By Rabbi Alicia Magal
The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom.
Erev Shabbat services begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, January 31, 2025, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. The Torah portion for this week is Bo (Exodus 10:1 – 13:16), the third portion telling of contacts between Moses and Pharaoh. Each time Moses pleads to let the Israelites go free, but Pharaoh refuses. Seven plagues have been visited upon Egypt. Now the last three of the Ten Plagues will come: locusts, darkness, and the slaying of the first born sons. Finally Pharaoh agrees. The Israelites celebrate their very first Passover, marking the beginning of their freedom as a people. All generations observe this celebration in remembrance of their departure from Egypt and their first steps into their journey of freedom.
Meditation class, led by Rosalie Malter and Rabbi Magal, will meet on February 5 at 4:00 pm on zoom. Participants are led in a guided meditation based on elements in the week’s Torah reading.
Torah study, led by Rabbi Magal, will meet on Thursday, February 6 at 4:00 pm on zoom. The Torah portion for that week is Beshallach (Exodus 13:17 – 17:16), telling of the Exodus to freedom. Pharaoh and his army pursue the fleeing Israelites. At that moment of extreme danger, God provides a miracle: the sea parts and the Israelites are able to walk through the sea on dry land! In the Torah there is a poetic Song of the Sea, praising God for having saved the people from destruction. Discussion enables participants to make the ancient stories relevant to our own lives.
The Social Action Committee is collecting cans or boxes of 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.
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. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Synagogue website – www.jcsvv.org