Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on April 14, 2015

Although he is not retiring, Temple Beth El of Hollywood will be marking Rabbi Allan Tuffs' 18 years with the congregation with a Chai Tribute Weekend to their spiritual leader on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. and April 18 at 7 p.m. at the temple.

"We have been planning the event for over a year because of the popularity of Rabbi Tuffs with our congregation," said Chai Tribute weekend chair Dodie Weinstein.

"The weekend will be filled with surprises that we don't want Rabbi Tuffs to know about. All I will say is that Rabbi Tuffs has blessed us with his devotion as a cornerstone for our congregation. Many congregants that our rabbi has touched deeply will be happy to participate in a tribute to his 18 years at Temple Beth El."

The celebration will begin with a special musical tribute Friday Night Shabbat service to Tuffs, to be organized by Temple Beth El Cantor Manny Silver, the temple band and surprise (to Rabbi Tuffs) musical guests followed by a festive Oneg Shabbat.

The festivities continue on April 18 with a cocktail party featuring many tributes to Tuffs along with gourmet food items as well as musical entertainment.

"We will be offering many food stations at the party, featuring Asian, delicatessen, fish, such as salmon, pasta, among other items. The evening will be memorable and we already have over 175 people who have reserved," said Weinstein.

Tuffs fondly remembers how Temple Beth El has grown into a strong Reform congregation serving Southeast Broward.

"There has been a rapid evolution of change at Temple Beth El over the past 18 years, such as the increase of women in our leadership and staff roles in our congregation that I point to with pride," said Tuffs.

"Given that the intermarriage rate is high, I am also proud that Temple Beth El has not only welcomed interfaith couples, but encouraged these couples to have leadership roles in our congregation. I have also personally performed 150 conversions to Judaism in my 18 years, and will encourage more non-Jews in an intermarriage to fully embrace Judaism."

Not only has Tuffs performed conversions, he has also taught classes on diverse topics important to the congregation, such as Kabbalah studies, meditation, Torah and Talmud studies.

Link:

Beth El plans Chai Tribute for Rabbi Tuffs

Category: Talmud
Tags: