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In this newsletter:
Brief Update From The Rabbi
Shabbat Tefillot Update: Please Read
High Holiday Pledges Reminder
Expanding Horizons: Infatuated By Innovation (Part 2) VIDEO
Lecture at The Sephardi Habura (UK) VIDEO
Shabbat Times and Schedule
Mazal Tov Announcements
Tefillah Guidelines
Virtual Havdalah via Zoom
Join our Google Classroom to participate in online classes All classes resume this week
Brief Update From The Rabbi
Shalom!
As we enter our eighth 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.
As the new Mayor has extended all restrictions indefinitely - I plan to call a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss again our Shabbat schedule and explore the option of adding in regulation-abiding Shabbat morning Tefillot.
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
Shabbat Tefillot Update: Please Read
All members and regulars who wish to attend this week's Friday and/or Shabbat meetings, are welcome to arrive at the Rabbi's backyard 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 for members and regulars.
If you wish to register as a courtesy so we know to expect you, kindly reply to this email.
Expanding Horizons: Infatuated By Innovation (Part 2)
In this week's class, we attempt to understand the more sinister motivations behind the wars of Sepharadic rabbis against non-traditional Ashkenazi denominations.
This class is part of our newest series “Expanding Horizons: Refreshing Perspectives From Giants of Jewish Thought” at the Shiviti Bet Midrash UK!
Lecture at The Sephardi Habura (UK) THIS WEDNESDAY!
Rabbi Yonatan has been invited to speak at The Sephardi Habura of London this coming Wendeday for the third and final session on the topic of “We Accepted The Rulings Of Maran”.
The Habura has graciously extended an invitation to the entire Shiviti family to attend and we would love to see you there! — Please email info@shiviti.org to RSVP and receive Zoom information. If you are subscribed to any of our Google Classrooms, the link will be sent to you via that platform.
Seudah Shelishit and Q&A Session 4:50pm Please feel free to pack and bring your own bread for Seudah Shelishit - hot vegetarian soup will be provided by the Rabbi and Rabbanit!
Arvit: 5:35pm
Shabbat Ends: 5:35pm
Havdalahvia Zoom: 6:00pm
Tefillah Guidelines When Praying At Home
A few inner-Kehillah guidelines from Rabbi Yonatan Halevy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 Announcements
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!
Zoom for Video Meetings!
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.
Virtual Havdalah via Zoom
Rabbi Yonatan Halevy is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Virtual Havdalah with Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim Time: Saturdays 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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.
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