Virtual Programs

Date:Thursday, May 26
Time: 8 pm ET (5 pm PT)
Cost: Pay what you can
Led by: Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael

We have all seen the news, we have heard the cries for help. Our Ukrainian ancestors summon us to tell their stories, sing their songs and share their teachings to help raise funds for relief. Join Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael and friends for an evening where your very presence is a sign of support; coming together to learn and overcome our sense of helpless of what to do. This is something you can do. Featuring Reb Leah Novick, Alisa Fineman, Rabbinic Pastor Shulamit Fagan, Cantor Abbe Lyons, Lealiza Lee and more to come.

If you’d like to offer a teaching, song or story please send an email to Reb Geela Rayzel: rrayzel@shechinah.com

Exploring the Parables of Jesus: The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

Date: May, 25
Time: 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT)
Cost: $18
Led by: Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister Eleanor Francis

Class Description:

We will explore the Parables of Jesus and their roots in Judaism. In session we will explore the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard from both a Jewish and a Christian perspective, focusing on its historical, political, religious and literary contexts.

*NOTE: Parables are a form of oral literature. Jesus told parables to illustrate spiritual truths and everyday teachings.

Honoring our Loves, Honoring our Lives  – an exploration and guided reflection

Date: June 14
Time: 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT)
Cost: $18
Led by: Batya Segura

 Class Description:

Living/Dying/Grieving – has been on all of our minds since 2020. We have our own brutal and  tender stories and experiences of these past two years. Grief is a change we don’t want. To grieve is human and to grieve is to have loved and to continue to love. In fact, the love we have for them doesn’t leave us, so why should we stop loving when they are no longer physically with us? 

During our time together we will have the opportunity to actively engage with questions, concepts and tap into the wisdom of our lived experiences. 

Together, we will face our fears of living, dying and grieving so as to live a little more fully. We will do a guided meditation and spend some time reflecting on our current relationship with death. How does knowing that you will die inform your living? 

The Nechamah Minyan was started in January 2021 by Reb Geela Rayzel Raphael as a place to say kaddish (Jewish prayer for the dead) for her mom, Natalie Robinson, (Nechama Leah bat Elke v’Chayim). 

For Jews in mourning, it is traditional to say daily Kaddish in a minyan, which is a group of 10 or more persons. All who mourn, who are honoring yahrzeits, or who wish to participate in the mitzvah of making a minyan, are invited to join this important program.

If you would like to register, please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael at rrayzel@shechinah.com.

If you are looking to attend a minyan taking place that evening, please contact Rabbi Geela Rayzel by 6 pm EDT.

If you’d like to be on the last-minute text list (to be contacted to participate in the mitzvah of making a minyan, in the case not enough are gathered) please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel at the email above.

If you’d like to lead one of the evenings (creative, traditional, and all types of services are welcome!) please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel at the email above.

If you would like to express your gratitude for this type of program, please feel free to make a donation HERE.

Date: Weekly on Wednesdays
Time: 11:30 am-12:30 pm ET (8:30-9:30 am PT) 
Cost: Pay-what-you-can 
Presenter: Rabbi Anne Brener

Description: Overwhelmed with stress from social distancing, quarantine, and COVID-19? Join Rabbi Anne Brener for a chanting and meditation service, using the structure of the morning service, to calm our bodies and connect our souls. There will be time for some check-in afterward.