We enter shabbat this week following two major elections, in Israel and in America. It has been an anxious and uncertain time and much is still unresolved. This shabbat we enter a time of rest, in the words of one of our prayers “following a tumultuous week.” Join us for fellowship and song, study and the rituals of the shabbat table. Reb Lisa will lead the davening and be our teacher.
Our Friday night service begins at 6:00 p.m. and concludes around 7:00 p.m. You can also join us on Zoom. Join a few minutes early so we can greet one another.
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.
Vayera – returning to the stories of Rosh Hashanah
This week we return to the torah readings for Rosh Hashanah, now in their sequence in the Genesis readings. We read of a family in crisis. Sarah comes into conflict with her maid servant Hagar, ultimately leading to the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael and then the sacrifice of Isaac. We will revisit these stories and read a chapter carefully together. The story of the binding of Isaac leaves much to the imagination. Why? How are we to read a story that is so “fraught with background?” Reb Lisa will lead the davening and Linda Dietrich will read from the torah. Kiddush luncheon and conversation follow services.
Davening in the sanctuary begins at 10:00 a.m. You can also join us on live stream via the links below.
Lunch & Learn: Inclusivity and Exclusivity
My fall lunch and learn continues this (and every) Tuesday at noon. Our first topic is to compare texts on inclusivity and exclusivity in Judaism. Following up on my sermon from Kol Nidre, we will ask how Judaism holds conflicting perspectives on central issues and how we are to navigate that complexity. Who stood at Sinai? Class will be on Zoom.
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE: Sunday, Nov 20th
The revived Canton Interfaith Clergy Association will be hosting a Thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 20 th at the Congregational Church of Canton (1501 Washington Street) at 7:00 p.m. Join us for music and learning and to help support the local food pantry.
Shabbat Shalom,
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
Saturday, 10:00AM, Shabbat Morning Services
Join us in person if fully vaccinated; masking is optional but recommended;
