April 8, 2020 / 14 Nisan, 5780
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My friends, we’re in a narrow passage. We feel its anxious squeeze in the confines of our inhabited spaces, the limitation of our activity, our concern about future. For an increasing number of us there is the real stranglehold of respiratory illness. We don’t need to play-act the performance of Seder ritual to feel
as if
we were “there.”
Seder is meant to foster continuity, stitching together generations and perspectives with un-defended dialogue on the things that really matter. In our circumstance, desire to close the gap is literal. The advent of Seder during Covid-19 moves us to connect with loved ones who will not sit at the table, to connect more broadly, and to connect with more appreciation than ever before. This year we yearn for continuity from within rupture.
From within the plague, we see life-as-it-has-been brought to a standstill. It’s
as if
we were “there” -
k’ilu haya sham.
The Plagues brought a halt to Egypt’s exploits, propelling the survivors of Israel toward their future. After a protracted night of confined vigil, in thick Darkness, amidst Death, they took first steps forward, packing light for the journey. There were times they wanted to go back, but there would have been nothing worse than going back.
We have no choice but to brave this narrow place. With grace, we will squeeze through to a new-normal. Seder can be a threshold experience, a time to collectively dream the new world we’d like to emerge into. What does continuity mean to us, this year, as everything is changing? What moral code do we want to bring forward as we knit the old to the new? What bloated senses of privilege might we leave behind as we pack light for our own journey?
All around us flora is sprouting, budding and bursting forth, inspiring us with nature’s resilience even as we hold the sick and the dying in our hearts. The egg dipped in tear-water has never felt so perfect an embodiment of our experience.
Whether our Seder is grand or modest this year, let’s enact its rituals as expression of what is real for us, here and now. Let’s use the time to imagine a world we’re willing to fight for. Let’s raise our glasses to all that has lasting meaning. And may we emerge in the spirit of
L’shana ha-ba b’Yerushalayim
– with renewed hope.
Chag Sameach
,
Rabbi Hannah
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Dear Friends,
For a remarkably long time our people have gathered to share a multifaceted story that defines us in many ways. The word for the central event – Seder – translates as order, or arrangement. As often has happened in our people’s past, a crisis (appropriately a plague this time) has disrupted the normal order, and as in previous times, we find ourselves challenged to be both inventive and sustaining of our values to survive. We lay leaders of Or Shalom have been trying to do this over the past weeks and will continue to look for the best ways to support the spiritual, cultural, social and financial needs of our dear community. On behalf of the board we wish you all a meaningful and healthy Passover in whatever way you celebrate it.
Happy Pesach to you
and
those you love,
Dave Kauffman, Martin Gotfrit
Co-Chairs
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This week marks the start of our annual Or Shalom Campaign. Or Shalom looks different these days but we are working harder than ever to connect and sustain our vibrant community, still praying together, still studying together, still caring for one another spiritually and with practical outreach.
As in the past, this year’s campaign offers opportunity for one-on-one conversation about the status of our community. And it asks us each to make a financial gift to help sustain us and support our growth. Thank you for your past support. When your canvasser calls, this year, be ready to have a meaningful conversation and, as you consider your pledge, think about how important Or Shalom is in your life.
Chag Sameach! May we all emerge from the narrow places in our lives.
Ros Kunin, Chair, Campaign Committee
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GEMILUT CHESED WORKING GROUP
If you wish to help support folks in need, please complete the volunteer
form
at this link. Your community will be very grateful.
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VANCOUVER'S EAST SIDE SHUL
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While we will not be with one another in person over Pesach, we will still make this a holiday to remember, finding light together virtually!
Men's Torah Study
Friday, April 10, 9:00 a.m.
Shabbat Sheli Class with Shira
Friday, 10:00-10:30 a.m.
For registered students.
Prayers for Healing,
Tehillim
for The Human Family
Friday, 1:00 p.m.
Reciting
Tehillim
for the sick is a traditional practice. Join Matthew Gindin to chant or sing Psalms, or to sit quietly, sending healing intentions. Psalms available in Hebrew and English
here.
Join
Zoom Meeting
.
Password: 053288
Virtual Service for Shabbat Pesach
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m.
Liturgy provided as a shared document, or bring your own Siddur. Join
Zoom Meeting
.
Light in Winter (LiveStreamed) from Or Shalom
Saturday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
This event will be live-streamed over
YouTube
.
Chanting and Chocolate, OTTAWA with guest leaders from Chanting and Chocolate Vancouver
Sunday April 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Virtual Evening Minyan
Sunday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.
For a transliterated and translated weekday evening liturgy, please click
here
(pg 69 to 125). Join
Zoom Meeting
.
Virtual Light: Connect and Express Through Writing
Monday, April 13, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Zusia: The Bet Midrash - Of Kings and Prophets
Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
For registered students.
Virtual Yizkor and Yizkor Support Group
Wednesday, April 15, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Rabbi Hannah will begin with Yom Tov Candle lighting and Kiddush, followed by the Yizkor Service and an intimate opportunity to share about loved ones lost. Liturgy provided. Join
Zoom Meeting
.
Women's Torah Study
Thursday, April 16, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
"Peering and Gleaning on The Last Day of Pesach"
Devarim / Deuteronomy 15:19 - 16:17
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The office will be closed April 9, 10, and 15, 16. In case of a pastoral emergency, please call 778-383-9803.
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