Doar Shalom: September 17, 2020 / 28 Elul, 5780
Erev Rosh Hashanah candle lighting: 8:03 pm
Rosh Hashanah II candle lighting: 7:14 pm
Rosh Hashanah II Havdalah: 8:01 pm
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Dear Holy Community,
There is much I will miss about our gatherings at the JCC over the Yamim Noraim. Perhaps most of all is the scene depicted: our greetings as we find our seats on Erev Yom Kippur, and as we come forward to light candles while our musicians play so evocatively. I love that informal half-hour of hand-shakes and hugs, of sharing something brief but seminal of the year past and blessings for the season. These interactions have enriched me, helped me to find my place amongst you and set the stage for my capacity to speak with you during my Erev Yom Kippur homily – experiencing real connection with hundreds of individuals I care about. I know that you, too, will miss these meaningful exchanges. Such is life at the beginning of 5781.
We will decorate the Bayit for the holidays and you may find it sweet to see the davening emanating from our sanctuary. But most of us will be at home, watching, and it is this phenomenon that I would like to speak to. Let’s not be spectators.
We have a term -- Mikdash M’at -- “small sanctuary,” traditionally used to refer to synagogues, houses of study, our homes, or ourselves, body and soul. Even more than our emotional investment in returning to the Bayit at 10th and Fraser for High Holiday virtual prayer in our charming, resonant synagogue, I urge our community to invest in creating the space we will actually inhabit, the place we’ll be sitting in our own living rooms or kitchens or gardens, our Mikdash M’at of this year.
We could show up at 10AM in pajamas, coffee cup in hand. We’ve become so causal during COVID. But let’s dress for the Birthday of the World and for the Day of At-One-ment – festive and colourful on Rosh Hashanah; in white, as we always do, on Yom Kippur.
Let’s decide where to set our computers and prepare that area, rendering it pristine, putting flowers in a vase, laying out our tallis in readiness, creating a display of symbolic or resonant objects. For Yizkor, let’s have photographs of our loved ones at hand. Let’s take advantage of being in personal spaces where we are free to surround ourselves with talismans that are meaningful to us but that we’d probably not pack up and bring to the JCC.
Let’s sing out the chants, niggunim, and familiar liturgical melodies with more abandon than we might in polite company. Let’s bring the music and our kavanah into our bodies more expressively than we might when confined to pristinely laid out rows of chairs. In other words, let’s create conducive space for participating in services this year. Let’s take advantage of this strange opportunity to create quirky, individualized sanctuaries that support and enhance our experience of virtual Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
In balance, Or Shalom will offer three opportunities to gather in person at the water’s edge in Olympic Village on the first day of Rosh Hashanah (3PM, 4PM or 5PM, by registration). There, we will engage in the poignant ritual of casting our sins, our excess, even our blessings upon the water, and we’ll have an opportunity to hear the Shofar blown from the centre of the canoe bridge set above and away, out over the water. Even if you have never participated in Tashlich before, this year it is a central aspect of our communal worship. I won’t be able to shake your hand or give a hug, but I look forward to smiling at you in person, setting my hand over my heart and offering you a little bow in greeting, to honour your presence in my life and in community.
Shana tova u-metuka,
Rabbi Hannah
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Rosh Hashanah Services and Events |
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Zoomed from the Bayit with Rabbi Hannah – candle lighting and the stirring nusach of the Erev Rosh Hashanah service. Please have a copy of the Velveteen Rabbi’s Machzor on hand for Erev Rosh Hashanah.
Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 878 7682 4812; Passcode: 699048
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Zoomed from the Bayit with Rabbi Hannah, Harriet Frost, Nomi Fenson, Sally Thorne, Wendy Rubin, Alycia Fridkin, Dave Kauffman, Avril Orloff, Tyche Smith, Carol Ann Fried, Bat Ami Segal, Harley Rothstein and Reva Malkin.
Please have your own Harlow Machzor in hand for our High Holiday services.
Join Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 881 6345 4307; Passcode: 890672
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Self-directed Tashlich followed by Shofar from afar. Shofar to be sounded by Daniel Wosk and Charles Cohen. Space is limited, please register HERE. The Tashlich and Shofar service is going ahead rain or shine!
If you are unable to secure a spot, our Rosh Hashanah Day II Zoom Community Service includes the sounding of Shofar at 11 AM via Zoom. See below for details.
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Part i: In-person FAMILY SERVICE for pre-registered parents and children led by Rabbi Hannah with Matthew Gindin.
This program is fully subscribed. Only those that have pre-registered will be able to attend in person.
Part ii: The COMMUNITY SERVICE includes the sounding of Shofar by Charles Cohen, Good Yontif break-out Groups, Torah Service and Musaf, all zoomed from the Bayit.
Torah service with Rabbi Hannah, Casey Collins, Heidi Mannis, Robin Friedlander, and Malcolm Steinberg.
Musaf with Rabbi Susan Shamash, Harley Rothstein, and Reva Malkin.
Please have your own Harlow Machzor in hand for our High Holiday services.
Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 884 1832 7480; Passcode: 839011
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ISAAC IN A BIND a pre-taped theatrical presentation |
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Sunday, September 20, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A pre-taped theatrical presentation of Midrash on the Akeida (binding of Isaac) produced by Avi Dolgin and followed by discussion led by Avril Orloff.
Join via Zoom . Meeting ID: 865 6328 7764; Passcode: 613303
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Preparing for the Days of Awe |
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In Preparation for Yizkor Service on Yom Kippur |
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The names of loved ones we have lost during this past year will be read aloud during the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur. To add the names of your beloveds, email yizkor@orshalom.ca by September 18.
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Borrowing Prayerbooks
(Machzorim)
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Please have your own Harlow Machzor in hand for our
High Holiday services
PLUS
The Velveteen Rabbi's Machzor
for Erev Rosh Hashanah
If you would like to sign out a Machzor from Or Shalom for virtual High Holidays services, email the office at office@orshalom.ca to arrange a pick up time or a delivery time (please allow around 5 days for volunteer deliveries).
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High Holidays Tzedakah Project |
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Do a big mitzvah!
Donate to the high holy day tzedakah fund online
The Tikkun Olam Commitee chose the following four organizations for the 5781 High Holy Days’ Tzedakah Fund. We were guided by the intention to support one of our current charities (BWSS), one Israeli charity, and one each of Indigenous and environmental organizations, the two key focus areas for our Tikkun Olam at this time. We will divide the tzedakah collected equally among each of these four worthy organizations.
Battered Women’s Support Services: A feminist voice against violence and oppression, BWSS is a strong, dynamic organization that provides support and advocacy for women who have experienced abuse, as well as community education and training about violence against women.
Rabbis for Human Rights: RHR has been on the front lines of social justice work in Israel since 1988 and is the only rabbinic voice in Israel explicitly dedicated to human rights.
Fostering Change: launched by the Vancouver Foundation in 2013 with the goal of addressing homelessness by providing opportunities and support for youth transitioning out of foster care.
Raven Trust: provides legal funds for Indigenous communities to protect their territories, partnering with Indigenous peoples to enable access to Canada’s justice system.
A donation to Or Shalom is a wonderful way to fulfill the mitzvah of tzedekah. Donations can be to the Or Shalom Tzedakah Fund HERE.
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Other Happenings this Week |
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See our new Event Calendar for details and Zoom links for upcoming programs, services, and events.
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Friday September 18 to Thursday September 24 |
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Tomer Devorah
- led by Rabbi Hannah, Matthew Gindin, Rabbi Yoni Gordis, and Alycia Fridkin
Friday, September 18
12:00 pm
Please register via Eventbrite; drop-ins are welcome, however, more will be gained from fuller entry into the daily practice. Tomer Devorah text is available HERE.
Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 821 3648 1430; Passcode: 594533
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Friday, September 18
1:00 pm
PRAYERS FOR HEALING
Tehillim for the Human Family led by John Fuerst
This Friday we will learn and daven Psalm 72, following the tradition of praying for a person’s recovery by reciting the psalm that matches the person’s age.
Psalms are available in Hebrew and English HERE.
Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 873 2214 6883; Password: 200901
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Come and build the Or Shalom Sukkah and
Connect with Friends
We are looking for enthusiastic, able bodied, robust individuals to assist in building our Sukkah. If this job description describes you to a ‘T’, please complete the FORM. We need to collect these details for contact tracing and to know how many folks to expect.
You are welcome to bring a young protégé, however we do ask that you provide direct supervision for safety reasons.
Todah Rabba and Yashar Koach!
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Bring Your Own Picnic: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, or Dessert; and Bring a Decoration or Two to Beautify the Sukkah!
The Sukkah will be open by reservation for 2 hour visits between 11:30 am to 7:30 pm. You are invited to have a meal or a snack in the Sukkah during Sukkot with those in your bubble (up to six people per bubble). Bring your own food, drinks, eating utensils, ritual objects (Kiddush cup? Challah cover?), a decoration or two, and all else you need or desire.
Pack out what you bring in! A sanitizing station will be set up inside the Sukkah. Keep in mind that the Bayit remains closed to visitors due to Covid. Reserve your 2 hour spot HERE. |
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Programs Open For Registration |
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Come join us for transformative, inclusive, communal learning that opens doorways in both the mind and the heart.
Zusia is serious but playful study and is for all learners who are interested in examining the multi-faceted nature of Torah and Jewish culture.
Each course is taught by an instructor with specialized knowledge and a passion for expressive and deep thought. Our bet midrash, literally “house of learning,” is currently being offered via Zoom.
Fall 2020 Zusia Course Offerings!
This year, the first Zusia courses begin November 2020. See course descriptions below for details and course fees; Special rates for Or Shalom members!
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Spinoza: Jewish Philosophy In The Time of Covid-19
Spinoza was among the most fearless of philosophers. He formed his thought both in tension with, and inspired by, his Jewish background. His vision of personal and communal ethics is as countercultural today as it was in the 17th century, and is still provoking revolutionary thought and action.
In this 4 week online class we will look at Spinoza’s potent insights on joy, human flourishing and freedom, democracy, and community and how these can offer us guidance during our current moment of overlapping crises.
Instructor: Matthew Gindin
Prerequisite: None:
Dates: Tuesdays, November 3 – November 24, 2020
Time: 7-9 PM
Investment: Members $60; Non-Members $98
Please find further details and registration HERE. |
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Return to the Place: The Wisdom of Sefer Yetzirah
Sefer Yetzirah is an ancient and foundational work of Jewish mysticism. This brief and cryptic book imagines letters as the building blocks of the universe, focusing our attention on the components of space, time, and soul and the elements of air, fire, and water. Its goal is to allow adepts to contemplate, and even partake in, the Divine creative process.
In this series, we will explore sections from the book closely as well as use images from the text to meditate and reflect on our own spiritual experience. In the worldview of the Sefer Yetzirah, we and all things are part of the One, and all we need to do is remember and return.
This course will consist of a series of three pre-recorded video lessons with downloadable text, online chevruta work in study assigned groups, and a final (4th) session that is an interactive webinar with Rabbi Hammer.
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD, is the Director of Spiritual Education at the Academy for Jewish Religion, and the co-founder of the Kohenet Hebrew Priestess Institute. Her most recent book is titled Return to the Place: The Magic, Meditation, and Mystery of Sefer Yetzirah.
She is also the author of Sisters at Sinai: New Tales of Biblical Women, The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for all Seasons, The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership (with Taya Shere), Siddur haKohanot: A Hebrew Priestess Prayerbook (with Taya Shere) and The Book of Earth and Other Mysteries.
Instructor: Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
Prerequisite: None:
Dates: Tuesdays, November 3 – November 24, 2020
Time: 7-9 PM
Investment: Members $60; Non-Members $98
Please find further details and registration HERE. |
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Exploring Judaism, led by Rabbi Hannah Dresner.
Or Shalom’s yearly program for those on the path to discovering Judaism and for those wishing to deepen basic understandings.
Our new season will begin with online monthly Zoom classes, starting Monday, October 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. Please find further details and registration HERE.
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Children and Youth Program |
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Shabbat Sheli
We will be returning this year with a new teacher- Samantha Fogel! Sammy is coming to us after a year of working with kids in the same age range at
Har-El in North Vancouver. She has years of experience working with kids as well as in positions of service to the community at large and we are lucky to have her. Please find further details and registration HERE.
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Bright Lights
Matthew Gindin will again be teaching this program which will include text study, discussion, art, crafts and play. The curriculum will focus on learning the stories of our ancestors in the Tanakh, beginning Hebrew Alphabet studies, and the continued learning of mussar (Jewish values). Matthew is excited to learn with kids old and new after summer break!
Please find further details and registration HERE. |
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B'Yachad
Going forward Byachad is reimagined as a two year course with the option to stay on after Simchat Mitzvah for another year at no additional cost.
Our revised curriculum delivers a broad knowledge of Jewish culture, religion, history and values, hoping to offer a multitude of portals to Jewish identity. Harriet Frost will teach an expanded Hebrew and Trope curriculum which will give the students a deeper knowledge of Hebrew and allow them to spend more time working on leining in preparation for the Simcha!
Please find further details and registration HERE. |
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A donation was made by Marianne Rev to the Tzedakah Fund in Honour of Rabbi Hannah and the High Holy Days Committee. Thank you for all the work you are doing on our behalf!
- A donation was made by Lise Minovitz & Eric Frey to the Rabbi's Benevolent Fund in Memory of Osher Minovitz's Yahrtzeit, ז’’ל.
- A donation was made by Lise & Eric Frey to the Tzedakah Fund in Memory of Anne Minovitz's Yahrtzeit, ז’’ל.
- Thank you to Robert Bateman for assisting the office with the Bayit wifi upgrade.
- Thank you to Rabbi Yoni Gordis and Alycia Fridkin for teaching several of our Tomer Devorah classes.
- Thank you to Karen Rabinovitch and Motti Lis for hosing Erev Shabbat Candle Lighting on Friday, September 11.
- Thank you to Rabbi Susan Shamash for leading the Shabbat morning Torah Study and abbreviated davening on Saturday, September 12.
- Thank you to Rabbi Susan Shamash for leading "More Talmud" on Sunday, September 13.
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Thank you to our musicians: Martin Gotfrit, Dave Kauffman, Noah Gotfrit, Harriet Frost and Wendy Rubin, and to our readers: Aren X Tulchinsky, Cecil Hershler, Els Kushner, Katherine Zemliya, Mark Winston, Philippe Tortell, Rhea Tregebov, Shelley Stein-Wotten, Tiferet Welch and Val Dolgin for sharing your art and insights during our Selichot Koreh Event.
- Thank you to Alex Leslie for co-curating the Selichot Koreh Event and thank you to Avril Orloff and Tyche Smith for providing technical Zoom support.
- Thank you to Dave Kauffman and Martin Gotfrit for their tireless technical and logistical preparations for the High Holidays.
- Thank you to Wendy Oberlander and Mary Aldersberg for preparing the creation boxes for the Rosh Hashanah Family Service being held on Sunday, September 20.
- Thank you to Mary Aldersberg for her help preparing for the High Holidays.
- Thank you to Fran Ritch for organizing flowers to beautify the Bayit during the High Holidays.
- Thank you to the Gemilut Chesed Working Group and to our Covid-19 volunteers for their ongoing support.
- Thank you to our Yom Tov greeters:
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Ann Daskal
Mark Welch
Mark Drew
Abby Fitch
Ros Kunin
Mary Adlersberg
Jane Heyman
Carol Ann Fried
Tiferet Welch
Hana Wosk
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Lorne Prupas
Susan Karovitch
Pat Gill
Alexis Kellus-Creer
Jack Sniderman
Sara Buell
Miriam Eguchi
Tyche Smith
Fran Ritch
Nomi Fenson
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Your tax-deductible donation to Or Shalom can be used to honour an accomplishment or life event, say thank you for a mitzvah or job well-done, or remember a loved ones passing.
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Jewish Federation Campaign |
Here's the annual message from Jewish Federation of Vancouver to encourage giving to the annual campaign. |
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