COVID-19 Updates

Happy Erev Shabbat Kodesh, and Yom Yerushalayim Sameach!

Here are today’s updates:

1. YOM YERUSHALAYIM: This afternoon, at 2:30 pm MDT, the OU presents “The Joy of Jerusalem,” Music and meaning through songs about our holy city. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter and Shim Craimer. It can be accessed here.
2. “VAYICHAN” PROJECT: THIS SUNDAY, Yeshivat HaKotel, in conjunction with the OU and MIZRACHI, is presenting an UNPRECEDENTED worldwide Achdut event! In preparation for Shavuot and Matan Torah - when 3332 years ago, we all stood together as one by Mt. Sinai – the world’s leading rabbis, educators and speakers – from the ENTIRE spectrum of Orthodoxy – will be offering presentations over a a 4½ hour period. Click here for an interactive schedule (note the links in the document will not work until it is time for the class). The program begins during our regular Shacharit time; we will NOT be changing our regular time of davening.

3. SHAVUOT LEARNING PROGRAM: As I wrote in an email last night, I am excited to announce a new initiative for Shavuot this year—the Shavuot (Home) Learning Project. This year, as part of your Shavuot learning, I encourage you to join together as we study Sefer Shoftim – the Book of Judges in our homes over Shavuot. In the coming days you will receive an email with a link to resources and study materials, prepared by my friend, Rabbi Binyamin Lehrfield of Baron Hirsch Congregation in Memphis, TN, in conjunction with their YU Fellows program, to aid you in your studies. These materials are designed to meet you at your own level and interest. Whether you read through chapter summaries, discover famous Jewish leaders, study deeper insights, or learn through the chapters themselves, you will find that there is something for everyone!
4. TEFILOT THIS SHABBAT:
   1. THIS AFTERNOON: Mincha is at 8:00 pm, followed by Tehillim, the Derasha, and Kabbalat Shabbat. Join us at https://zoom.us/j/94819261580.
   2. SHABBAT TEFILLAH: This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevorchim, and Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan. The Haftarah is “Machar Chodesh,” the special Haftorah for the Shabbat which immediately precedes Rosh Chodesh. (Samuel I 20:18-42). We bless the month of Sivan (Rosh Chodesh is Sunday). We DO say Av HaRachamim. At Mincha, we OMIT Tzidkatcha Tzedek. During Maariv on Motzaei Shabbat, we DO NOT say V’Yehi Noam and V’Ata Kadosh.
5. DAILY VIRTUAL (NON)MINYAN: Join us at our regularly scheduled times for Shacharit and Mincha/Maariv by logging in at: https://zoom.us/j/94819261580. If you want to call in, dial 302-715-8592 US or 253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 948 1926 1580. YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE VIDEO IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE SEEN!

Have an awesome day, Yom Yerushalayim Sameach, and Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Joseph Friedman