By Rabbi Alicia Magal —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 Erev Shabbat service on Friday, February 13 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 Torah portion is Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1 – 24:18), including some of the laws to be fulfilled by the people of Israel in order to assure justice for all people, poor and stranger alike.
However, since it is a special Shabbat called Shabbat Shekalim, one of four special Shabbats leading up to the holidays of Purim and Passover, there is an additional Torah portion (Exodus 30: 11-16 from Parshat Ki Tissa) speaking of the donation of a half-shekel offering for the Temple in ancient Jerusalem. The Haftarah prophetic reading is also connected to the donations made by the people as described in 2 Kings 11:17 – 12:17. Kiddush and Motzi (blessings over the wine/juice and challah) and socializing follow the service. The refreshments are sponsored by Linda Patent, Clare Small, and Bonnie Golub in honor of Margie Gershtenson.
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.
Meditation class, led by Rosalie Malter and Rabbi Magal, will meet on Wednesday, February 18 at 4:00 pm on zoom. Focus includes sacred text, holiday themes, and other gateways to meditation.
Torah study group, led by Rabbi Magal, will meet on Thursday, February 19, at 4:00 pm on zoom. The Torah portion of that week is Terumah (Exodus 25:1 -27:19).God tells Moses to create a dwelling place for God where the Israelites can bring offerings. The Tabernacle will include an ark containing the tablets of the Law, golden menorah, altar, and many other beautiful ritual objects.
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.
Rabbi Alicia Magal
Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, Arizona, USA
www.jcsvv.orgOffice: 928 204-1286“A Jewel of a Shul”Mission Statement:
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.
Rabbi Alicia Magal