Beit HaLev

Rabbi-Cantor Galit Shirah has begun the New Year with the online services for Beit HaLev’s Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat services. Friday services are at 5 p.m. and Saturday services begin at 10 a.m. Note that the Friday evening service begins earlier than before.

Beit HaLev LIVE! Interactive livestream services are on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9 152434704? pwd= THJGTE1O UXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4K3Vx UT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is

RavGalit. People can also view on Facebook at www.facebook. com/galityomtov or YouTube at www.youtube.com/beithalev8816.

This Shabbat, Jan, 14, the Torah reading is “Shemot,” (Names) from Exodus 1:1-2:25 in the First Triennial Cycle. The generations of the Israelites in Egypt are listed following the death of Jacob/Israel. The proliferation of Am b’nei Yisrael, the children of Israel marks a transition from a family or clan to become a people. It also marks the transition from the benevolent Egyptian Pharaoh to feel threatened by the numbers of the people; the Israelites were first conscripted into labor but gradually became slavery. The reading continues with the birth and early life of Moses, his flight from Egypt to Midian and his life as a shepherd before HaShem hears the cries of the Israelite slaves and takes notice.

All Beit HaLev services use the special prayerbooks, “Lev L’Lev,” which include excerpts from the Reform Siddur, “Mishkan HaT’filah.” 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. It 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 are welcome and may be sent to Beit HaLev, P.O. Box 2279, Seal Beach, CA 90740.