HEArtbeat

HEArtbeat: A Retirement Update from Rabbi Dollin

Rabbi Gruenwald, Laura Intfen, and our congregational leadership have done an excellent job putting a new worship team in place for the coming years. Our Music Director, Eitan Kantor, began his work with HEA on May 1, and Rabbi Sarah Shulman will begin in July. The new team will hit the ground running as the clergy and staff begin their programming and preparation for the High Holidays. I want to point out that in a year that saw only a few rabbis and cantors looking for pulpit work, the fact that we have a whole team in place this early is extremely fortunate; we can all be proud of this accomplishment.
 
As such, I have asked the Board of Directors to move up my retirement date to mid-August to make way for this stellar new team to begin their work for the congregation. I have every faith that there are wonderful days ahead for the HEA.
 
I very much look forward to my new life with family, friends, and community. May we all go from strength to strength.
 
L’shalom!

HEArtbeat: A Season of "Save the Dates"

Please note the corrected date for Rabbi and Tammy Dollin's retirement celebration is Friday, June 24.

To every thing there is a season… 
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Once again, just like last year, the days are getting a little longer and the sun is getting a little warmer.

This time of year brings a mix of emotions along with it. Especially this year as we venture out more and more with each passing week after spending two years at home. Spring is a time when our vitamin D levels rise and, with it, our mood. It is also a time when our calendars fill up with weddings, graduations, end-of-the-school-year activities and Pesach. It can be a little stressful.

Knowing your datebooks are filling up, I want to share with you some upcoming “Save the Dates” for your calendar and your mood. Uncap your Sharpie markers and pull out your calendars as we plan to wish some of our rabbis well in the next part of their career journeys and look to welcome new staff members to our team. Right now is the part of the transition that we have been talking about for about a year. This is the season where transition becomes more than talk and ideas. It becomes physical. Are you ready to be like the tulips and daffodils of spring and poke your head out to see what’s happening in the HEA world?

We want to wish Rabbi Grinsteiner well as she moves to Virginia and to thank her for all she has given the HEA community during her time here. Please reserve Saturday evening, May 21 on your calendar as we gather together for Havdalah and some desserts here at HEA. We will start at 7:00 p.m. here at HEA and leave plenty of time for you to share your favorite Rabbi Grinsteiner moments with her. There will also be a farewell the following morning at Religious School during Tefilla. We hope you can join us for one of these gatherings.

Were you in shul or watching online last Shabbat morning? Did you have a chance to hear our new Music Director, Eitan Kantor chant Musaf? He will be joining us at the beginning of May and will become an integral part of our worship, education and social HEA life immediately upon his arrival. 

On *Friday, June 24, we will welcome Shabbat outdoors with beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat music from Eitan and wish Rabbi and Tammy Dollin well as Rabbi Dollin begins his life as a retired rabbi this coming fall. The Dollins will want to hear from you what wonderful HEA memories you have of your time with Rabbi Dollin. Be sure to circle the date on your calendar as a don’t miss!

Rabbi Sarah Shulman will be joining us in mid-July and will hit the ground running with our Preschool campers, worshippers and engagement participants, as well as jumping into helping to plan for the 5783 HEArt program school year. We will be scheduling small gatherings and one on one coffees with her and members of our community. We will be holding an installation for her, as well as an installation for Rabbi Gruenwald as our Senior Rabbi in the fall after High Holy Days. That will be a momentous event and one we will give you plenty of notice about. 

Seasons change and pages turn. I have often written in my prior HEArtbeat emails about the blessings of change and the difficulty of transition. As we start to physically see the effects of change and the faces around our community and on our bimah change, it is good to remember that each new moment is a blessing. For those that are moving on, for those that are newly entering our community and for those of us that make up the community.

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

________________
* Oy, the date was wrong in the previous email!

HEArtbeat of Parshat Shmini

Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them; and he stepped down after offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the offering of well-being. Moses and Aaron then went inside the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the Presence of God appeared to all the people (Leviticus 9:22-23).
 
Even though the people had already been blessed by Aaron, it was good to be blessed by both leaders, each of whom represented a different nuance of spirituality, one that is unique to the Levite and the other the spirituality unique to the priesthood. In kabbalistic terms the two leaders, Aaron and Moses, represented the different emanations of hesed and gevurah, respectively (Or HaChaim commentary on Leviticus 9).
 
At 5:00 a.m. on a brisk December morning, I was taking a walk through my California neighborhood with baby Meital when I suddenly found myself reading about the launch of a search for a new rabbinic leader at HEA to work alongside Rabbi Gruenwald. My heart lifted and I raced home to talk to Nate about the possibility of a new adventure.
 
Months later, words cannot express how blessed I feel to be coming to Denver to join and support the HEA community. I look forward to getting to know YOU, traveling the Jewish year together, enjoying fresh Colorado air and prayer, and building holy partnerships with our clergy, staff, lay leaders, and members. For I believe that collaborative leadership in which we can each bring our own skills and emanations, as the HaChaim teaches, is one of the most precious expressions of the divine.
 
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shmini, Aaron steps into leadership when he raises his hands אל העם, typically translated as “toward the people or “in the direction of the people.” But אל העם can also be translated, Rabbeinu Bahya teaches, as “for the sake of the people, i.e. to meet their needs.” I look forward to showing up day in and day out, week after week, month after month for this community with open ears and an open heart. The isolation of COVID has reminded us all how precious simply being together is – in song, in eating, in study, in helping one another, and just in being.
 
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday of Passover, I hope we can all cherish the potential for new connections on the horizon. “Let all who are hungry come and eat,” is as much a mantra for our way of walking through the world as it is a message for the invitation list for our Pesach seder.
 
Shabbat Shalom and see you in July!

HEArtbeat: Rabbi Gruenwald’s Sabbatical

March 22 – April 19

On Tuesday, March 22, I will begin a 4-week sabbatical, which will extend through April 19, 2022. As my sabbatical approaches, I want to share some thoughts on where we are and where we are going.
 
In Leviticus 25:2-4 we learn:
 
When you enter the land that I assign to you, the land shall observe a Sabbath of the Lord. Six years you may sow your field and six years you may prune your vineyard and gather in the yield. But in the seventh year the land shall have a Sabbath of complete rest, a Sabbath of the Lord.
 
It is upon these verses that the idea of a sabbatical year for professionals has been built. Just as we are told to let our land lay fallow after six years of productive growth, we understand that a valued professional and teacher too should have the chance to revitalize their creative fruits.
 
I am as excited and eager as I have ever been in my rabbinic career. This past year, I interviewed for the senior position, articulating a vision for a revitalized HEA coming out of the pandemic. We conducted two successful search processes, culminating in the hire of Eitan Kantor as our Director of Congregational Music and Rabbi Sarah Shulman to serve as our Assistant Rabbi. In both cases, we struck pure gold! I can’t wait to see the creative work we will do together. This past year has been exhilarating but also exhausting.  
 
I am grateful to Rabbi Dollin, who set an example several years ago when he took a sabbatical that led to the creation of Shir Hadash and other innovations in our synagogue. During the four months he was away, I came to appreciate just how hard it is for a single rabbi to serve a community as large as ours. I deeply appreciate that he will be taking care of the congregation in my absence. 
 
As my sabbatical approaches, I feel gratitude to our community, our leadership, and our staff for this opportunity to reflect and recharge. I will be stepping away from my day-to-day duties for one month with several goals in mind aimed at supporting my professional and personal growth: 
 

1. Prepare to lead a high-performing dynamic team that is motivated by a shared vision and direction for the HEA. To accomplish this goal, I will be meeting with experienced colleagues around the country (over Zoom) to learn from their experience of leading large synagogues such as ours. I will also be working with a professional coach to plan a retreat for our staff, which will take place at the end of the summer. 
2. Learning and professional growth: I have set for myself a reading list on Jewish topics as well as books about management, fundraising, and inspirational leadership.
   
3. Musical Leadership: Eitan Kantor’s hire signals HEA’s commitment to inspirational musical leadership, which I would like to support by learning to play hand drums. 
4. Rest and recharge for the work ahead: I plan to exercise, meditate, eat healthy, and make good use of my ski pass!

 
While on sabbatical, I will be stepping away from my regular duties. To really have the space to recharge and refocus, I need some distance from the day-to-day of meetings, phone calls, and emails. Rabbi Dollin and Laura Intfen will contact me in the event of a crisis; otherwise, I will be out of touch. Rabbi Dollin will be leading services and available for all of the congregation’s needs. My email will be read by my able assistant, Debbie LeBauer. You are welcome to contact Debbie while I am away to schedule time with me after my return from sabbatical. Debbie LeBauer can be reached at 303-758-9400 or debbie@HEAdenver.org. 
 
Sabbatical is more than a vacation from meetings, budgets, sermons, and services. It is a time for a rabbi to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen relationships with self, family and friends, and God. I deeply appreciate the time and space you all are giving me, and I look forward to returning in time for Pesach – the season of our renewal and rebirth–ready to serve this community with energy and creativity.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Purim Sameach!

The Hidden Hand of Hashem During COVID:

A Purim Message of Hope

The holiday of Purim is filled with so much that there is more than meets the eye. There's intrigue, there's irony, there's drama, and there's triumph. Some of us may not be aware that the Megillah Esther is the only book of the TaNaCh, the Hebrew Bible, where the name of G-d is never mentioned. Yet if we look closely, the hidden name of G-d is found, and further, G-d's hidden hand is believed to have saved the Jewish people.

The name Esther comes from the Hebrew word HaStir / הַסְתִּיר which means to conceal. And as we are familiar with this dramatic story, Esther conceals her Jewish identity until it is revealed to the king, who loved her dearly, and her actions save the Jewish people from devastation. In chapter 5:4, she plans a banquet for not just the king but also invites the evil Haman.  

It is in this chapter, we read the words: יָבוֹא הַמֶּלֶךְ וְהָמָן הַיּוֹם

Yavo HaMelech v'Haman Hayom "...let the King and Haman come this day..."

By taking the first letter of each of the four Hebrew words, we find the letters Yud, Hay, Vov, Hay, which spell the Name of G-d. Yet still, how can we derive or even accept that in these four words, Yavo Hamelech v'Haman Hayom, the name Haman appears within the concealed spelling of G-d's name?  After all, Haman is the malevolent one in this story, the one who wanted to destroy us and wipe the Jewish people from the earth. His were the evilest plans that almost came to be.

So, we must also look deeper that although the name of Haman appears in this pneumonic, so too do we find the Name of The DIvine. That where there is darkness, there is still hope and still good and still light.

The past two years have given us challenges as Jews in the face of COVID. We've had to adapt to how we engage as a community. We've had to mitigate our rituals, our services, and our programming. And we've managed to do so with the same spirit and same commitment from the very first days the HEA opened its doors. And through this pandemic, Hashem is still here, and as a community, we can emulate the strength and bravery of Esther and Mordechai to sustain us with the help of G-d's hidden hand.

With this in mind, I would like to encourage all of us to make sure to sign up for all our upcoming Purim activities. We have a lot to offer this year – please make sure to partake in the annual * Kevin Bitz (z"l) Memorial Purim Campaign as we send Mishloach Manot to all our HEA households, as well as volunteer to help deliver our gift bags to everyone. 

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Purim Sameach!
_______________________________________
*Campaign will close on Tuesday, March 1, 5:00 p.m.

HEArtbeat: Update on Afghan Refugee Family

There is a story in the Midrash of Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai walking with Rabbi Joshua among the ruins of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70CE). Rabbi Joshua said, “Alas for us! The place which atoned for the sins of the people Israel through the ritual of animal sacrifice lies in ruins.” Then Rabban Yohanan replied to him these words of comfort: “Be not distressed, my son. There is another way of gaining atonement even though the Temple is destroyed. We must now gain atonement through deeds of loving-kindness,” for it is written, “Loving-kindness I [God] desire, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6).
 
When we reflect on our lives, we often think of what we do that is kind. When the opportunity arrives, we decide to care, to have compassion, and to love. We decide to “do” something that makes a difference in this world; that has a positive impact on other human beings. Tradition says that doing acts of loving-kindness assures our place in the world to come. It ensures our place in heaven.
 
We have an opportunity for deeds of loving-kindness right now. Our synagogue community has been matched with an Afghan refugee family of 7. The father is 38 years old, and the mother is 33. They have five children, ages 14,12,9, 8, and 6. It is a highly complex task to settle a family this large with young children. Our circle of leaders is organized and committed to the many jobs that need to get done, including fundraising.
 
We have raised $20,000 of our $25,000 goal from 103 generous donors. These funds, among other things, will pay for six months of rent, food, utilities, clothing, phone, transportation, furniture delivery, ESL classes, and so on. Would you like to be among these donors? To do so, go to the GoFundMe page linked HERE.
 
Our family is expected in the next two weeks. As we get to know them, I will tell you more about them. Initially, for security concerns, we are being careful about providing too much information, like making their names and pictures public. I will be pleased to introduce them to the community as soon as we can ascertain their comfort level and their safety needs. There are many other jobs that will need to get done as we move forward. More information will follow.
 
After two dark years of illness, an unstable world, and what seems like a constant stream of bad news, here is an opportunity to bring some light.
 
Shabbat Shalom!

The HEArtbeat of Joy!

Genesis begins with God creating the universe as a home for human beings. Exodus ends with human beings creating a Mishkan as a "home" for God.
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

I feel like the whole world needs a pep talk right now. And luckily, the Jewish calendar is right there to give it to us. Events out of our control over the last two years have left us tired, scared, frustrated and, even hopeless. But this past week, we welcomed Adar 1, and this weekend we read the Parsha Teruma.

According to a famous quote from the Talmud, "Mishenichnas Adar marbin b'simchah," "When Adar enters, we increase joy" (B. Ta'anit 29a). HEA is on the doorstep of a plethora of joyous occasions. We look forward to Eitan Kantor joining us in a few months as he brings the power of music back within our walls. We are in the midst of welcoming three amazing Assistant Rabbi finalists to our congregation as we communally look toward the future. Soon we will be celebrating with Rabbi Dollin as he celebrates over three decades of being our spiritual leader. How do these life cycle events of a congregation turn into joy? Well, that, my friends, is on us.

In Teruma, God states, "Then have them make for me a sanctuary." Ex. 25.8. The them in that statement is us. We become active creators instead of passive receivers. As Exodus opened, we were receivers of miracles from God. This week, in God's wisdom, we are instructed to work together and the results are amazing. Not only is the Mishkan beautiful, but it brings a spiritual joy to its builders.

The building of the Mishkan was an endeavor of skill and generosity. And that brings us back around to HEA. We have a beautiful building and sanctuary thanks to the skill and generosity of the HEA community that oversaw the building and the moving that took place in the mid-'90s. It was a huge endeavor, and in talking to many members involved with the HEA at that time, I can't help but notice the sense of achievement, pride, and pure joy that is felt even today for that amazing accomplishment. 

Here is your chance to discover that joy. This weekend, next weekend, and then the weekend of March 4-6, we will be hosting three candidates that will work with soon-to-be Senior Rabbi Gruenwald to create the next spiritual footprint of HEA. Our next Assistant Rabbi will be half of a team that will be your spiritual leaders and mine. Choosing this person will take everyone's skill and generosity. 

Please be generous with your time. Review the schedule of events around the candidates and join us, either online or in person. Then use your skill and express your feelings and thoughts about each candidate on our feedback survey. Be a part of this endeavor.

We are building onto the home that HEA built for God. Not a physical addition, but one of spiritual leadership. Bring your generosity of time and skills to our endeavor. Together, we've got this. As we enter Adar 1 and read about the creation of the Mishkan, we will be moving forward together, and we will discover the joy that awaits us in our community's future; together. 

Shabbat Shalom!

HEArtbeat: What are You Doing for Others?

If you’ve been in the building for services or an event at HEA over the last several years, you probably have seen me and know who I am. On Shabbat and events, I’m usually in the lobby or at the main entrance, walkie-talkie in my hand, and a smile on my face (which is now under my mask) as I greet you. Some of you might be wondering what it is that I do here when I’m not doing that.

Well, my work-a-day role is that of the Communications Director. I’m responsible for the printed communications like the Shabbat guide, the slides and photos on the TV monitors in the lobbies, and the emails that go out to the congregation, like the aggregate emails of what’s going on—Monday’s HEAding into the Week, Wednesday’s HEAdlines, and Friday’s HEArtbeat. Most weeks, I’m the editor of the HEArtbeat. But today, I get to write the HEArtbeat, and I’m excited to use this space to tout something that I spend a lot of time keeping up-to-date: our website, HEAdenver.org.

You’ve probably seen those photos of an iceberg with a little tip sticking out of the water and the rest of the giant hunk of ice below the water’s surface. Our website is like an iceberg. That little tip--the website content--is actually pretty huge, but what's supporting it from below is truly massive. Maybe you see the website primarily as a reliable way to look up dates and times of events and services. But I'm here to tell you that there’s an enormous amount of capability underpinning the website content. Here are just some of the features of the website that benefit you, the HEA member.

You can…

• access your own member account--update yahrzeits, manage your family;
• view your transaction history, enter payment methods, set up recurring payments, and make donations and payments with your credit card on file;
• register for events and pay for tickets;
• access the HEA Member directory, and customize your entry to show what other HEA members can see and not see.

Our website is powered by ShulCloud. It’s an ultra-secure cloud-based accounting system, content management system, event calendar, membership and donation tracking system, email communication application, and online portal that hosts over 1300 shuls and counting. It’s mobile-friendly, and there’s an app available for Apple and Android smartphones—search the app stores for Hebrew Educational Alliance (not HEA).

Log in today to use these amazing features. If you’re stuck, please email or call me for help with signing in.

So back to the opening paragraph of this article. Why am I in the lobby or at the door for Shabbat and other in-person gatherings? Because I am a part of the HEA Safety & Greeter team. The goal of this team is evident in the name. We exist to greet people when they enter the building and ensure the safety of the people in the building once they are inside. We are trained in recognizing threats and emergency response by Secure Community Network (SCN)--the same group that trained Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX. We’re a great team that has also become a close group of friends. We love doing what we do, but frankly, some of us could use a day off or a shorter shift! So please, email or call me about joining up. We’d love to have you!

Shabbat Shalom!

CEO’s note: We are all so grateful for the work of the Tikkun Olam HEAconnect group. You can do your part to help us repair our corner of the world by practicing Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life.) The Omicron strain of the COVID virus has been proven to be very contagious. If you are coming to our building for Shabbat, please remember our policy that masks MUST be worn at all times except when you are seated at Kiddush luncheon, eating or drinking. We also ask that everyone that enters the building that is eligible for the COVID vaccine be vaccinated. Thank you for helping us do all we can to keep our community safe and healthy. Look for an email from me on Monday regarding HEA COVID protocols. 

The HEArtbeat of Tikkun Olam

“AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?”

It is an age-old question. According to the story, Cain kills Abel, but when asked where his brother is, Cain says, “I don’t know.” Then he says Abel is not his responsibility. We never get a real answer to the BIG QUESTION…Is he his brother’s keeper?

The bigger question today is, “Are we our brothers’ keeper?” Are we responsible for the well-being of others? Surely you would be there for a family member or friend if they needed you, but to what extent. Most of us would do whatever we could to help a loved one in need.

But what would you do for a stranger? If you see someone stranded on the side of the road, do you help?

There are lots of people stuck out on the road of life these days. More than 5,000 people in Denver do not have a safe place to live. The reasons for the vast unhoused community are numerous and complicated. Governments and community organizations do what they can, but it’s an uphill battle.

The HEAConnect Tikkun Olam Group has joined the effort. In the last year, we have given out over 700 Bags of Hope with things such as water, fruit, hygiene products, snack foods, socks, scarves, and hand warmers to members of the unhoused community.

We have prepared over 200 lunches for various shelters. Two dinners were cooked for a local women’s shelter. Several food trucks served meals at the SOS (Safe Outdoor Space) at Regis University, thanks to generous donations by HEA members.

Tikkun Olam means “Repair the World.” You can help in any way that feels right.

VOLUNTEER…as little as an hour a month or as much as you want. Pack a lunch…knit a scarf…serve a meal. Donate…leave items for the Bags of Hope in the Tikkun Olam collection barrel by the Hebrew School door or through the Tikkun Olam Amazon Wish List.

GET CONNECTED…visit the Tikkun Olam in HEAConnect section of the website or app, or email steve@svanvliet.net.  We’ll sign you up or just put you on the list for our monthly newsletter to let you know what we’re up to.

​​​​​​​This cardboard sign you see on street corners all over the city speaks to the issue so well.

We can be our Brother’s Keeper. Anything and everything helps!

The HEArtbeat of Reading Torah

Mallory Bustow
Ritual Coordinator mallory@HEAdenver.org

Cantillation is storytelling, and its most skilled practitioners are great storytellers. Of course, it’s not just any story that they are telling—it’s one of the oldest and most widely read stories on the planet. Cantillation, at its essence, is a means of putting across that sacred story with convincing rhetorical expression and with vocal beauty.
 
- Joshua R. Jacobson, Chanting the Hebrew Bible: The Art of Cantillation - 2nd, Expanded Edition

I love the quote above, which opens Joshua Jacobson’s authoritative guide to chanting the Hebrew Bible. When we read Torah and our other sacred texts aloud, the musicality of cantillation – often called by the Yiddish term leyening or simply reading Torah – elucidates the meaning of the words and elevates the experience for everyone within earshot. Jacobson eloquently makes the case that this is because talented storytellers bring to life one of the world’s most compelling and instructive narratives. 

As the Ritual Coordinator at our shul, it is my honor and pleasure to support our Torah, Haftarah, and other biblical text readers. In addition to providing audio recordings and tikkun images to experienced readers, I am thrilled to be teaching students new to Torah reading – or those who have not leyened for a very long time, perhaps since their own bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies. 

With a new secular year almost upon us, it is a great time to consider learning Torah and/or Haftarah cantillation with me in 2022. I will be offering courses a few times during the year, the first of which will be an Introduction to Torah Trope beginning in late January. Keep an eye out on the Monday Adult Education emails for details. 

I especially encourage those of you with upcoming family simchas or special anniversaries of your bar/bat mitzvah to join me in learning (or re-learning) to read Torah. Many of the students who are participating in my current Introduction to Torah Trope class were sparked to join because of the recent or approaching bar/bat mitzvah of a child or grandchild. If you, too, are inspired by the leyening of an emerging adult in your family, or you are celebrating a special anniversary since your own bar/bat mitzvah, the Introduction to Torah Trope beginning next month could be perfect for you. 

Beyond learning how to vocalize the trope notes, we will also learn about the reasons we chant and the ways that trope notes function in phrases. Every student will leave the class with a short Torah reading to prepare for either the Thursday morning minyan or Shabbat services. And, we will have plenty of fun in the process!

I look forward to being a resource for as many of you as possible and assisting on your journeys to becoming incredible storytellers in our kehilla, our sacred community.

Shabbat Shalom!

The HEArtbeat of Dani and Dani Plus this Weekend’s Shabbat Morning Schedule

Shabbat morning schedule. Choose your experience:

• Traditional Worship at 9:30 a.m., Rabbi Dollin will be leading our Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary
• Kavannah Service at 10:00 a.m., head across the street to the upstairs room of our Goldberger Youth Center and join Rabbi Gruenwald for this deep dive into Shabbat 
• Tot Shabbat at 10:00 a.m., join Dani and Dani for a Shabbat celebration for families with young children
• Family Service at 11:00 a.m., join Rabbi Sherry for a worship service geared for families for 2nd-6th graders

Please remember that masks are to be always worn in the building except for when you are eating or drinking.  

Bim Bam; Zum Gali Gali, Shema, The Shabbos Shake...

These are just a few of the songs that are sung weekly at the HEA Preschool Shabbat sing and at the monthly 2nd Saturday Family Tot Shabbat. As the Judaic and Family Connections Coordinator (Dani Wynn) and Shir Hadash Music Director moonlighting as our preschool-aged music specialist (Dani Tavbin) we get the unique opportunity to elevate Judaism with songs and prayers with our youngest lifelong learners. 

Each week Mrs. Goldwynn, Dani Wynn's alter ego, dresses in a yellow sweater, yellow shoes, yellow headband, and black glasses. When we enter the classroom or the playground for a song session, we are greeted with hugs and smiles. Together we do the Havdalah ritual of marking the end of Shabbat. Every child has their very own besamin bag to smell, and they are truly fascinated when we extinguish the candle flame with a touch of cinnamon. A sweet-smelling scent is left behind. We leave each room putting a stamp of three stars on a child's hand (or sometimes their forehead if requested). We let them know that they are shining stars and that each child is valued and loved. The Dani's love nothing more than spreading the joy, love, and wonder of Judaism through prayers and song.
 
On Fridays at school, we sing, dance, and welcome Shabbat into our hearts as a kehillah (community). The intention is to create a meaningful musical experience. We look forward to the day when we can safely return to having all the parents and grandparents join weekly. 
 
We feel fortunate that we often get to sing side-by-side with one another. For 11+ years, both of us have had the opportunity to work together, and this is just the icing on the cake. When we pray, we sing. And while Mrs. Goldwynn may not be in tune all the time, when both Danis sing with the children, we are creating memorable moments for families to continue with their own Jewish Journey. Rabbi Sachs quoted:
 
The Torah is God’s libretto, and we, the Jewish people, are His choir. Collectively we have sung God’s song. We are the performers of His choral symphony. And though, when Jews speak they often argue, when they sing, they sing in harmony, because words are the language of the mind but music is the language of the soul.
 
Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat!
 
Dani and Dani

HEArtbeat:

Music Scholar in Residence

Please join us as we welcome the return of Eitan Kantor to HEA December 17 - 19. Eitan led our High Holiday services so beautifully in 2019 and has shared his talent with us over the years during special weekends and events. He is a musician, educator, and composer who works to inspire the importance of music and Jewish values.

SAVE THE DATE!

HEArtbeat: Teach us to count the number of our days, so that we may acquire a wise heart.

As we move through the month of Cheshvan, the question is often asked, why do we refer to this month as “Mar” Cheshvan (for example, when we chant the prayer announcing the new month). “Mar” means bitter. And what is bitter about this month? Perhaps because there are no holidays or celebrations of any sort in this month. After a month of Jewish holidays in Tishrei (the month that immediately precedes Heshvan), we are sad that there isn’t much to mark these 29 humble days of MarCheshvan.

I must admit, though, as a rabbi, there is no better month than Cheshvan because we have full weeks to work in the office and can relish Shabbat as something special; no holidays! It’s just four regular weeks.
 
I do think, however, that there is something to learn from this month. If the Jewish calendar doesn’t provide us with celebrations, it is up to us to make the days of this month special. It is like a blank slate. We design and color the canvas ourselves. What can we point to on just a singular day that makes it unique and memorable.? What will we do today that might make today the most important day of the year?
 
In Psalm 90, we read, “Teach us to count the number of our days, so that we may acquire a wise heart.”
 
In the old Silverman Siddur (which was replaced by the Sim Shalom in 1986 which was itself replaced by our current, Lev Shalem in 2016), just before announcing the new month, we would read: “O heavenly Father, the approach of another month reminds us of the flight of time and the change of seasons. Month follows month; the years of man’s life are few and fleeting. Teach us to number our days that we may use each precious moment wisely. May no day pass without bringing us closer to some worthy achievement. Grant that the new month bring life and hope, joy and peace to all Thy children. Amen.”
 
We acquire a “wise heart” when we pay attention to the quality of every single day. We “count the number of our days” in order to make every day count.

Shabbat Shalom!

HEArtbeat: Worship Services at HEA

The world we build tomorrow is born in the prayers we say today.
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

As the pandemic threat wanes, we invite you to return to synagogue services, assured that we are taking every reasonable precaution to ensure a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable experience. This email details our weekly prayer service offerings and updated coronavirus protocols.  With the departure of Cantor Reisner and the evolving pandemic conditions in mind, this remains an interim plan for the near term. We will continue to update you as the situation evolves. We also look forward to soon sharing with you a plan to staff our clergy team and provide musical leadership for worship services. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we build back our capacity to offer the energetic and dynamic services you have come to expect from the Hebrew Educational Alliance. 
  
Shabbat Mornings

HEA aims to provide our diverse community with multiple ways to connect on Shabbat morning, including our Traditional Service, Shir Hadash, family and early childhood services, and Jewish learning opportunities. While we work to build back our capacity to provide these offerings, and as people gradually return to weekly participation, we will continue to offer weekly Traditional services and Shir Hadash once a month, alongside a rotation of alternative service options. It is our hope to bring Shir Hadash back on a regular basis in the future.
 
Traditional Service - Weekly

The Traditional Service will continue weekly as it has during the pandemic, with a full liturgy, including repetition of the Amidah for both Shacharit and Musaf, with a triennial Torah reading, as explained by Rabbi Dollin in his June 3rd HEArtbeat message. These services are in-person and livestreamed.  
 
Alternative Services – Weekly Rotation

1st Shabbat: Kavannah Service, 10:00 a.m. in the Library (Starts November 6). Led by Rabbi Gruenwald, this service will be an exploration of Jewish mindfulness practice, incorporating meditation, prayer, and text study.  In-person only, no streaming.
 
2nd Shabbat: Tot Shabbat, 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. For families with children 7 and younger. Join Dani Tavbin and Dani Wynn for a musical, interactive service for the young and the young at heart. In-person only, no streaming.
 
3rd Shabbat**: Shir Hadash, 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. Shir Hadash will be offered once a month as a complete service with Torah reading, led by our davening team and musical director, Dani Tavbin. In-person and live streaming.
**NOTE: The next Shir Hadash service will be on October 30. The schedule will be modified in months with Shir Hadash b’nai mitzvah (Jan, May, Nov 2022). 
 
4th Shabbat: Family Service, 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. Join Rabbi Grinsteiner for an engaging family participation service for families with children in grades 2 - 6. This service will include musical instruments. In-person only, no streaming. (Next service on October 23).
 
Visit our website for a complete listing of upcoming Shabbat offerings including b’nai mitzvah and commemorations for Pink & Teal Shabbat, Immigration Shabbat, and Sisterhood Shabbat.
 
Musaf Classes:
Adult learning on Shabbat has resumed every Shabbat morning after the sermon (approx. 11:15 a.m.) in the Library. Check the website for the schedule of teachers and topics.   
 
Friday Evenings:
Traditional Minyan, weekly at 6:00 p.m. (until November 5. Starting November 12, the traditional minyan will start at candle lighting time. Check our website for times.)  For now, this service will continue on Zoom. Check the HEA website for times and Zoom information. 
 
Azamra will no longer be offered. We look forward to offering musical Kabbalat Shabbat services in the future. 
  
Shabbat Afternoon:
We look forward to bringing back Mincha/Maariv on Shabbat afternoon in the future. 
 
Weekday Morning Minyan: Daily at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: Morning Minyan will continue on Zoom.
Thursday morning minyan will now be in-person, with a complete liturgy and Torah reading, in the chapel with Zoom available for those viewing from home. (See website for details)
 
Updated COVID protocols and Kiddush Luncheon Information

Based on the recommendations of our Reopening Committee, we will continue to require all participants to wear a mask while gathering in all indoor spaces, with the exception of individuals leading services alone on the bima (including b’nai mitzvah).  
 
Kiddush lunch on Shabbat will be offered indoors, with outdoor seating, weather permitting. You are welcome to remove your mask while eating. 
 
We appreciate your patience, grace, and cooperation as our Reopening Committee continues to revisit our policies as conditions change.  
 
We hope to see you soon here at your HEA home,

Rabbi Bruce Dollin
Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald
Laura Intfen, CEO