By Rabbi Alicia Magal
The JCSVV offers services and classes which are life-affirming and soul enriching. All are listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. People who cannot attend or who live far away can access the service through zoom. Reserve your place to bring in the Jewish New Year with community. See the website for schedule.
Erev Shabbat services begin on Friday evening, September 27, 2024, beginning at 5:30 pm in person and on Zoom led by Rabbi Alicia Magal who will chant verses from Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9 – 30:20, continuing Moses’ third farewell address to Israel in which he proclaims that ALL of Israel is gathered together to receive the Covenant – men, women, children, and all the generations to come as well, in an unending continuity. We welcome guest Rabbi Laura Geller who will share words about “New Clothes, New Names, New Loves: An Elul Reflection to Prepare for the New Year.” Included in the service are also healing blessings for those who are ill, a mazal tov for Simchas (happy occasions), and Kaddish, mourner’s prayer, recited for loved ones who have passed away. This prayer is only one way we honor the memory of people who have impacted our lives and who continue to live on in our own hearts, teachings, and kind deeds. All are invited to stay for Kiddush, Motzi (blessings over the wine and challah) and refreshments.
Selichot, the musical and meditative service in preparation for the High Holy Days is scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 6:30 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah 5785, the Evening service ushering in the Jewish New Year, begins on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 pm in person and on zoom, led by Rabbi Magal and Cantorial Soloist Marden Paul.
Rosh Hashanah morning service begins on Thursday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m. led by Rabbi Magal and Cantorial soloist Marden Paul, with additional music by the Shalom Singers choir under the direction of Katherine LaTorraca. Tashlich informal gathering is at Los Abrigados by the creek at 4 :00 pm to “throw the crumbs of our sins away.”
No separate Meditation class or Torah study this week because of the Holy Day services.
Looking ahead: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will begin on Friday evening, October 11 and continue on Saturday, October 12.
The Social Action Committee is continuing to collect food for the local Sedona food pantry. Please drop off cans or boxes of non-perishable foods in the bin provided for collections in the lobby before services. The Social Action Committee is also collecting clothing for men, women and children (new or gently used items – no used underwear), personal care items, travel food in individual packets, bars and trail mix and fruit or juice packs for the family refugee centers in Phoenix.
The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, located at 100 Meadow Lark Drive off Route 179 in Sedona, is a welcoming, egalitarian, inclusive congregation dedicated to building a link from the past to the future by providing religious, educational, social and cultural experiences. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Synagogue website – www.jcsvv.org