhood has to offer on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. in the social hall.

Torah University: During the year, Torah University will be hosting different speakers the second Sunday of every month. On Sunday, Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m., Lydia Abrams will be speaking for Lehr House. Adams is the Tikvah special needs coordinator at Tampa Jewish Family Services. Bagels will be served.

Beginning Hebrew: Hebrew classes for beginners to experts will be offered on Mondays, Sept. 13, 20 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. The instructors are Rabbi Bob Judd and Leora Chai. These classes will continue throughout the year .

The classes will come under the umbrella of the new Judith Sobel Hebrew Literacy Program, named in honor of the dedication and effort she gave to the synagogue..

Basic Judaism: Rabbi Judd will lead an introduction to Jewish thought, practice, and ritual along with the basics of Jewish history, theology, law, and language on Mondays, Sept. 20 and 27 at 6:15 p.m.

Guarding your tongue: This course has been extended will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The class is based on the book, Chafetz Chaim, by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagen. The instructor will be Rabbi Judd.

Mysticism: A discussion of the book, The 13th Petalled Rose will be led by Rabbi Bob at the Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood after the High Holidays. Those interested should call (813) 962-6338.

Jewish meditation: Rabbi Bob Judd will teach basic Jewish meditation techniques before minyan every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Kol Ami chapel. Participants will learn, discuss, and put what is learned into practice.

Torah class: Join Rabbi Judd on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. for his presentation on the Torah’s parsha of the week, followed by a discussion.

Cong. Rodeph Sholom

Judaism 101: A class entitled “In the Beginning” continues on Wednesdays through March 30, 2011. It will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and is open to those of all faiths. This is an introduction to Judaism covering all the basics of Jewish ritual and belief. For more information and to register, call Rabbi Marc Sack.

Religious school registration: It is time to sign up children for religious school, which offers classes for Pre-K3 through grade 10. Call Director of Education Judy Van Der Stelt at 837-1911 for more information.

Studying B’reishit: An adult education class, “In the Beginning” will be held weekly Wednesdays from 6:30– 7:45 p.m. Classes begin Sept. 1 and run through March 30.

The first installment will be a discussion of “How Jews Read Text: What is Midrash?”

For more information and to register, call Rabbi Sack at the synagogue.

Tot program: A High Holiday program for toddlers will be Thursday, Sept. 9, at 10:15 a.m. Designed for families with children ages 2-6, the program includes songs, stories, games puppets crafts and prayers. For more information, please contact Judy Van Der Stelt at-837-1911.

Cong. Schaarai Zedek

Selichot program: A Selichot discussion on the dilemma, “When Reason Meets Hardline: Extremism? Terrorism? Your Husband?” will be held Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7:45 p.m. Along with the rabbis and cantor offering their insights, mediator Dr. Marty Adelman will participate in the discussion. A dessert reception will precede the program at 7 p.m. and the service will follow the program at 8:30 p.m.

Sukkahfest: Come help decorate the temple’s sukkah on Wednesday, Sept. 22 as part of the Sukkahfest. There will be moonwalks, balloon art, face painting and crafts along with a free pizza dinner. To conclude the evening, the rabbis and cantor will lead brief Sukkot prayers. The event will be 6-7:30 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Sept. 17 to 876-2377.

Sisterhood tea: A new member tea will be held Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. at the home of Sisterhood Membership Vice-President Faith Alexander. For more information, contact co-presidents Sharon Ravner at sravner@gmail.com or Paula Zielonka at doczonk2@gmail.com.

Chabad of South Tampa

Sweets in the sukkah: Enjoy sweets and food in the sukkah, make an edible sukkah and shake the lulav and etrog on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 1-3 p.m. There will be a surprise presentation by City Street Sweets.

Cong. Beth Am

Learn about ethical wills: Learn about ethical wills on Selichot, the opening of the High Holy Days season on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The creation of ethical wills is a centuries-old practice, and one which has been regaining prominence in recent years, The creation of an ethical will is an attempt to write down one’s most valued ideals, lessons and advice for your heirs. At the Selichot program, learn about ethical wills, look at some examples written by others, and begin to consider your own.

Talmud study: Learn a bit of Talmud, at the weekly lesson every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the rabbi’s office, and work your way through a section of the oldest writings in the rabbinic world. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary.