Beit HaLev
Beit HaLev’s Coffee Chavurah on Zoom will celebrate the Sabbath evening on Friday, Feb. 5, at 5:30 followed by the evening service at 6. Service begins on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Coffee Chavurah. To join on Zoom, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9 152434704?pwd=THJGTE1OUXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4K3VxUT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit.
Beit HaLev continues to livestream on Facebook as well. To attend, go to Rabbi Galit Shirah’s website at Facebook.com/galityomtov.
Beit HaLev’s prayerbooks, “Lev L’Lev,” are shared onscreen on both Zoom and Facebook.
The core of this week’s Torah reading, “B’Shalach” (Pharaoh, let the people go) from Exodus 14:15-16:10, is the “Song at the Sea.” Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt following the 10th plague, the death of the firstborn, which took the life of his own son. God once more “hardened Pharaoh’s heart,” and the Egyptian army, led by the furious ruler, pursues the former slaves, trapping them between their forces and the Red Sea. The Divine parted the sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land between two walls of water.Once they has safely crossed to the other side, the sea crashed down upon the Egyptians, drowning all, men, horses and chariots. The song the Israelites sang in thanks to their God is chanted in a different melodic trope than the traditional one, giving the “Song at the Sea” an even more special feeling.
Rabbi Galit Shirah conducts a weekday Ma’ariv service every Thursday for Sim Shalom, the online synagogue. Sim Shalom presents livestream services Monday-Thursday, with a different rabbi each day. To say Kaddish, pray for healing and to hear a spiritual message, go to SimShalom.com.
Zoom classes for beginning Hebrew and Pirke Avot will begin in February. Classes have been delayed due to the postponement of Rabbi Galit Shirah’s cataract surgery. For information, contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com
