HEA’s community, services and offerings have expanded greatly since its inception in the 1920s, growing from a religious school to now being a central community connector for all Denver Jewish life. Join us for services as we sit together in community and worship.
Parashat Shmini 5782 / פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
Read on 18 December 2021 / 14 Tevet 5782.
Parashat Vayechi is the 12th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.
Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Parashat Vayechi tells of Jacob's request for burial in Canaan, Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob's blessing of his sons, Jacob's death and burial, and Joseph's death. [1]
Triennial Year 3
49:27-30 · 4 p’sukim
49:31-33 · 3 p’sukim
50:1-6 · 6 p’sukim
50:7-9 · 3 p’sukim
50:10-14 · 5 p’sukim ·
50:15-20 · 6 p’sukim
50:21-26 · 6 p’sukim
maf: 50:23-26 · 4 p’sukim
Haftarah: I Kings 2:1-12 · 12 p’sukim
Please review our guidelines for attending services -
The Reopening Committee was put together to be an ad hoc committee. At that time, right after Purim, we thought it was a two-week to a month volunteer commitment.
Here it is, almost two years later, and I am happy to share with you that due to the reduction in the positivity rate dropping below the threshold that the CDC recommends for widespread indoor mask-wearing, the Reopening Committee is announcing that the HEA mask mandate will be lifted as of Shabbat morning, February 26.
As of February 26, it will be a personal decision for each person whether or not they wish to wear a mask. So go ahead and trade in your KN95s for Purim masks and let your smiles shine if you like. It’s up to you.
Here are the COVID protocols that we will still be following at HEA:
Masks will be optional, but HEA will not be a place for any mask shaming. Respect each other’s decisions and do not make any person feel “less than” for wearing or not wearing a mask.
Our water fountains remain shut off. Please bring a bottle of water from home with you when you come into the building.
If you feel ill with any symptoms of COVID, the flu, or a cold, please stay home.
If you have been directly exposed to someone with COVID, please remain home until you are able to be tested and return once you have tested “negative”.
The best defense against getting very sick, hospitalized, or dying from COVID is to get vaccinated. The Reopening Committee and HEA leadership strongly recommend that everyone who is eligible for the vaccinations and boosters get them.
Thank you for all of your patience as we have ridden the ups and downs of the past two years.
Please note that these protocols are subject to change at any time should the positivity rate change dramatically or if the local, state, or federal government imposes any mandates.
Please read the CDC's Science Brief: Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
Jewish Resources -
Some traditional Jewish response in times of community need, and especially in the face of health challenges, are to recite psalms, to learn torah, (with others and on their behalf) and to increase prayer on behalf of others.
MiSheBerach, traditional prayer for healing (MyJewishLearning)