Beit HaLev

Beit HaLev is conducting services on Zoom. Anyone interested in joining the Beit HaLev Zoom community for services and Hebrew lessons, contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 for access and instructions on how to use Zoom.

Beit HaLev is continuing to livestream on Facebook and YouTube as well. To attend, go to Rabbi Galit Shirah’s website at galityomtov.com, Facebook. com/galityomtov or YouTube. com (Shabbat Shalom LIVE! channel). Evening services begin at 6 and morning services begin at 10:30. A link to the PDF version of each prayer book and “Lev L’Lev,” is provided at each service.

The Autumn Festival of Sukkot ends with a final moment to commune with HaShem and to embrace and celebrate God’s ultimate gift to the world: the Torah. Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor (Memorial Service) and Simchat Torah will be observed on Shabbat morning (Saturday). Beit HaLev’s schedule for livestream services for Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah is Saturday, Oct.10, at 10:30 a.m.

Simchat Torah (Joy of Torah) is highlighted by the reading of the final words of the Torah “V’zot Hab’racha,” (And this is the blessing) immediately followed by the first words of the Torah, “B’reisheet” (In beginning).

Just as all the Israelites stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai to accept God’s Law, every member of every Jewish congregation on earth is bestowed an Aliyah (the honor of a blessing for the readings). At Beit HaLev we symbolically stand under a Chupah (covering for weddings) to be “wedded” to HaShem and our Torah.

Rabbi Galit Shirah conducts a weekday Ma’ariv service every Thursday for Sim Shalom, the online synagogue. Sim Shalom presents livestream services Monday-Thursday, with a different rabbi each day. To say Kaddish, pray for healing and hear a spiritual message, go to SimShalom.com.

Rabbi Galit Shirah’s Zoom classes will resume in November. For information, contact the Rabbi at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com.