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, concerts, 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 September 4 at 5:30 pm led by Rabbi Magal. 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. A selection will be chanted from this week’s double Torah portion, Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9 – 30:20) and Vayeilech (Deut. 31:1 – 31:30), continuing Moses’ third farewell address to the Israelites about their Covenant with God which is binding upon all generations to follow. He assures them that Joshua will succeed him as their leader and they should not be afraid. He instructs the people to read Torah which belongs to all the people, not just the priests. Stay to enjoy Kiddush and Motzi (wine or juice and challah), an Oneg of refreshments.
Selichot, the service of asking for forgiveness and preparing for the upcoming High Holy Days, will be observed on Saturday evening, September 5 beginning at 6:30 pm. The colorful Torah mantles will be changed to white ones, and the central prayers recounting where we may have missed the mark over the past year are chanted. The shofar is blown as part of the wake up call to our very soul.
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, September 9 at 4:00 pm on Zoom offering a time of quiet reflection with a focus on sacred text and this season of Elul leading up to the High Holy Days.
Torah study will not be held on September 10 as we will be in preparation for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, beginning on September 11.
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. People continue to need sustenance. Let’s keep them in mind. An additional large barrel from the food pantry will be available in the lobby for your donations of food during the High Holy Days.
The schedule for the High Holy Day season is available on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org.
Rabbi Alicia Magal
Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, Arizona, USA
www.jcsvv.org
Office: 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.