Message from Rabbi Barbara on the occasion of Rena’s retirement

It is a great pleasure and honor for me to share my congratulations and thanks to Rena Morano. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rena for 20 years – beginning at Temple Beth El and continuing with the formation of Chavurah Ner Tamid which, under Rena’s leadership grew to become a Federation recognized congregation.

Songs – The Best Way to Build a Child’s Jewish Identity

I love to sing, which is a good thing for me, but sometimes not so good for those in listening range! I especially love to sing Jewish melodies. Some people have even told me that when I sing Jewish songs, I sound pretty good (or at

Congregation Members Serve Holiday Meal at Our Daily Bread

For 18 years, Congregation Ner Tamid has participated in a yearly mitzvah! Every year, our members volunteer to serve a delicious hot holiday meal at Our Daily Bread to many grateful and appreciative people. Our presence allows the regular staff to spend the holiday at home with their own families.

Show Up for Shabbat

Dear Friends, Congregation Ner Tamid joins all Jews, all Americans, and all people of conscience in mourning the tragic deaths and bereavement of our Pittsburgh mishpacha. We add our voices to all who pray: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olom, Dayan Ha’emet.

The Only Jewish Kid in Class

What Kids Want Parents to Know Even though the percentage of Jewish students and teachers in my New York elementary and high schools was small, we were a significant enough presence that our schools were closed for the High Holidays. On winter Friday afternoons, Jewish students were released early so we could make it home…

Raising a Jewish Child in an Interfaith Marriage

  Rena Morano, Rabbinic Associate, Congregation Ner Tamid “How was the wedding?” I asked. “It was a truly joyous event,” my friend replied. “The music was great, and the dancing never stopped! Who could have guessed that even with the women dancing in one part of the reception hall, and the men in the other…

Two congregations—one in Florida, the other in Italy—expand their “sister synagogue” relationship for the New Year

As the Jewish New Year of Rosh HaShanah approaches, two synagogues—Ner Tamid in Bradenton, Florida and Ner Tamid del Sud in the southern Italian region of Calabria—continue to expand their unique 12-year relationship that has included shared festivals, lectures and ecumenical outreach to the Italian-American community.

Congregation Ner Tamid Keeps the Light of Jewish Service Alive in Bradenton!

Since our beginning years ago, Congregation Ner Tamid has partnered with another Bradenton organization, Our Daily Bread, to bring holiday joy to those in need in our community. Twice each year, once on Christmas Day and once on Easter, volunteers from Congregation Ner Tamid go to Our Daily Bread to serve the holiday meal to…

Why Should My Child Have a Bat or Bar Mitzvah Celebration?

Rena Morano, Rabbinic Associate, Congregation Ner Tamid As the Rabbinic Associate for Congregation Ner Tamid, I am frequently called upon to officiate at funerals and memorial services. At a recent funeral there was a teenage girl who was devastated by the passing of her grandfather. She sobbed uncontrollably from the time she arrived at the […]

Teaching Children About Death and Dying

Rena Morano, Rabbinic Associate, Congregation Ner Tamid As the Rabbinic Associate for Congregation Ner Tamid, I am frequently called upon to officiate at funerals and memorial services. At a recent funeral there was a teenage girl who was devastated by the passing of her grandfather. She sobbed uncontrollably from the time she arrived at the…