Deepening our Spirituality in 5781 - Cantor Shapiro
My teacher, Rabbi Jordan Bendat Appel, likened the development of a meditation practice to the building of an ark. Noah didn't wait until the floodwaters were upon him to start building. The ark was there and ready to float when the waters began to rise. A meditation and mindfulness practice is something we can develop so that when the floodwaters of life assail us, we have something to keep us afloat.
During these long days of COVID that have stretched farther than any of us could have imagined, I am grateful for my own practice because I have found that it has, indeed, functioned as a lifeboat for me. I am also thankful for having had the chance to become educated and certified as a teacher of Jewish meditation prior to the current floodwaters' approach.
Our US team has created meaningful opportunities to deepen your Jewish spiritual journey. You can join us for Torah and Yoga on Saturdays, sit with Cantor Shapiro, and others through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality daily meditations from 9-9:30 AM. IJS also has free resources for us to use as individuals and a community during this election season. The US Sisterhood is just about to finish up a 3-part Intro to Jewish Meditation series.
The truth is that floodwaters are always gathering. While none of us could have anticipated what life under COVID would be like, we know that life will continue to throw us into uncomfortable situations. How will you begin to build your ark this year? I would love to hear from you and learn about your journey and how we might join together to create a grand ark for our community.
Returning the High Holy Day Prayer Books? Please come by during any of our office hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm and Friday 8am-3pm. You may drop them off with Security.
JFLA can help residents of LA and Ventura get through the financial part of the Covid-19 crisis by offering loans without collateral, any interest, or fees. Our goal is to help you where you are and give you some peace of mind. Click here to learn more.
If you know of anyone who could benefit from job search support at this time, please don’t hesitate to contact Taryn Reed, Job Search Coach, with The EZRA Network Cell: 310-728-5567.
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Wilshire University Film Society Discussion with Jim Ruxin Shabbat, Jun 26th 7:30p to 8:30p Winter Journey (2020)
Saturday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
A drama done in a verite style, starring Bruno Ganz. Based on a true story, Ganz's character barely escaped Nazi Germany with his wife. His American born "son" interviews him 50 years later about that past. It explains much about a survivor's hesitancy to share his trauma with the next generations.
Free Vimeo link will be available on June 23-26
