By Rabbi Alicia Magal
Sedona, AZ — The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, located at 100 Meadowlark 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.
The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom.
All are invited to Friday evening Erev Shabbat services led by Rabbi Magal on December 12 at 5:30 pm. Join in singing songs to usher in the Sabbath, prayers of healing for loved ones, congratulations for those celebrating a birthday or anniversary, and Kaddish, the Mourner’s prayer in memory of those who have passed away recently or around this date in past years. The weekly Torah portion is Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23), telling of Joseph’s early years as the favorite of his father Jacob over his brothers who resent him. They sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt, but he soon rises to a position of responsibility in the household of Potiphar where he is falsely accused and thrown into prison. His journey is a series of ups and downs but his natural leadership quality and ability to interpret dreams will lead to the next adventurous chapter of his life. Kiddush and Motzi (blessings over the wine/juice and challah) and socializing follow the service.
Egalitarian, participatory Morning Minyan meets on zoom every Wednesday at 8:30 am with traditional morning blessings, healing prayers, and Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer. Come be counted in our minyan! Link on the website.
Hanukkah, the Festival of Light, begins with the lighting of the first candle on Sunday, December 14. Join the celebration beginning at 4:00 pm. Enjoy music, traditional latkes (potato pancakes) and other refreshments. Bring a hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah) and candles.
Meditation class, led by Rosalie Malter and Rabbi Magal, will meet on Wednesday, Dec.17, at 4:00 pm on zoom, focusing on sacred seasons or texts to add a deeper dimension to our encounter with Jewish traditional teachings.
Torah study, on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 4:00 pm led by Rabbi Magal on zoom, will focus on Miketz (Genesis 41: 1 – 44:17) telling of Joseph who interprets Pharaoh’s dream about seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s brother appear to find food during the famine and do not recognize their brother Joseph who is now a high official in Egypt. Will he make peace with them or take revenge? Next week’s Torah portion will reveal the answer.
The Social Action Committee is collecting non-perishable foods, as well as infant formula and feminine hygiene products, for the local Sedona food pantry. Please drop off your donations in the bin provided for collections located at the bottom of the stairs in the parking lot.
We wish all our members, guests, and neighbors a sense of wholeness and peace, included in the word Shalom. Blessings for joy during this Festival of Light!
Rabbi Alicia Magal
www.jcsvv.org
The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley 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. We choose to remain unaffiliated in order to respect and serve the rich diversity of our members and visitors.
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2 Comments
I would love to share a simple story. Back in the day, well over 40 years ago. My kids were small, and whenever the holidays came around I decorated the house with lights. Not just some, a lot! I lived on the corner and had lots of land. Ice rink in backyard, the whole nine yards. It was magical moments for my kids.
Few years after doing it, my wonderful neighbor came over. Burt Koff(my you rest in peace my friend). He was talking about all the lights and how they so loved that time of year. Then he told me he was Jewish. I had no idea. I for the most part felt bad, all the light screaming Christmas.
The next year I probably made it larger, like always. But from that point forward, I had a Menorah in my window just for them. I do miss those days. I miss those wonderful neighbors. Burt, Ann, Ben, and Janet Koff. Love you guys and miss you. Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends.
Great story about respecting others regardless of race, religion or other ridiculous stereotypes or biases.