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.
Erev Shabbat services begin on Friday evening, June 28, beginning at 5:30 pm in person and on Zoom led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. The Rabbi will chant a selection from Shelach Lecha (Numbers 31:1 – 15:41), telling the story of the twelve scouts who go into the Land to see how the Children of Israel should enter and settle. Ten come back with the report that “it is a goodly land but it will be impossible as the inhabitants are giants and we were like grasshoppers.” Only Joshua and Caleb report with faith that the people should enter the land. Because most of the people are swayed by the negative report, they continue to wander in the desert for a total of forty years. Only Joshua and Caleb of that older generation will be able to enter the Land and lead the Children of Israel in the next chapter of history. Included in the service are also healing blessings for those who are ill, based on the healing prayer Moses offers when his sister is stricken, a mazal tov for Simchas (happy occasions), and Kaddish, mourner’s prayer, recited for loved ones who have passed away. Linda Patent is sponsoring the Oneg refreshments following the service.
On Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. we offer a morning minyan on Zoom, with traditional prayers sung or read in Hebrew and English. Join through the website link to support each other needing a minyan to say Kaddish for a loved one.
Meditation class will meet on Wednesday, July 3, led by Rosalie Malter and Rabbi Magal on zoom, focusing on the power of our words to heal or hurt.
Torah study will be held on Thursday, July 4 at 4:00 pm on zoom, led by Rabbi Magal. The portion for that week, Numbers 16:1 – 18:32, reports another uprising against Moses, this time by his cousin Korach and supporters of the tribe of Reuben who challenged Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They wanted honor rather than truly serving the people and were punished for their arrogance.
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 at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the synagogue sanctuary.
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. Messages to the office telephone at 928 204-1286 will be answered during the week. Updated information is available on the synagogue website – www.jcsvv.org.