Beit HaLev

Beit HaLev has resumed Livestream services on Facebook at

www.Facebook.com/galityomtov, YouTube.com (Beit HaLev LIVE! channel) and Zoom. Beit HaLev uses a multi-streaming platform, so the links for Shabbat Ma’ariv and Shacharit are different from the old meeting links.

People can join the livestream services for the Shabbat evening service at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85149315811?pwd=T3hOUk x5NUorR1M3UldWNS84d3RKQT09. The meeting ID is 851 4931 5811, and the passcode is RavGalit.

For the Shabbat morning service, go to https://us02web.zoom. us/j/87999429979?pwd=eml5L09HL0d0Y3c2MUNFRGZZM05 KUT09. The meeting ID is 879 9942 9979, and the passcode is RavGalit.

On Saturday, April 30, the reading is from Parshat “Acharei Mot,” Leviticus 17:1-18:30. The Laws concerning the Priestly sect of Levite are enumerated in what the body is allowed to consume (ritually and non-ritually sacrificed flesh) and forbidden sexual relations. The reasons given for sexual prohibitions can be summarized as “don’t do as the Canaanites do.” Homosexuality has been misinterpreted as being unholy, but it is not homosexuality that is forbidden; rather it is the forced act of rape that was practiced by the Canaanites.

All Beit HaLev services use special prayer books, “Lev L’Lev,” which include excerpts from the Reform Siddur, “Mishkan HaT’filah.” Printed versions of the prayer books will be available for sale when Beit HaLev resumes live, in-person services. Beit HaLev and Rabbi Galit-Shirah are a part of the Union of Jewish Universalist Clergy and Communities. It is progressive in thought and traditional in liturgy. The services are joyous, meaningful and musical. Beit HaLev welcomes everyone who seeks a path to the divine and doesn’t believe in labels. Beit HaLev considers all religions holy and valid.

To request a membership form for Beit HaLev, call Rabbi Galit-Shirah at (562) 715-0888 or email duets@ icloud. com.

Contributions to Beit HaLev in the name of Robert Slater are welcome; people can send donations to Beit HaLev, P.O. Box 2279, Seal Beach, CA 90740.