Saturday, March 21, 2020 \ 25 Adar 5780 9:00 AM Torah Study
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It may seem ironic that the name of this week’s Torah portion is about assembling at a time when we are forbidden to do so. Yet, the first word of the reading can guide us through this uncertain moment. Vayakhel is based in the Hebrew root for “community.” Less important than the physical gathering or even the physical space, we learn, is the spirit involved. The project described in the Torah is more about process than product, it is about gifts of the heart offered for the greater good. We can read the opening words of the Torah portion as, “Moses built community.”
We do the same. From our homes, we too create a sacred community that sustains and nurtures us through this moment. We may gather remotely, but we are still connected.
This week has been filled with holy communal moments: A bar mitzvah celebrated with innovation and creativity A hastily arranged and tiny wedding in defiance of the darkness. So many emails and calls from those who want to offer help. Support and love freely offered and accepted with open hearts.
Let us focus on the moments of grace and loving kindness as anchors in this turbulent time.
As we enter Shabbat, a sanctuary in time that connects us, the spirit of our Temple Beth-El family is strong and beautiful. May that reality continue to sustain and inspire us all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah
Upcoming Virtual Events
NFTY-NE Bedtime Story Saturday, March 21,2020 8:30 PM
Pop-up Torah Classes In our amazing community, we each have something to share! Join us for these classes where members of our community will share their Torah via the Zoom links below. Do you have some “torah” to teach? Let us know and we’d love to showcase your knowledge with our community as a way to stay connected!
“I’m So Stressed': Coping and Resilience in Troubled Times.” Dr. Deborah Carr Sunday, March 22, 2020 12:00 PM
The Vanishing American Neighbor Marc Dunkelman visiting fellow at Brown's Taubman Center for American Policy and Politics Monday, March 23, 2020 2:00 PM
Tehillim - Soul Soothing Psalms with Rabbi Gavi Ruit Thursday, March 26, 2020 4:00 PM During times of uncertainty and distress, Jews have always turned to the Sefer Tehillim - The Book of Psalms - for solace, guidance, and renewal. Rabbi Gavi Ruit will lead a Psalms discussion group on Thursdays at 4pm. We will be reading and discussing Psalms selected specifically for these difficult times.
Meditation and Mindfulness Each evening please join our friends at the Center for Resilience for a moment of peace and a 10 minute mindfulness session at 8:00 PM via Zoom.
