Friday, April 17, 2020 / 23 Nisan 5780 / 8th day of the Omer
Dear Friends,
We hope this email finds everyone safe and feeling well. Passover during this time of social distancing presented both challenges and opportunities. Here at JCoOC and within our family, we embraced the opportunity to use technology to not only maintain, but strengthen connections, outreach and spiritual practice.
We will continue to do this and invite you all to share in the experiences. A list of this week’s events is below, and more information can be found through our Facebook page and on our website.
This week we resume reading the weekly Torah cycle with Parashat Shmini from the Book of Leviticus. One of Torah's most disturbing and painful expressions of God's wrath can be found in these chapters as Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu are consumed by fire. Commentators throughout the ages have strived to make sense of their seemingly senseless deaths as well as Aaron's stifled reaction to this monumental loss. Ultimately there are some things that happen in life that defy explanation or reason.
Please enjoy Los Angeles-based artist, Barbara Mendes, as she describes her compelling mural depicting Parashat Shmini. Her beautiful illustrations reveal her love of Torah in vibrant color.
JCoOC is #BringingUsCloser this week by offering the following programs:
"Shabbat Shalom in the Home”: Friday, April 17 at 6:30pm. Streamed Friday night services with the Spitzer-Tilchin family on Facebook Live tonight. (To join us on Zoom click HERE. Password: JCOOC613.)
“12 Steps and Torah”: Saturday, April 18 at 2pm. Join our weekly Shabbat afternoon gathering of people looking to fuse their recovery from addiction with Jewish learning and conversation. Saturday, April 18 at 2:00 pm. This meeting will be on Zoom. Click HERE to join. Password: 663269.
NEW! "Collaborative Havdalah”: Saturday, April 18 at 8:30pm. Join Jason Feddy, Rabbi Marcia and others as they bid farewell to Shabbat with a traditional Havdallah ceremony, music and spirit. Click HERE to join us on Zoom. Password: JCOOC613.
Yom HaShoah observance: Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00am with the Advanced Learning Institute. Rabbi Lilly Kaufman (JTS) will guide us through a meaningful study session and observance on this sacred memorial day. Newcomers to this weekly lesson are always welcome! This class is offered through Zoom. Click HERE to join. Password: 663269.
If you are Counting the Omer or would like to learn more about it, we found a great AP – Omer Count - that includes inspiring daily wisdom curated from a diverse array of Hassidic Masters. Check it out!
Shabbat Shalom in good health,
Rabbi Marcia Tilchin and the Collaborative Team
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County innovates, supports and collaborates on community programming that enriches the landscape of OC Jewish life and encourages individuals, couples and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
Jewish Collaborative of Orange County 2200 San Joaquin Hills Rd Newport Beach, CA 92660
