Lamed Vav

Lamed Vav in Hebrew is the number 36.  It refers to the notion that, according to the Jewish tradition, there are 36 anonymous tzaddikim (righteous individuals) hidden throughout the world upon whose shoulders the very existence of the world depends.

Pursuing the spirit of this idea in 1998, 36 Temple Beth El members formed a group to enjoy each others' company and build an endowment to support enhanced adult education.  Since its initiation, Lamed Vav has sponsored the following scholars:  Dr. Gary Zola, executive director of the American Jewish Archives; Charlotte Opfermann, Holocaust historian; and Dr. Reuben Firestone, professor of medieval Judaism and Islam. I n addition, Lamed Vav has sponsored essay contests for Temple youth, inviting our young people to research and present papers related to Temple Beth El study themes.

Lamed Vav has enjoyed many social gatherings, which have included a visit to Dale Chihuly’s boat house, dinner at Fullers restaurant in Seattle (in the kitchen among the chefs), a fun dinner at Columbia Tower with a guest speaker, musical entertainment, and many other fun events.

Any Temple member paying dues of  $1,800 or more may become a member of Lamed Vav by contributing $1,000 to the Lamed Vav fund annually.  Along with their fund raising efforts,  Lamed Vav members enjoy special outing and dinner parties. We welcome new members every year.

If you would like more information about membership and have any ideas for future speakers please contact the TBE program director at (253) 564-7101.

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