The Shabbat after Tishah b'Av (the day on which we remember the destruction of the Temples and other disasters throughout Jewish history) is called Shabbat Nachamu, meaning the Shabbat of comfort. It is named after the first words of the haftarah from Isaiah 40, "Comfort, comfort my people." Traditionally, there are three weeks of mourning leading up to Tishah b'Av, and this coming Shabbat brings comfort and relief. Nachamu is no ordinary Shabbat. It marks the first of seven Shabbatot of consolation which lead us into Rosh Hashanah. And while it still feels like summertime, we begin to turn our thoughts (and our souls) toward the work of t'shuvah (repentance) as we start to prepare for our High Holy Day season.
This Friday evening, we will gather for Kabbalat Shabbat (6:30 pm) in the main Sanctuary, as our service will be enhanced through the use of Visual T'filah, where all of our prayers, readings, and songs will be projected onto a large screen on the bimah. These Visual T'filah services have quickly become a favorite for many, as they allow us to feel more connected with one another, fostering a greater communal feel throughout the evening as we lift our voices (and our heads!) in prayer and song together.
And Shabbat morning, Scott Kushner will lead our Spice Up Your Judaism session at 10:00 am.
We hope to see everyone at our Congregational Membership BBQ this evening!
L'shalom,
Rabbi Jennifer L. Frenkel
If you have the name of someone you would like to have included in our Healing Prayer (Mi Shebeirach) that is recited at our Shabbat services, please let us know by noon each Friday so we can give the name to our clergy.
The Ritual Committee is looking for congregants who are interested in ushering at services during the High Holy Days. There are available positions for every service. While we have a dedicated core of volunteers who always help out, we would like to have new participants assist as well. It is rewarding and fulfilling to usher for services at any time during the year, but particularly so during the High Holy Days. If you are interested, please e-mail Jeff Beenstock, and he will answer any questions you may have and tell you how to sign up. Thanks in advance!
