Weekly Message 04.24.2026 Parashat Acharei-Kedoshim

Parashat Acharei (after the death of) - Kedoshim (holy ones) Leviticus 16:1 - 20:27

HafTorah - Amos 9:7-15

Dear friends,

As we have reached the halfway point between the festivals of Passover and Shavuot and the Counting of the Omer, we are also beyond the halfway point to the High Holy Days which are now less than 5 months away. And to help us get ready, this Shabbat, we read the double portion of Achrei Mot/Kedoshim, the same Torah readings from the Book of Leviticus 16:1-17:7 that we chant on the morning and afternoon services of Yom Kippur describing the unique rituals and fasting taking place on that day of atonement. When reading our Haftorah from the prophet Amos 9:7-15, we are reminded that all people regardless of ethnicity are dear to Hashem and that Hashem's special relationship with Israel is based solely on moral foundations. Israelites who lead immoral lives are no closer to Hashem than are the Amalekites and other evil nations. Please join me this evening at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am as we gather for our Shabbat services. And as our Hazzan Perry has yahrzeit this evening, we will daven a quick Mincha service as soon as we have a minyan so that he can say Kaddish. So, if you can arrive in-person or virtually on Zoom just a few minutes earlier than 7, we will be able to accomplish this. Much appreciated!

And as you can see, Temple Beth David has invited us to an interfaith Yom HaShoah service and luncheon on Sunday at 11:30 am. We will carpool from our synagogue parking lot at 10:45 am so please let me know if you will be joining us for this inspirational program.

And please see the remainder of the spring schedule below and pay particular attention to the Women of Distinction celebration to be held on May 3rd at 1 pm at Congregation B'nai Israel in St. Petersburg. This is your last chance to register for this exciting event. This year we are honoring Ana Calderon who serves as our synagogue's secretary and one of our most outstanding volunteers. She is a fixture at all of our Shabbat and Festival services, transports many (including yours truly who is unable to drive at night) and is a shining example for us all. Please help us honor her with a big crowd from our shul by signing up ASAP to attend this wonderful annual event at Women of Distinction - Reaching New Summits | Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast We will be carpooling from the synagogue leaving at 11:45 am.

Saturday, April 25 We are one of the sponsors of the annual African American Club Scholarship dinner at 4 pm at the Seven Springs Country Club at 3535 Trophy Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655 just off Little Road. We will carpool from the synagogue. All are encouraged to attend this important community fundraising event. See the flyer below.

Thursday, April 30 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK

Sunday, May 3 Please plan to attend the gala Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast Women of Distinction celebration. This year we honor Ana Calderon for all that she has done for our synagogue and the community. The event will begin at 1 pm. Please register at Women of Distinction - Reaching New Summits | Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast The cost is $36/person for the program and reception, and we will carpool from the synagogue.

Thursday, May 21 We will gather on Zoom for our Annual Erev Shavuot study night held jointly with Temple Beth David at 7 pm. Each presenter will speak for 10-15 minutes followed by discussion. Please consider leading a session on any religious, historical, or cultural topic. Zoom link to be provided.

Friday, May 22 We will observe the first day of Shavuot with Yom Tov services at 9:30 am including the chanting of the poem Akdamut followed by the reading of the Ten Commandments.

Friday, May 22 We will observe the evening of the holiday of Shavuot with Shabbat/Yom Tov services at 6:30 pm (note the earlier starting time) including excerpts from the Book of Ruth followed by a wonderful Shabbat/Yom Tov dinner. Stay tuned for further details!

Saturday, May 23 We will observe the second day of the holiday of Shavuot with services at 9:30 am including the Yizkor Memorial Service, the last one before Yom Kippur.

Tuesday, May 26 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK

Friday, June 19 We will have a Shabbat "Juneteenth" dinner after services which will begin at 6:30 pm (note the earlier starting time). Stay tuned for further details!

Wednesday, July 8 We will be participating in Jewish Heritage Night at Tropicana Field when the Rays take on the New York Yankees at 6:40 pm. We will be carpooling from the synagogue parking lot at 5 pm. In addition to the game and sitting with our Jewish friends from throughout our region, each participant will receive a commemorative jersey. Please let us know ASAP if you will be joining us so that we can purchase the tickets.