Temple celebrates

The new stained-glass windows in the sanctuary at Temple Bat Yahm take inspiration from the Old Testament verse that begins “to everything there is a season.”

It was a time to celebrate at the temple on Saturday — about 500 people were expected to turn out to celebrate the Reform congregation’s 36th anniversary.

“Enjoy the good times, because they don’t last forever,” Rabbi Mark Miller said on Saturday, explaining part of the meaning behind the verse from Ecclesiastes, or Kohelet, as the book is called in the Hebrew tradition.

Temple members celebrated by spelling out “TBY 36” on the lawn of the Newport Beach Temple, dancing and eating.

The number 36 holds special significance in the Jewish faith, said Bill Shane, executive director of Temple Bat Yahm.

“In the Jewish tradition, the number 18 means life, so 36 is double life,” Shane said. “We wanted just have a large, fun celebration.”

— Brianna Bailey