A key perk of sharing an office two doors down from the Rabbi is that I can tap into her liturgical knowledge to help translate my practical and operational ideas into more spiritual applications. When I mentioned my intent to provide a status update to the community about recent aesthetic and functional changes to the facility courtesy of our generous donors, she directed me toward the Torah. Specifically, she suggested that I focus on the rituals of donation and sacrifice offered at the Tabernacle as a symbol of our covenant with God.
Most recently, we have instituted several physical improvements at HEA. First, as mandated as our number one aesthetic priority by our recently formed Building and Improvements Committee, we have replaced the carpeting in the Toltz-Naiman Chapel after 30 years of wear and tear. While painstaking to evaluate a myriad of plaid, mauve, sand, eggshell and off-white patterns that all figuratively blend together, we are blessed, through the generosity of the Toltz and Naiman families, to accomplish this project.
Furthermore, through Eitan’s leadership of our Disabilities Advocacy Committee, we have enhanced the handicapped accessibility of the restrooms by installing an automated door opening system. Again, through a grant from the Rose Community Foundation, a generous donation from Jane E. Rosenbaum and supplementation from the Pomeranz and Koby Gruenwald Funds, we were able to accomplish this physical upgrade that will have a positive impact on so many of our members.
Finally, as mentioned in last week’s services, we have received a beautiful Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) from the Rubin Beautification Fund that will offer a functional alternative for use during our many simultaneous services. We are presently evaluating various options to prominently use and display the Eternal Light created by Ira Sherman in honor of Koby Gruenwald, in blessed memory.
The examples above epitomize the strength in intersecting our innate need for personal giving and generosity, as iterated through our Judaic principles, with each individual’s desire to support issues and projects near and dear to their hearts. Like the ancient Israelites in the wilderness, we at HEA are so fortunate to have so many passionate and compassionate contributors to help propel our synagogue and community toward a glorious future.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Coming Up!
Torah for Today Class Shabbat, Jul 5th 10:30a to 11:15a, Library With Rabbi Mordecai Magencey, Ph.D.
Iran From a Journalist’s Perspective Wednesday, Jul 9th 7:00p to 8:30p Karmel Melamed is an award-winning journalist and commentator in Southern California covering Iran, Iranian Americans and Middle East affairs. Join us via zoom to hear his talk on his perspective on Iran’s situation before the war, as well as the situation of the Jewish community in Iran right now and what is next after the war.
Festo! Festo! Featuring Jacob's Ladder Thursday, Jul 10th 7:00p to 9:30p Festo! Festo! is a monthly Klezmer, Balkan, and World music concert and community jam session. This month's guest band is Jacob's Ladder. The performance will be at Hebrew Educational Alliance.
Shabbat in the Park Friday, Jul 11th 5:00p to 7:00p (Service starts at 5:15p) Enjoy a fun-filled Shabbat service and celebration for young ones and their adults at Centennial Center Park, 13050 E Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO 80112. Families should bring their own dairy dinner, and HEA will provide snacks and drinks.
Azamra & Potluck Dinner Friday, Jul 11th 6:00p to 9:00p Join us for our Friday evening musical service and Shabbat dinner! NEW TIME: Appetizers at 6:00 p.m., the Azamra service at 6:30 p.m., and Potluck dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Torah for Today Class Shabbat, Jul 12th 10:30a to 11:15a, Library With Rabbi Doug Weber.
