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Shalom Rav – Rabbi Gaylia’s Blog

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Rabbi Gaylia’s Blog has returned!

Jewish tradition teaches us that “pikuach nefesh,” the act of protecting and saving life, comes before all other religious obligations. Therefore, I pray that you are all “following the rules” for best practices to keep not only yourself safe, but others as well. Our careful and considerate behavior literally has the power to save lives-so let’s all do what we can!

As I’m sure you know, from an abundance of love for all of you and concern for everyone’s health, The Temple has been closed and is live-steaming not only services, but Adult Ed and Religious School classes, as well. Even if you weren’t taking classes, now is a great time to start!! While we may not have chosen this “sabbatical” from our usual lives, let us at least try to focus on the positive and use our extra time in meaningful ways!

The Talmud teaches us, “All of Israel is responsible for each other” (Shevuot 39a: Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh).

If you know anyone who’s older or immune-compromised, please check in regularly and send them support. We have volunteers who can  offer to help with shopping/groceries if they need it. If you fall into any of those categories, please let us know how we can help you by contacting us. The House of Israel has gone through many dark times and we know we can handle this. We can use these lessons to guide our behavior now. I know we will continue being a powerful spiritual community of resistance and love. 

Please remember to be kind and generous woth others while being vigilant about staying healthy and keeping others safe. 

With love and blessings to each of you,

May the H!LY  !NE surround you and your loved ones and give you strength and comfort as we face the uncertainty of the times we are in. 

“Be the reason people believe in the goodness of other people.“

I will close with an English version of the Jewish prayer for healing,the Mi Shebeirach. 

“Mi shebeirach avoteinu v’imoteinu, May the H!LY  !NE  Who blessed our ancestors bless __________________ . Give them courage and strength and surround them with Y!UR love. May they know peace and feel Y!UR  Presence every day.”

Rav Gaylia
Gaylia R. Rooks, Rabbi Emerita

Vayak’heil – P’kudei (Exodus 35:1–40:38)Torah Tidbits - Study Judaism with Rabbi Rapport and Rabbi David. Ki Tisa Tetzaveh Pekudei Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1−5:26)The opening word of Leviticus that gives the book and this first parashah its name is Vayikra Tazria Metzorah Achrei Mot Emor B’har B’hukotai Sh’lach L’cha Korach Matot Masei D'varim Va-et’chanan Eikev Nitzavim Chayei Sarah Tol'dot MishpatimTorah Tidbits - Study Judaism with Rabbi Rapport and Rabbi David. Ki Tisa Tetzaveh Pekudei Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1−5:26)The opening word of Leviticus that gives the book and this first parashah its name is Vayikra Tazria Metzorah Achrei Mot Emor B’har B’hukotai Sh’lach L’cha Korach Matot Masei D'varim Va-et’chanan Eikev Nitzavim Chayei Sarah Tol'dot MishpatimVayikra (Leviticus 1:1−5:26)