Friday evening services on July 11, lay-led by Joe Berger, will begin at 5:30 pm 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 focus this evening will be on Torah portion Balak (Numbers 22:2 – 25:9) including the humorous story of the talking donkey who has more acute vision than the supposed prophet hired by the Moabite King to curse the Israelites. Balaam, the “man of vision” finally sees the angel stopping him on the donkey and warning him of the folly of his mission. In the end, his curses are transformed to blessings, including the verse “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob; your sacred dwelling place, O Israel.” This blessing came to be included in the morning prayers worshipers say upon entering the synagogue. The “talking donkey” could also represent that “inner voice” that advises one and should be listened to for its valuable guidance. Kiddush and Motzi (blessings over the wine/juice and challah) and socializing follow the service.
Morning minyan meets on zoom every Wednesday at 8:30 am with traditional morning blessings, healing prayers, and Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer. Link on the website.
Meditation class, led by Rosalie Malter, will meet on Wednesday, July 16, at 4:00 pm on zoom, focusing on sacred seasons or texts to add a deeper dimension to our encounter with Jewish traditional teachings.
Thursday’s Torah study, led by Anita Rosenfield on July 17 at 4:00 pm on zoom, will focus on that week’s Torah portion Pinchas ((Numbers 25:10 – 20:1) telling of Aaron’s grandson Pinchas who takes action to prevent immorality between an Israelite with a Midianite woman. In this portion is also the story of the Daughters of Zelophechad who request the right to inherit the land from their father since there were no sons. the ruling is in their favor. Moses goes up to Mt. Abarim to view the Promised Land since he would not cross over into it. He appoints Joshua in a public ceremony as his successor to the leadership of Israel.
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.