Beit HaLev

Due to the suspension of Beit HaLev’s livestream services on Facebook, services will be held on Zoom and YouTube. To Join on Zoom, go to https://us02web. zoom.us/j/9152434704?pwd=TH JGTE1OUXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4 K3VxUT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit. To watch on You-Tube, go to www.youtube.com and search for “Shabbat Shalom LIVE!”

Beit HaLev’s Coffee Chavurah on Zoom will celebrate the Sabbath evening on Friday, March 5, at 5:30, followed by the evening service at 6. The next service begins on Saturday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Coffee Chavurah.

Beit HaLev’s prayerbooks, “Lev L’Lev,” are shared onscreen on both Zoom and Facebook.

The Torah portion, “Kee Tisa” (When you take) from Exodus 31:18-33:11, is the account of the building of the golden calf. The people have waited for Moses to return and a false rumor has circulated through the camp that he must have died on the mountain. They demand that Aaron build them an idol, a calf made of pure gold, that they can worship, as they have lost faith in HaShem. Aaron attempts to delay but is forced to do as they wish, telling the men to gather gold from the women’s earrings, in the vain hope that the women will not allow their jewelry to be used to create an idol. The sin the people commit nearly brings about their annihilation, and only Moses’ plea that they be forgiven saves them. The sin of the golden calf is the basis for our solemn observance of Yom Kippur, the day each year that we confess our sins and plead for forgiveness.

Rabbi 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 www.SimShalom.com.

Zoom classes for beginning Hebrew and Pirke Avot will begin soon. For information, contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com.