Parashat Acharei Mot (after the death of) Leviticus 16:1 - 18:30
HafTorah-Ezekiel 22
Dear friends,
With the wonderful Passover celebration behind us, we thank all who prepared for and participated in our in-person Seder, at our religious services, and volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries and we return to our routines inspired by our experiences during the holiday.
We began counting the Omer during Passover and will continue to count each day and make each day count between now and the festival of Shavuot in a little over a month from now. On this particularly meaningful Shabbat weekend which concludes with our Yom HaShoah program on Sunday, we return to the Book of Leviticus (Vayikra) and the portion of Acharey Mot. This year's triennial reading is identical to the prohibitions that we read during the afternoon (Mincha) service on Yom Kippur. Sometimes it is difficult for us to grasp its meaning in today's context so it will surely spark a lively discussion. Then our Haftorah from the prophet Ezekiel helps prepare us for Yom HaShoah as he implores an exiled fragment of what was once a nation to remain steadfast in its faith while forcibly residing in the land of their conquerors which will lead to return to a life of virtue in the holy land. Our services will take place as usual at 7:30 pm this evening and 9:30 am tomorrow (Saturday) morning in-person and virtually on Zoom (links below).
On Sunday, May 5th at 1 pm, we will gather for a Yom HaShoah program consisting of prayers, remembrance candle lighting, a showing of the inspirational film Jack and Sam, about two Holocaust survivors who were miraculously reunited after 80 years and are now spending the precious time they have left rekindling their friendship and educating others about the dangers of hatred. Mixing documentary, archival, and breathtaking animation, this heartwarming story explores the enduring power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The film will be followed by refreshments and discussion. Please make every effort to attend. For those who are unable to come in-person, we will zoom the prayer service beginning at 1 pm.
As we continue our Yom HaShoah observance, we will gather at New Port Richey City Hall, 5919 Main Street in downtown New Port Richey on Tuesday, May 7th at 7 pm for the Mayor's reading of the city's Yom HaShoah proclamation, a short presentation and picture taking of our congregants with the mayor and city council. It is imperative that we have a large contingent from our synagogue so please make it a point to attend this very short program.
And save the dates of May 16th and May 25th for two important events. Jewish Music from the Centuries by Joy Katzen-Guthrie will take place at the New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main Street in downtown New Port Richey adjacent to City Hall on Thursday, May16th at 6 pm. Joy has presented at numerous interfaith events and is an inspirational speaker and performer. It will be an evening to remember! Then immediately after Shabbat services on Saturday, May 25th we will have a special Kiddush Luncheon in honor of our beloved congregant and friends Barbara E Johnson who for a long time has been a leader and one of the pillars of our synagogue community and Hadassah will be moving to Woodbridge, Virginia. Let's send her off with a memorable celebration for all that she has meant to us over these many years!
Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
Jewish Music from the Centuries
Thurs, May 16 at 6pm
Join us in welcoming renowned musician and lecturer Joy Katzen-Guthrie to the New Port Richey Public Library! Joy's performances blend "history & storytelling with traditional, contemporary, and original songs from pop, stage, film, and world genres." In this presentation she will explore "Jewish Music from the Centuries," including folk and liturgical Hebrew, Kaballistic, Chassidic, Ladino, Yiddish, Israeli, and American Jewish music.
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FRIDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service, Friday 05/03/2024 7:30 pm
Time: May 3, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
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SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Service, 05/04/2024 9:30 am
Time: May 4, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA