We are leaving a high point of our year – the High Holiday services, with their familiar music and dramatic message. There was a major emphasis on the ongoing possibility for change and how we can help one another along that path. But as soon we heard the final shofar blast we returned to our rushed world and began preparing for Sukkot – building our communal sukkah and reciting prayers that include prayers for repentance. A new cycle has begun. How can we bring some of the message of the holidays into our lives? Tonight we will reflect on next steps and preparing for Sukkot.
Our Friday night service begins at 6:00 p.m. and concludes around 6:50 p.m. This week Reb Josh will be leading the davening and I will share a teaching.
Our service is designed to create a buffer between the work week and Shabbat rest. We aim to make the atmosphere like a family shabbat table complete with Candle Lighting, Blessing one another, Kiddush, Motzei and Angel Cards. Before and after the service we take time to check in with one another and share greetings (feel free to log on early). Our service has been abridged for ZOOM but includes familiar and new melodies, readings from the margins of the siddur, and some learning.
The readings for Parshat Haazinu in the torah and haftorah present the final poetic testaments of Moses and King David. Moses focuses on the people he led and their complex relationship with God. Sometimes the people have rebelled and Moses presents a God who enacts vengeance. David’s focus is on his own life and the moments he felt God’s grace and mercy. In my teaching I will present some later “ethical wills” and think with you about how to review your own life and prepare your legacy.
Our service begins at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary (and sitting in our new, comfortable, chairs). Reb Josh will be leading the davening and I will be offering a teaching on the legacies we want to leave. Services conclude around noon, and are followed by kiddush luncheon. You can also join us on live stream (links below).
Entering Sukkot
Here is a link to all of our sukkot services starting with the erev Sukkot service on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom; Services Monday are in the Sanctuary and online (LiveControl and YouTube); and services Monday night and Tuesday morning will be on Zoom (hopefully, Reb Josh and I will be zooming from our home Sukkot).
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sameach, Rabbi Leonard Gordon
A PDF of the Shabbat morning siddur is available by clicking the pic to your right, so you can follow from home if you do not have a siddur.
If you need a bible, please be in touch with our office or consider purchasing a copy of Siddur Lev Shalem and Humash Etz Hayyim for your home library.
Services are streamed and in person, as follows
(click the icon/logo for the link)
Friday, 6:00 PM, Kabbalat Shabbat Services on Zoom
Saturday, 10:00AM, Shabbat Morning Services
Join us in person if fully vaccinated; masking is optional but recommended;
