By Rabbi Alecia Magal
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, 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 Friday, February 27 at 5:30 pm. 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. The Torah portion is Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20 – 30:10), describing the pure olive oil for use in lighting the Menorah inside the Tabernacle. The reading continues with a description of the special garments worn by the Kohanim – priestly descendants of Aaron – while on duty. In addition to the linen tunic, blue robe, and turban, the High Priest also wore a Hoshen – breastplate – inlaid with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. What significant garments, uniforms, jewelry, or hats have you worn that have meaning for you? Kiddush and Motzi (blessings over the wine/juice and challah) and socializing follow the service.
Tuesday, March 3, starting at 3:00 pm, the Women’s Havurah is sponsoring a fun craft project led by Ann Meara, expressing JOY for this month of Adar.
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 not meet on Wednesday, March 4 because of the Purim holiday.
Instead, from 2:00 pm, gather together in the Social Hall to read and chant the Book of Esther, known as the Megillah. Wearing costumes, masks, or funny hats greatly encouraged! In person and also on zoom.
Torah study group, led by Rabbi Magal, will meet on Thursday, March 5 at 4:00 pm on zoom. The Torah portion of that week is Ki Tissa (Exodus 30:11 – 34:35, including the scene of fear that overtook some of the Israelites when Moses didn’t reappear after 40 days on Mt. Sinai. They forced Aaron to make them a Golden Calf. Upon his return with the tablets of the Law, Moses saw the celebration and in anger, smashed the tablets and ground the calf idol to bits. Moses finally gets over his anger and pleads with God to forgive the people. He climbs up Mt. Sinai and receives a second set of tablets.
Looking ahead: The Purim spiel, a spoof of the traditional Purim story, acted out by congregants and directed by Lisa Glinsky, will be held on Sunday, March 8, at 1:00 pm. Afterwards, enjoy hamantaschen, three-sides filled pastries, traditional for this holiday.
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, and a feeling of joy during this month of Adar and the holiday of Purim.
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.