Beth Ellen Young

Beth Ellen Young

Beth Ellen Young, RJE, is the Senior Director of Education at Temple Judea in Coral Gables, FL. Beth holds a Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College. She completed the Senior Educators Cohort through m2: the Institute for Experiential Jewish Education and is a Wexner Field Fellow. She serves on faculty at URJ Camp Coleman and is an ARJE board member.

On the Other Side of the Jordan

D'Var Torah By: Beth Ellen Young

We read in Parashat Matot of the Israelites defeating the Midianites, and in Parashat Masei, the Israelites' movement since the Exodus are recounted. It seems that we are approaching the climactic scene where the Israelites enter the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Transitions of Leadership: A ‘How to’ Guide from Parashat Pinchas

D'Var Torah By: Beth Ellen Young

Global news seems to be filled with stories related to the transition of power and very different models of what that can look like. In the last month alone, we read that the Israeli coalition government was dissolved, the prime minister of the United Kingdom resigned, and the president of Sri Lanka fled the country.

Will the Real Balaam Please Stand Up?

D'Var Torah By: Beth Ellen Young

This week's Torah portion introduces a new character, Balaam, son of Beor. Balaam is presented as a prophet-for-hire who is called upon by rulers to curse their enemies and help them prevail in military battles. This method of battle preparation may seem far removed from current times, yet Balaam has a lot to teach us about how we view others.

Growth Means Taking Responsibility

D'Var Torah By: Beth Ellen Young

Chapter 20 of the biblical book of Numbers could be renamed "The Transition of Leadership." Approaching this chapter, the leadership triumvirate of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam guide the Israelite people based on God's direction. The chapter begins with Miriam's death. After Miriam dies, the people complain about the lack of water. In God's response, Moses and Aaron are told they will not enter the promised land. The first part of this prophecy is brought to fruition at the end of the chapter when Aaron dies.

Watch Your Tone

D'Var Torah By: Beth Ellen Young

As a teenager, my mom and I couldn't seem to talk to each other without arguments and yelling. My dad tried to help me understand that there were different ways I could speak to my mother. I wasn't very interested in this feedback, but I think Korach, Datan, and Abiram would have benefited from it in this week's Torah portion.