Beit HaLev
Rabbi-Cantor Galit-Shirah is conducting a Prayer and Blessings class every Monday at 5 p.m. There is no charge to register;call (562) 715-0888 or email duets@icloud.com to sign up. This is a continuation of the class that was held last fall to learn the meanings of the prayers and blessings as well as the melodies for the Shabbat morning service. The Zoom link for the class is https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/9152434704?pwd=THJGTE1OUXI5VXFDT WtuZHF4K3VxUT09.
Beit HaLev has livestream services on Facebook.com/galityomtov, YouTube.com (Beit HaLev LIVE! Channel) and Zoom.
Livestream for the Friday Shabbat evening and Saturday morning service can be viewed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9152434704. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit.
The Torah reading, “Chukat” (Numbers 20:22-22:1), recounts the death of Aaron as the Israelites reach Mt. Hor. The brothers are reminded of striking the rock after being instructed to only speak to the rock to get water. Once again, the Israelites complain about not having the food they had in Egypt and HaShem punishes them by sending serpents that bite people. In ancient times, serpents represented both toxic death and healing. The Israelites who had been bitten were instructed to view a copper serpent mounted on a staff and they would be healed. As they continued their journey, they fought and won several battles, with HaShem’s help, until they reached Moab, the land across the Jordan from Jericho.
All Beit HaLev services use special prayerbooks, “Lev L’Lev,” which include excerpts from the Reform Siddur, “Mishkan HaT’filah.” Printed versions of the prayerbooks will be available for sale at in-person services.
Beit HaLev and Rabbi Galit-Shirah are part of the Union of Jewish Universalist Clergy and Communities. It is progressive in thought and traditional in liturgy. Everyone who seeks a path to the Divine is welcome, and Beit Halev doesn’t believe in labels.
To request a membership form, call Rabbi Galit-Shirah at (562) 715-0888 or email duets@icloud.com. Contributions to Beit HaLev are welcome and can be sent to Beit HaLev, P.O. Box 2279, Seal Beach, CA 90740.
