Temple Emanu-El Haverhill News
August 18, 2020 | 28th of Av 5780
Dear Friends,

I hope the end of summer is treating you well! This week we officially begin the period of introspection leading up to the High Holy Days as we enter the month of Elul. Just hearing the word “Elul” causes me to stop, take a breath, and contemplate the profundity of this time of personal reflection. As powerful as the High Holy Days are in and of themselves, the spiritual preparation we engage in during the month of Elul has the potential to make our experience of the holidays even richer, especially this year. This Elul, Cantor Vera and I are offering multiple opportunities for spiritual and intellectual preparation, including an Elul writing...
Rabbi Rachel would love to meet you! Set up a Zoom or phone meeting
by contacting her at RabbiRachel@TempleEmanu-El.org or 917.434.6198.
Hello friends,

Chodesh tov—blessings on the new month of Elul, which begins this Thursday, August 21! Our Rosh Chodesh group meets at 8pm this Saturday night, with Havdalah at 9pm. This month, we’ll look at the story of Hannah and spontaneous prayer in Judaism, as we prepare to hear her story on the first day of Rosh Hashanah for the Haftarah. Please email me if you’re planning to attend so I can send you the source sheet in advance—but drop-ins are also welcome. On Sunday, our Elul writing practice begins!

I hope also to see everyone at our wonderful Larry Tye author event today at 4pm, co-sponsored by HaSifriyah, Adult Ed, and Temple Emanuel of Andover, as Larry discusses ...
Due to precautions around the coronavirus, Cantor Vera will not hold physical office hours, but she remains available to you for your questions, conversations, and pastoral care. Please call her cellphone (617.372.3245) or contact her by email (CantorB@TempleEmanu-El.org) to set up a phone or video meeting.
Shabbat
August 22, 2020
2nd of Elul 5780

Parashat Shof'tim
Torah: D’varim (Deuteronomy) 16:18-18:5
Haftarah: Y’shayahu (Isaiah) 51:12-52:12

Click on above links to view the text, in Hebrew and English, on Sefaria.org.
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Check in frequently for videos of services,
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Community Interest
We Remember, We Act:
A Jewish Vigil for the Rohingya Genocide
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
4:00–4:30 p.m. EST

Please join American Jewish World Service and the Jewish Rohingya Justice Network for a virtual candlelight vigil. We’ll come together as a strong, unified Jewish movement from across the country standing with the Rohingya people to decry the ongoing genocide and decades of persecution that continue today.

Register here.
COVID-19 Testing Sites

From now through September 12, there are several free COVID-19 testing sites in Lawrence and Lowell. These are drive-up sites and allow free testing for folks, even if they aren't displaying symptoms. You do not have to be a resident of either city to take advantage of the site and pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Additional information is available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread.
City of Haverhill Emergency Rental Assistance

The City of Haverhill is launching a temporary rent support program designed to help people who have lost income because of COVID-19 pay their rent and/or utilities. Information and an application are available here.
Opportunities for Children and Young Adults in Haverhill


Opportunities to support those in need
 
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