Beit Halev

Rabbi-Cantor Galit-Shirah has decided to postpone Beit HaLev’s return to live, in-person services until March. The omicron surge will hopefully have ebbed and the extension of the mask mandate will hopefully be lifted by then. Until then, Beit HaLev livestream services are on Facebook at Facebook.com/ galityomtov and Zoom. To join the Zoomagogue community, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 9152434704?pwd=THJGTE1O UXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4K3Vx-UT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit.

This Shabbat is Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song. The Torah reading, “Beshalach,” Exodus 14:26-17:16, includes the “Song at the Sea,” the crossing of the Red Sea on dry land by the Israelites, followed by the entire pursuing Egyptian army being drowned. The Israelite men broke into song praising HaShem for their redemption; the women, led by the Prophet Mirian, Moses’ sister, took their timbrels and sang and danced as well. As the newly freed people began their journey to Mount Sinai, they began to complain about the lack of food and water, saying they never should have left the comfort of their Egyptian enslavement.

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 live, in-person services.

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.

Rabbi Galit Shirah