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 begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, March 7, 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 around this date.
Saturday morning services on March 8 will begin at 10:00 a.m. This special “Shabbat Across the World” service, led by Rabbi Magal with many synagogue members taking part as well, offers an opportunity to participate in a Shabbat morning service. The Torah readings are from Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20 – 30:10) telling of procedures relating to the Mishkan (Sanctuary) Israel’s House of Worship in the wilderness during their wandering towards the Promised Land. A detailed description of the garments worn by the Kohanim (priests) offers a sense of the solemnity and sacredness of the priests’ tasks. All are invited to stay after the service for a kiddush luncheon sponsored by Joe Berger and his family.
Meditation class, led by Rosalie Malter and Rabbi Magal, will meet on March 12 at 4:00 pm on zoom. Participants are led in a guided meditation based on elements in the upcoming holiday of Purim.
Torah study will not meet on Thursday, March 13. Instead everyone is invited in person and on zoom for the reading of the Megillah, the scroll read on Purim about Queen Esther and the story of her bravery in the face of danger to the Jewish people. The story is set in ancient Persia and is the basis for the joyous holiday of Purim when people dress in costumes, wear masks, and act out the story.
The Social Action Committee is collecting cans or boxes of 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.
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