In Parshat Ki Teitzei, we learn a number of laws that reference earlier stories in the Torah. How does this parsha hint at the work we are expected to do throughout Elul? Our Friday night service begins at 6:00 p.m. and concludes around 6:50 p.m. This week I will lead the davening and 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, and Motzei. 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.
Shabbat Conversations
with Rabbi Feld
Join us in the social hall at 9:30 before our morning service for a deeper dive into the parsha and the hidden meanings of our prayers. Light snacks will be provided. This week: A new twist on a familiar story.
SHABBAT MORNING:
The Story Within the Story
This week we read Parshat Ki Teitzei (Deut. 21:10-25:19), a grab bag of different laws and court cases. Using tools of midrash-making, we will ask questions and explore the lives of the different people presented to us by our text in lieu of a sermon. For those joining online, you can find the questions and the excerpts from the Torah portion here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/429671
Our service begins at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary, and you can join us in person or on Livestream. Sam Evans will read Torah, Marci Shaw will read Haftorah, and I will lead services and offer a teaching. Services will conclude around noon and will be followed by a kiddush luncheon.
ELUL MEDIATATIONS
Throughout the month of Elul, I will be offering weekly prompts for those who want to meditate or journal in preparation for the High Holidays. For the second week of Elul, we focus on our loved ones. What relationships have been deeply fulfilling this year? What made them so? Who has hurt us, and whom have we hurt? What repair might be possible? For this week, I recommend focusing on one person who’s on your mind, and being as specific as you can in your meditation or journaling, and then perhaps circling back at another time to think about a different person.
I owe deep gratitude for this practice to my mother, Merle Feld. If you would like to take this Elul meditation deeper, or if you’re just curious to learn more about her work, I invite you to visit https://derekh.org/elul2023.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Lisa Feld
Simcha Shabbat & Kiddush
Simcha Shabbat - 1st Shabbat of each month. Share your family's celebratory moments with the congregation by helping sponsor kiddush. More info
And we know that there are times when congregants and families simply want to sponsor kiddush outside of our monthly Simcha Shabbat. To acknowledge a special occasion, such as a yahrzeit or other important event, simply go to our Donations webpage
Alternative Shabbat Programs
Starbucks Shabbat: Saturdays at 12 pm onZOOM Enjoy an informal cup of joe while discussing various topics from the weekly parsha to current events. No RSVP needed; come regularly or pop in!
