Congregation Beth Israel Weekly News & Updates | |
August 19, 2026
6 Elul 5786
office@tricityjewishcenter.org
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Shabbat Shalom,
It has been so sweet getting into our new routine here in the Quad Cities. Ari and Ben are loving their new daycare. The other day, I was trying to talk to his teacher and Ari kept waving and saying Bye Abba! Rebecca (wife), Leah (infant), and Lilah (dog) are finally getting in the naps that they expect out of maternity leave. And I have office hours which you can book directly with me through this link! This week's parshah, Ki Titzei, can be a daunting chapter to enjoy or even read in its entirety. It's a list of rules, laws, many of which sound anachronistic (to say the least) to our modern ears. However, I think that the meaning behind the laws, a layer behind the surface level pshat, is informative. Jewish law, Halakhah, is derived from the same root as walking (הלכ). Islam provides a helpful comparison. Sharia is a cognate, both conceptually (as systems that encompass both civil and criminal law, and literally a linguistic cognate, likely derived from the shared Semitic Hebrew root שרע. Now, don't worry, I am not saying follow all the laws. No, instead I think that we live in a directionless era. People are searching for meaning, for ritual, for community. And I suggest that our tradition has a treasure trove of meaning, of different and often diverging paths. My blessing is that you take the path less taken, take a new path. You might just surprise yourself.
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| Schedule of Events August 19th - August 25th | | | |
Friday, August 21
- Temple Emanuel Shabbat Service @ 6:30 PM
Saturday, August 22
- Torah Study @ 9:00 AM.
- Beth Israel Shabbat Service @ 10:00 AM
Wednesday, August 25
- Beth Israel Sisterhood Dinner and a Movie @ 5:00 PM
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Florence Lipsman Unveiling of Headstone
Sunday, August 30th at 12 PM
Davenport Jewish Cemetery on Fairmount
602 S. Fairmount Street, Davenport, IA
The community is warmly invited to attend the unveiling ceremony for Florence Lipsman at the Davenport Jewish Cemetery on Fairmount street on Sunday, August 30th at 12:00 PM.
Kevor Avot Schedule
Sunday, August 30th, 2026
Join us as we gather in person for services of remembrance for our loved ones at the following cemeteries.
- 1:00 PM: Mount Nebo Cemetery, Davenport, IA
- 2:00 PM: Hebrew Cemetery, Rock Island, IL
- 3:00 PM: Davenport Jewish Cemetery on Fairmount, Davenport, IA
- 5:00 PM: B'nai Moses Cemetery, Muscatine, IA
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Temple Emanuel Shabbat Service
Friday, August 21 @ 6:30 p.m.
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Torah Study
Saturday, August 22 @ 9:00 a.m.
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Beth Israel Shabbat Service
Saturday, August 22 @ 10:00 a.m.
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We are currently collecting donations for Circles of Remembrance
in memory of Mel Kovitz and in memory of David Silverberg.
We invite those who wish to participate to make a donation in their
memory by emailing or calling the office.
Minimum donation amount is $10.
| | Holiday Flowers for the Bimah | | | |
The High Holidays are once again upon us!
As we prepare to gather for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur,
we invite you to honor and remember your loved ones with beautiful flowers
displayed on the Bimah. The contribution is $75.00 for either Rosh Hashanah or
Yom Kippur. If you would like to participate, please contact the office. We also
welcome any additions or corrections to the names of the family members you
wish to remember.
Thank you for helping us create a meaningful and beautiful holiday observance.
We look forward to hearing from you and wish you and your family a joyous,
healthy, and peaceful New Year.
L'Shanah Tovah!
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Join Beit Shalom in making a Chai Impact for Argrow’s House, a Davenport organization assisting women who have been victims of violence. Please consider donating paper goods including bathroom, kitchen, and feminine hygiene items to the synagogue and leave them in the labeled bin in the coatroom.
In addition, you can help by stopping for a cup of coffee and a sandwich at Argrow’s Café at 3811 Harrison in Davenport. While there, you can shop at their gift shop for products made by women who are moving forward in their journey to reshape their lives after surviving violence. The café is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 to 2. The organization also has a gift shop at 2313-44th Street in Moline which is open from 10 to 2 on Thursdays.
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Tuesdays, 6:30 pm at Beit Shalom
For beginners or refreshers
- Sound out Hebrew words
- Follow along in the prayer book
- Pick up useful vocabulary along the way
For info and to RSVP:
Becky Meade (630) 674-5677
| | Birthdays & Anniversaries | | | |
Happy Birthday!
Upcoming August Birthdays
Tammie Close - 08/25
Judy Miller - 08/25
Steve Geifman - 08/29
Bennett Teitle - 08/29
David Gellerman - 08/30
Michael Weindruch - 08/30
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Mazel Tov!
August Anniversaries
Debbie & Michael Weindruch - 08/01
Marjorie & Steven Cooper - 08/16
Lori Lefstein & Michael Diamond - 08/18
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"Refuah Shleimah"
Get Well Soon
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Phillip Rotman
Esther Weiner
Mary Jane Andich
Noel Meller
Sue Leman
Ariel Mor
Harold Kasimow
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Nancy Martin
Martha Siegel
Kate McGovern
Larry Allen
Beth Lucas
Lorrie Blumberg
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Please Be Reminded
We offer cards for every occasion such as birthdays, anniversaries, condolences, birth of a child, or any occasion.
Cards are available for a small $5.00 donation.
Please call or email Ryan at the Center office and he will gladly send out your cards.
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