Sedona, AZ– The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley will honor Rabbi Alicia Magal on May 3, who is celebrating her 20th year anniversary as the synagogue’s spiritual leader. Chairperson of the event, Patricia Eyres, said, “Rabbi Magal’s leadership and vision have shaped religious services, educational and cultural programming, and outreach to Verde Valley communities.”
The event will feature a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, musical entertainment, and heartfelt personal tributes. Chairperson Eyres continued, “Rabbi has earned deep respect from congregants, interfaith clergy and colleagues from a variety of civic and religious organizations.”
Rabbi Magal, who came to JCSVV in 2006, is recognized in Sedona as the most senior member of the Sedona clergy. During the last two decades, she has been a leader in the interfaith community, participating in the interfaith Thanksgiving services and is active in the clergy group. Rabbi Magal initiated Mitzvah Day which, for 11 successive years, brought out hundreds of participants from local churches and organizations for a day of spirit-led volunteering.
Rabbi Magal has served on the board of the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona and is a past recipient of the Spirit of Sedona Philanthropist of the Year Award.
Reflecting on her congregation’s involvement in helping others, regardless of their religion, Rabbi Magal explained, “We volunteer bringing food and clothing for the homeless, collaborate with other religious organizations on community projects and assist people in need. Our Social Action Committee collects non-perishable foods and infant formula for the local Sedona food pantry.
“There is a real community spirit in Sedona with many non-profit organizations and religious organizations supporting our community in the arts, nature, social justice and diversity.”
Rabbi Magal brought a depth of experience with her to Sedona. She lived in Israel for seven years where she worked at that country’s national television station as well as a licensed tour guide. She met her husband Itzhak Magal in Israel on Kibbutz Maagan Michael.
When she returned to the United States she continued her work in the Jewish community in Los Angeles. She was ordained as a Rabbi in 2003 from the Aleph Jewish Renewal Rabbinical Program and from the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles.
Five years ago, when JCSVV’s celebrated its 20th year in its Meadowlark building, Rabbi wrote, “When I first entered the synagogue building, I thought to myself, ‘I could pray here! ’The views of the red rocks with the light illuminating them and the sacred ark were so inviting and beautifully designed to give a warm, welcoming feeling as one enters the sanctuary. I have felt the same awe and sense of well-being each time I turn the key and enter the building.”
Reflecting on her two decades at JCSVV, Rabbi Magal said, “I am very fortunate to be here at this time and in this place. My mission has been to serve as a spiritual leader in the community, to bring the joy and beauty of my heritage to those seeking meaning, comfort and inspiration in their lives.”
As Rabbi Magal looks forward to continuing as spiritual leader at JCSVV as well as participating in community interfaith collaborations, she said, “I wish all our members, guests, and Sedona friends and neighbors a sense of peace and wholeness conveyed in the word Shalom.”
Members of the Rabbi Magal’s Celebration committee include Patricia Eyres, Lisa Glinsky, Jenny Hirst, Sheila Jackman and Sybil Malinowski Melody.
Each attendee will receive a Tribute Program book which is filled with additional tributes from congregants, colleagues, and those who have worked with Rabbi Magal and seen first-hand her effectiveness as the synagogue’s Rabbi. Tickets can be ordered online at www.jcsvv.org.