Newsletter

Shalom!

You may be aware that "the Supreme Court told California judges on Thursday to take another hard look at state rules that ban most indoor worship services.
A week ago, the justices in a 5-4 decision lifted tight limits on churches and synagogues in neighborhoods of New York City where the virus was spreading. The court said those restrictions violated the 1st Amendment’s protection for the free exercise of religion."

For right now, "the court’s order appears to have no immediate legal impact, [though] it suggests the state’s ban on indoor services is likely to fall."

Therefore, as we enter our fourth Shabbat in purple tier, we will continue meeting in our backyard for Shabbat. 

As it has been getting chilly in the evenings, please make sure that you dress warmly for the weather to ensure that you are comfortable. Please remember to bring your own chair and Siddur as these will not be provided.

All COVID regulations will be strictly adhered too as in the past. Thank you for keeping each other safe.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yonatan Halevy

All members who wish to attend this week's Friday and/or Shabbat meetings, are welcome to arrive for any part of Shabbat freely.

Please remember to bring your own chair and Siddur as these will not be provided.

At this time, registration for Shabbat is not needed.

If you wish to register as a courtesy so we know to expect you, kindly reply to this email.

Friday

4:20pm - Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Arvit
Followed by Derashah

Shabbat

4:00pm - Mincha
4:30pm - Bring Your Own Seudah Shelishit and Q&A Session

5:23pm - Arvit
6:00pm - Havdalah via Zoom

Shalom!

As we have entered our second Shabbat in purple tier, we have made the decision to meet in our backyard for Shabbat. 

We have leased a portable toilet with a sink as we have done in the past. We will also provide lighting outdoors so that we will be able to use the light once it gets dark.

Our initial plan of putting up tents have temporarily been put on hold, as the second tent we needed has been sold out from all of Southern California due to restauraunts utilizing them due to COVID, with no clear date on the horizon as to when they will be back in stock.

Due to the lack of daytime shelter, we will not be meeting this week on Shabbat morning, but will be limiting meeting to Friday night and Shabbat afternoon.

On Friday night, my Derasha will be moved to after Arvit, so that we can better utilize the light as the sun sets, as well as allow those who it may be too cold for them to stay outdoors to go home.

On Shabbat afternoon: we will have no class before Mincha. You are welcome to bring your own Seudah Shelishit for the Q&A session between Mincha and Arvit.

As it has been getting chilly in the evenings, please make sure that you dress warmly for the weather to ensure that you are comfortable. Please remember to bring your own chair and Siddur as these will not be provided.

All COVID regulations will be strictly adhered too as in the past. Thank you for keeping each other safe.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yonatan Halevy

All members who wish to attend this week's Friday and/or Shabbat meetings, are welcome to arrive for any part of Shabbat freely.

Please remember to bring your own chair and Siddur as these will not be provided.

At this time, registration for Shabbat is not needed.

If you wish to register as a courtesy so we know to expect you, kindly reply to this email.

Friday

4:20pm - Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Arvit
Followed by Derashah

Shabbat

4:00pm - Mincha
4:30pm - Bring Your Own Seudah Shelishit and Q&A Session

5:24pm - Arvit
6:00pm - Havdalah via Zoom

All members and regulars are invited to attend a brief Zoom meeting TONIGHT Thursday, November 11th at 8:00pm to brainstorm and discuss San Diego County's new COVID "Purple Tier" which is set to go in effect this weekend and how it will impact our Kehillah. 

We ask that you reply to this email before 6:00pm today if you plan to attend in order to recieve the meeting code and password.
​​​​​​​If you have already requested the code, it will be sent to you shorly.
We will begin the meeting promptly so that we may end by 8:30pm in time for class. You are welcome to enter the waiting room early and will be let in by a moderator as soon as the meeting begins.

This meeting is only open to Kehillah members and regulars.
Aggadeta class will be taking place at 8:30pm as scheduled.

If you are not part of one of our regular Google Classrooms and wish to join, I ask that you send an email as soon as possible to info@shiviti.org, requesting to join our "Special Shiviti" Google Classroom. Or just reply to this email!

For those who plan to only use this temporarily during this period, you can join our special Google Classroom setup just for the current situation. You will receive all live updates about any relevant classes being offered online without having to subscribe to one of the dedicated classrooms.

A tremendous tool in bringing our Shiviti Bet Midrash on-line is our official Shiviti channel on YouTube.

Please take a moment and subscribe by following this link and CLICKING "subscribe"!
  www.youtube.com/c/shiviti

In this newsletter:

• Shabbat Registration: Please Read
• In-Person Class Registration: Please Read
  
• Shiviti Studio Campaign: Help Us Help You!
• Hate Crime: Media Coverage and Event Notices
• NEW: Our Kehillah's Security Fund
• Two New YouTube Videos!
• Shabbat Times and Schedule
• Advanced Registration Information
• Mazal Tov Announcements
• Tefillah Guidelines
• Join our Google Classroom to participate in online classes
  All classes resume TBA

We will continue to hold all Tefillot in our new (temporary) location in the UC Marketplace center.

B'ezrat Hashem we will have in-person Kabbalat Shabbat, Arvit, Shacharit, Light Kiddush Refreshments, Mincha, Bring-your-own-Seudah-Shelishit, and Arvit!

We have returned to members-only scheduling.

All members who wish to attend this week's Friday and/or Shabbat meetings, are welcome to arrive for any part of Shabbat freely.
At this time, registration for Shabbat is not needed.

If you wish to register as a courtesy so we know to expect you, kindly reply to this email.

Classes resume this week, b'ezrat Hashem!

All members and regulars who plan to attend MUST register so we can plan accordingly!
As of now, you will only have to register this once, not every week you attend classes.
--
For those in our Monday/Tuesday and Thursday classes:
Our regular Tefillah seating will be adjusted to make room for those who come to classes during the week. Please register as soon as possible so that we can make sure you have a seat. 
Also, please arrive early/on time so that you can make sure all is in order with your seat before the cameras go on.
--
For those in our Sunday class: 
If you wish to join IN PERSON on Sunday mornings, please submit this registration form as well. If there are enough of us, we will open up our in person option alongside Zoom. If not, we will stay on Zoom.
--
UK classes will resume next week , b'ezrat Hashem.
--
Zoom links will be sent out via Google Classrooms as in the past! 

Please stay tuned to the webpage below as we post the latest information regarding the assault of Rabbi Yonatan Halevy on October 10th in University City. We will also use this page to post community events related to this incident.

Thanks to a generous donor who has kicked it off, we have opened a Shiviti security fund to take of ongoing security expenses. 

In the last 48 hours we have installed internet services and WiFi, as well as purchased security cameras for the Bet Knesset. In addition, we have been reviewed by an independent security firm to better enhance our awareness and response. 

Kindly consider contributing to our security fund by following the link below and writing "security" in the notes.

Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim has begun phase two of re-opening!

SHABBAT UPDATES

Location. We will hold all Tefillot in our new (temporary) location in the UC Marketplace center.

Erev Shabbat - Friday

Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:40pm
 
Candle Lighting: 5:40pm
 
Shekiah (Sunset): 5:58pm

Shabbat - Saturday
 
Shacharit: 9:00am
​​​​​​​
Latest Shema: 9:12am or 9:49am

Latest Shacharit: 10:43am

Mincha: 5:15pm

Seudah Shelishit and Q&A Learning Session with Rabbi Yonatan: 5:45pm
Please pack and bring your own Seudah Shelishit - food will not be provided by the Kehillah.

Arvit: 6:36pm
 
Shabbat Ends: 6:36pm

Havdalah via Zoom: N/A

Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

To have your joyous occasion mentioned here, kindly email info@kshsd.org the week before. Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim does not have a record of occasions and announces only what we are provided by our members each week!

We are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to continue our Torah classes.

Each class series has its own unique login code.

For classes, see the information below on joining our Google Classroom.

If you are not part of one of our regular Google Classrooms and wish to join, I ask that you send an email as soon as possible to info@shiviti.org, requesting to join our "Special Shiviti" Google Classroom. Or just reply to this email!

For those who plan to only use this temporarily during this period, you can join our special Google Classroom setup just for the current situation. You will receive all live updates about any relevant classes being offered online without having to subscribe to one of the dedicated classrooms.

A tremendous tool in bringing our Shiviti Bet Midrash on-line is our official Shiviti channel on YouTube.

Please take a moment and subscribe by following this link and CLICKING "subscribe"!
  www.youtube.com/c/shiviti

With immense gratitude to HaKadosh Baruch Hu, the Shiviti Bet Midrash - both locally at Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim, and globally - has seen more growth and success than in any previous year!

From offering all of our in-person classes via Zoom, to rolling out our main classes on major podcast platforms, to expanding our Bet Midrash across the ocean and founding our United Kingdom division - we have been busy!

Unlike other organizations which struggled to bridge the technological gap and secure the proper platforms to connect with their communities during COVID, we were ready to go and hit the ground running. At the same time, until today, almost every piece of equipment we use to film, record, and broadcast our classes is borrowed or loaned to us!

We have come a long way from our humble beginnings. With Baruch launching our YouTube channel as a one-man team, and then Yitzchak partnering with him to enhance audio and video quality, and Oren subsequently partnering with them to transform videos into high quality sound fit for professional podcasts, we have developed an advanced system of sharing high-quality content with the entire world - free of charge!

Have you ever joined one of our Zoom meetings?
Have you watched any of our YouTube videos?
Have you enjoyed listening to one of our podcasts?
Are you one of many - near or far - active participants in our Shiviti Bet Midrash who relies on our content to continue learning?

We are offering you the opportunity to help us continue putting out this content - for you!

Instead of regularly borrowing equipment and constantly asking for favors, we have begun this campaign to set up the infrastructure of our independent Shiviti Studio.

Equipped with state-of-the-art camera and recording equipment, dedicated laptops, high-speed internet, wireless microphones, professional lighting, background props and other enhancements to our equipment, we will be able to more efficiently and reliably provide you the content you already enjoy!

Please, help us - help YOU!

How can you help?
Just answer YES to one of these three questions!

1. Sponsor an item from the list. Are you interested in donating one of the much-need pieces of equipment to the Shiviti Studio? Simply select any item from the image above and follow the link below to sponsor it.  

(Sponsored items will be removed from the list - it it's still there, the oppurtunity is still available!)

2. Recurring Donation. Would you like to make a recurring donation of any amount to our Shiviti Studio fund and contribute towards the equipment from the list?

3. One Time Donation. Would you like to make a special, one-time donation of any amount to our Shiviti Studio fund and contribute towards the equipment from the list?

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for today's generous donation! I look forward to learning with you soon!

With love, thanks, and many blessings for health, safety, and joy,

Rabbi Yonatan Y. Halevy
Spiritual Leader
Shiviti – Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim

All members and regulars who wish to attend this week's Friday and/or Shabbat meetings, must register in advance via our online form . Those who do not register will be unable to attend meetings and will be turned away upon arrival.

All meetings will be held at our new (temporary) location:
3202 Governor Drive - Suite 100

Friday

5:45pm - Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Arvit

Shabbat

9:00am - Shacharit
12:00pm - Kiddush and Light Refreshments

5:15pm - Mincha with Torah Reading
5:45pm - Bring-Your-Own-Seudah-Shelishit and Q&A Shiur

6:43pm - Arvit

In this newsletter:

• Shabbat Registration: Please Read
• Hate Crime: Media Coverage and Event Notices
• NEW: Our Kehillah's Security Fund
• Special Class on Sunday: Reply to email for link!
• Special Event on Shabbat: Neighbors show support
• Rabbi's Mid-Summer Appeal - Please Read!
• Shabbat Times and Schedule
• Advanced Registration Information
• Mazal Tov Announcements
• Tefillah Guidelines
• LIVE Havdalah 8:45pm ZOOM LINK and BOOKLET
• Join our Google Classroom to participate in online classes
  All classes resume TBA

We will continue to hold all Tefillot in our new (temporary) location in the UC Marketplace center.

B'ezrat Hashem we will have in-person Kabbalat Shabbat, Arvit, Shacharit, Light Kiddush Refreshments, Mincha, Bring-your-own-Seudah-Shelishit, and Arvit!

Registration for Shabbatot will begin next Shabbat as our community will return to members-only scheduling.

For this Shabbat, if you have a reserved seat left from the High Holidays, you are welcome to attend without prior reservation.

As a courtesy, we would appreciate a response by email so we know you will be attending - but it is not required.

Please stay tuned to the webpage below as we post the latest information regarding the assault of Rabbi Yonatan Halevy on October 10th in University City. We will also use this page to post community events related to this incident.

Thanks to a generous donor who has kicked it off, we have opened a Shiviti security fund to take of ongoing security expenses. 

In the last 48 hours we have installed internet services and WiFi, as well as purchased security cameras for the Bet Knesset. In addition, we have been reviewed by an independent security firm to better enhance our awareness and response. 

Kindly consider contributing to our security fund by following the link below and writing "security" in the notes.

RSVP for the Zoom link by replying to this email!

The Rabbi and Rabbanit plan to go outdoors with the Kehillah to address the community at the end of Shabbat morning services.

Please join us in thanking our neighbors for their care and support!

(This event is arranged by our neighbors and not by Shiviti)

It has been a long time since I have had to reach out to you for financial assistance. But for the sake of our beautiful community – I am reaching out for your help to make ends meet this summer.

Over the past five years, we have built a glorious Kehillah together, with the help of HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Our Kehillah is a source of pride and joy for each and everyone of us, a community which has become our family, and a shining example for so many others who are positively impacted by it around the world.

Our precious Kehillah has been hit especially hard during these past months of being closed due to COVID-19. I know that each and every one of you receiving this message has also suffered the effects of this situation, and I thank you for your patience with me in reaching out to you during mutually challenging times.

The summer months are always difficult, but this summer in particular, I find myself struggling to keep this ship sailing and I am asking you to please partner with me in ensuring that our Kehillah can sail smoothly through the summer and make it to better days when we can all be together!

If you have already answered the Rabbi's appeal, please accept this as a warm "thank you"!

Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim has begun phase two of re-opening!

SHABBAT UPDATES

Location. We will hold all Tefillot in our new (temporary) location in the UC Marketplace center.

Police Presence. We expect heightened police presence this Shabbat while we are praying and studying. This is no reason for alarm, and is there for our safety and wellbeing. 

Erev Shabbat - Friday

Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:50pm
 
Candle Lighting: 5:55pm
 
Shekiah (Sunset): 6:13pm

Shabbat - Saturday
 
Shacharit: 9:00am
​​​​​​​
Latest Shema: 9:07am or 9:44am

Latest Shacharit: 10:40am

Mincha: 5:30pm

Seudah Shelishit and Q&A Learning Session with Rabbi Yonatan. 
Please pack and bring your own Seudah Shelishit - food will not be provided by the Kehillah.

Arvit: 6:50pm
 
Shabbat Ends: 6:50pm

Havdalah via Zoom: N/A

All members and regulars who wish to attend this week's Friday and/or Shabbat meetings at the Rabbai and Rabbanit's home, must have registered in advance via our online form.

Those who did not register will be unable to attend meetings and will be turned away upon arrival.

If you wish to register but forgot to do so, please reply to this email to check availability. 

A few inner-Kehillah guidelines from Rabbi Yonatan Halevy

1. Netz. When praying without a Minyan, it is ideal to pray at Netz. It is the opinion of Mori HaRav Yaakov Peretz shlit"a that even on a regular basis, it is preferable to pray at Netz without a Minyan, than it is to pray with a Minyan after Netz.
2. Time of Tefillah. One should always try to pray when the community is praying, even without a Minyan. For example, on Shabbat morning, if not praying with Netz, pray at the same time the Kehillah usually prays.
3. Torah Reading. The vast majority of the Poskim are of the opinion that the reading of the Torah is not an obligation on the individual, but rather on the community. Therefore, when praying alone, there is no need to read the Torah. Nonetheless, it is proper to read the Torah portion on your own (in Hebrew or English), perhaps choosing a commentary of your choice. You may do the same for the Haftarah.
4. Decorum. It is proper to create an atmosphere that is conducive to Tefillah even when praying alone. Dress as you would to the Bet Knesset, use your Siddur instead of a phone, etc.
5. Sing your heart out! Unlike when praying with a Minyan, there is no pressure to keep up a certain pace. Instead of rushing - try the opposite! Sing and read out loud like you would in Bet Knesset, even adding your own favorite tunes and melodies!
6. Praying as a family. Unlike at the Kehillah where we separate for prayer, this is an opportunity to pray and sing with your spouse, and create a unique Tefillah experience. When was the last time your child was able to sing to you the Tefillot they have learned in school and have you accompany them? The few Shabbatot in my life that I have had to stay home from Bet Knesset, were blessed with the opportunity to pray alongside the Rabbanit and pour out our hearts to HaKadosh Baruch Hu together. Seize the opportunity!

Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

Mazal Tov to Elan and Karen Lipson on the birth of a baby daughter, Ariella Adele. May her parents raise her to Torah, Chuppah, Mitzvot, and Ma'asim Tovim, Amen!

To have your joyous occasion mentioned here, kindly email info@kshsd.org the week before. Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim does not have a record of occasions and announces only what we are provided by our members each week!

We are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to continue our Torah classes.

Each class series has its own unique login code.

For classes, see the information below on joining our Google Classroom.

If you are not part of one of our regular Google Classrooms and wish to join, I ask that you send an email as soon as possible to info@shiviti.org, requesting to join our "Special Shiviti" Google Classroom. Or just reply to this email!

For those who plan to only use this temporarily during this period, you can join our special Google Classroom setup just for the current situation. You will receive all live updates about any relevant classes being offered online without having to subscribe to one of the dedicated classrooms.

A tremendous tool in bringing our Shiviti Bet Midrash on-line is our official Shiviti channel on YouTube.

Please take a moment and subscribe by following this link and CLICKING "subscribe"!
  www.youtube.com/c/shiviti

Media Coverage
Rabbi attacked outside synagogue ABC 10 News
Group of University City teens assault and harass Jewish Community leader KUSI News

All members and regulars of Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim are invited to attend a Zoom meeting TONIGHT Monday, October 12th at 8:00pm to discuss recent events in our Kehillah. 

You must reply to this email if you plan to attend in order to recieve the meeting code and password.
If you have already requested the code, it will be sent to you shorly.

This meeting is only open to Kehillah members and regulars.

All friends of Shiviti around the world are invited to attend a Zoom meeting TONIGHT Monday, October 12th at 9:00pm to discuss recent events in our Kehillah. 

Do NOT forward this link to anyone else.

Waiting room will be enabled.

Full names must be used and camera must be ON to be let into the meeting.

Public Shiviti Meeting
Time: Oct 12, 2020 09:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86573188995

Meeting ID: 865 7318 8995

Your text goes here!

A tremendous tool in bringing our Shiviti Bet Midrash on-line is our official Shiviti channel on YouTube.

Please take a moment and subscribe by following this link and CLICKING "subscribe"!
  www.youtube.com/c/shiviti