Temple Emanu-El Haverhill News
September 8, 2020 | 19th of Elul 5780
Dear friends,

So much is going on at Temple Emanu-El right now! Last Shabbat we had the joy and honor of joining Maxwell and his family as he became a bar mitzvah. This week, the Temple is buzzing with activity in preparation for the High Holy Days. Okay, well the building isn’t literally buzzing. But certainly many congregants, clergy, and staff are busy over Zoom, the phone, and email, taking care of all the tasks involved in creating meaningful ways for us to experience the High Holy Days this year. Cantor Vera continues to facilitate an Elul writing practice, and I just finished teaching a two-part deep dive into High Holy Day liturgy. This motzei-Shabbat (Saturday night) is the S’lichot service when, together with Congregation Beth Israel of Andover, we will recite some of the confessional ...
Shalom chevre,

Mazal tov to Maxwell, his parents Erin and Jonathan, and all his family on an absolutely beautiful celebration of becoming a bar mitzvah this past Shabbat. Thank you for leading us with such poise and resonance, and for teaching us so compellingly about light, dark, and the importance of affirming that Black lives matter. Our community is blessed by this simchah!
 
I hope to see you all at S’lichot, 7:30 pm this Saturday, in conjunction with CBI—please pre-register here so that we can send you the booklet and songs beforehand, but you’re also welcome to register right up to the last minute to get the Zoom link!
 
Shavua tov,
Cantor Vera
Hineini for Remote Davenning
with Cantor Vera and Rabbi Rachel

Adapted from Cantor Matt Alexrod,
A Hineini for 2020/5781
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.
Cantor Vera is not holding 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
September 12, 2020
23rd of Elul 5780

Parashat Nitzavim
Torah: D’varim (Deuteronomy) 29:9–30:14
Haftarah: Y’shayahu (Isaiah) 61:10–63:9

Click on above links to view the text, in Hebrew and English, on Sefaria.org.
Upcoming Temple Events (Virtual)
Sponsor a High Holy Day Service

This year’s High Holy Day Services are being held virtually. We have hired a technical support engineer to oversee the High Holy Day Zoom services. If you would like to defray the cost and sponsor any of the following services for $360, please let Nancy know:

  • Erev Rosh HaShanah (sponsored)
  • Rosh HaShanah Day One
  • Rosh HaShanah Day Two
  • Kol Nidrei (sponsored)
  • Yom Kippur (sponsored)

All sponsors will be recognized for their contributions.
Thank you!
Weekly Temple Events (Virtual)
On Our Website
Find us on YouTube!

Temple Emanu-El now has a YouTube channel!
Check in frequently for videos of services,
music, and other Temple events.
Community Interest
Merrimack Valley Project
Gas Explosion 2nd Anniversary Events

Zoom Listening Session
Saturday, September 12, 4:00 pm

Join members of the community and representatives from the Attorney General's Office and one from DOER (Department of Energy Resources) who will describe the terms of the Columbia Gas settlement and the benefits to the MV community. A representative from HEET will describe the geothermal microdistrict energy system pilot that is anticipated in the Merrimack Valley as part of the settlement.

To receive the Zoom information, please email waltermenamvp@gmail.com or send a WhatsApp to 209.598.5145 and write "Lawrence Listening Session" in the title.

Bilingual Interfaith Service, via Facebook Live
Sunday, September 13, 5:00 pm

Ever since the gas disaster, local clergy have been meeting to address the impact of the disaster on the people of the valley and to advocate for fair treatment. Today, they are engaged in talks with the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Energy Resources about how to spend $25 million for support for low-income people. They have also created a food distribution network to help feed hungry Lawrencians via local congregations. All are welcome to join and listen to this service (which will be in both English and Spanish) featuring many of the clergy who are part of this team.
S'lichot Through Hebrew College
Tuesdays and Fridays during Elul

S’lichot is an experience of awakening that serves the transformation and new beginning of Tishrei. For about two decades R. Ebn Leader said S’lichot for the month of Elul with a particular community of Kurdish Jews in Jerusalem, and he has been leading S’lichot with students at Hebrew College for years since. This year, in partnership with Hadar, he is opening the experience to a wider community in virtual form. Cantor Vera has had the privilege of participating in Rabbi Leader’s beautiful, heart-opening S’lichot community practices for years and uses some of R. Leader’s melodies in our own Temple’s High Holy Day services. She hopes you’ll join her and Rabbi Rachel at these opportunities!

You can register for S’lichot with R. Leader 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.
Temple Emanu-El | www.TempleEmanu-El.org