By Rabbi Alicia Magal
The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom.
Erev Shabbat services, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, April 4, including songs to usher in the Sabbath, prayers of healing for loved ones, and Kaddish, the Mourner’s prayer in memory of those who have passed away recently or around this date in past years. The Torah reading is from Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26), the opening of the Book of Leviticus, dealing with the sacrifices and offerings of the Israelites. We study these passages in our day to find ways to embody our prayers and services in a way that is as meaningful as the sacrifices of animals, grain, fruit, etc. in ancient times. The date was moved, so it is THIS week that the oneg refreshments following the service are being sponsored by Barbara Sussman and Mark Ziven to mark their loving commitment. They will receive a special blessing during the service.
Meditation class, led by Rosalie Malter and Rabbi Magal, will meet on April 9 at 4:00 pm on zoom. Participants are led in a guided meditation based on sacred phrases, texts, or elements from the current Torah portion each week.
Torah study will meet on Thursday, April 10, to discuss Tzav (Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36) to learn more about the sacrifices brought on the Altar of the Sanctuary, Israel’s house of worship during their years of wandering in the wilderness. The Haftarah reading is from Jeremiah 7:21 – 8:3; 9:22,23, reminding the people who lived hundreds of years later, at the time that the Temple stood in Jerusalem, that the purpose of the sacrifices is to live with justice and kindness, and that the ideals of Judaism are to be fulfilled in everyday life.
Passover begins on Saturday evening, April 12 with the First Seder, as we retell the story of the Exodus through story, song, and symbolic foods. Registration for the Seder is through the synagogue website.
The Social Action Committee is collecting non-perishable foods, as well as infant formula and feminine hygiene products, for the local Sedona food pantry. This is also the season for collection of Summer Survival Kits, including bug spray, small tents, hats, sunscreen, sleeping bags, or other items to be donated to the Cottonwood Old Town Mission to be distributed to clients without a residence. Please drop off your donations in the bin provided for collections located at the bottom of the stairs in the parking lot.
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. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Synagogue website – www.jcsvv.org
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