Beit HaLev

Beit Halev wants to remind its members that all livestream Shabbat services, evening and morning, will begin 30 minutes earlier than usual. Services for Erev Shabbat will now begin at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday morning services start at 10.

Beit HaLev livestream services are on Facebook at www. facebook.com/galityomtov and Zoom. To join the Zoomagogue community, go to: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/915243470 4? pwd= THJGTE1OUXI5VXF DTWtuZHF4K3VxUT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit.

There will be no Shabbat services on Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Beit HaLev will begin live, in-person services after the first of the year. Masks must be worn, and complimentary Beit HaLev masks will be offered to those who need one.

Nearly every generation in the Book of Genesis is fraught with cases of sibling rivalry. “Vayeishev” (he settled) begins the story of Joseph, Jacob’s firstborn son of his beloved Rachel. His other half-brothers resented the favoritism lauded upon Joseph, particularly a colorful robe that signified his status. So they ambushed him and sold him to an Ishmaelite caravan that was bound for Egypt. In the Triennial Cycle reading, Joseph is an overseer in the house of Potiphar, an official to Pharaoh. Potiphar’s wife, whose name is never given, repeatedly attempts to seduce Joseph, ultimately tearing away his robe. Spurned and angry, she shows the robe to her husband and tells him that she was assaulted by Joseph, leaving his master no choice but to incarcerate him in Pharaoh’s prison. Joseph’s gift of prophecy is brought to the forefront when he predicts the fate of two other prisoners, one who will be exonerated and the other to be hanged.

All Beit HaLev services use the 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 when in-person services resume.

Beit HaLev and Rabbi Galit- Shirah are a part of the Union of Jewish Universalist Clergy and Communities. It is progressive in thought and traditional in liturgy. The services are joyous, meaningful and musical. Beit HaLev welcomes everyone who seeks a path to the divine and doesn’t believe in labels. It considers all religions holy and valid.

To request a membership form for Beit HaLev, call Rabbi Galit-Shirah at (562) 715-0888 or email duets@icloud.com.