HEArtbeat - A Prayer for the Families in Minneapolis
08/29/2025 12:01:02 PM
Aug29
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A Prayer for the Families in Minneapolis
The rabbis of our tradition have spent much time and spilled much ink over the centuries discussing what should and should not interrupt one’s prayers. Such as if one gets distracted, bitten by a snake, or called out of the room, do one’s prayers still count?
In fact, the rabbis of the legal codes are so resistant to the outside world interfering with our prayers that they suggest that even if a snake were to encircle a person’s leg or a dignitary were to greet a person, one should not stop praying the Amidah unless they are in imminent danger. And yet, throughout the month of Elul, our prayers are paused and punctuated by the blasts of the shofar. Some interruptions are clearly welcome, while others are not.
But this week, the prayers of children were interrupted by a sound that should never take over the songs and whispers of worship. On Wednesday morning, the chanting of Psalms by eager students at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis was interrupted by gunfire and commands to hide, cover one another, and wait.
Our hearts break along with the families of those affected in Minneapolis in a tragically familiar feeling. We send our prayers and condolences to the loved ones of Fletcher Alexander Merkel (8), and Harper Lillian Moyski (10), who were killed during Wednesday Mass. In a time of broken prayers, we send our own and pray for a return to wholeness. In a time of obstructed prayers, we appreciate the opportunity to stand together in our own sanctuary in solidarity, in continuity, in joy, and in hope.
May all those who were injured, including many children, find healing and comfort. And may all children, and all people, be able to pray in peace and safety.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Sarah Shulman
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Coming Up!
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Apologies aren’t simple and cannot be reduced to a singular moment. Join Rabbi Shulman and Rabbi Dollin for a three-part series on the Arc of the Apology. Register HERE.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 22nd and ends at nightfall on September 24th. Yom Kippur begins at sunset on October 1st and ends at nightfall on October 2nd.
Shofar Blowing Class Sunday, Sep. 7th, 10:00 a.m. (For All Ages) Learn to blow the Shofar in time for the High Holidays with Eitan Kantor! Yivarechecha: Batya Levine in Concert Thursday, Sep. 11, 6:45 p.m. doors open; 7:00 p.m. concert begins (For All Ages) Rooted in the traditional wisdom and ruach (spirit) of their Modern Orthodox upbringing, Batya is dedicated to building a vibrant Judaism that simultaneously reaches backward and forward in time, and is wide enough for our whole selves. Batya believes in the liberatory power of song to untie what is bound within us, and sustain us as we build a more just and beautiful world.
Azamra: Nigguns of the Season Friday, Sep. 12th, 5:30 p.m. (For All Ages) We begin with a happy hour at 5:30 p.m., services at 6:00 p.m., and dinner at 7:15 p.m. Come ready to sing!
Selichot at Rodef Shalom Saturday, Sep. 13th, 8:00 p.m. (Holiday Services) HEA will again join Rodef Shalom for an evening of Selichot, song, and study, at Rodef Shalom.
Tot Shabbat Saturday, Sep. 13th 10:45 a.m. (Families with K-12 Students) A spirited and fun playtime before our Tot Shabbat service for little ones and their adults.
A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz Sunday, Sep. 14th, 7:00 p.m. (Adult Programming) Rabbi Shulman will facilitate a conversation with Sarah Hurwitz on her new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. This book is an urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition, by the celebrated White House speechwriter and author of the widely acclaimed Here All Along. Books will be available for sale and can be signed by the author after the event. This evening is generously sponsored by Barbara and Jason Carroll.
Tikkun Olam Planning Meeting Monday, Sep. 15th, 7:00 p.m. (For All Ages) We invite you to join us at this meeting as we re-establish the HEA Tikkun Olam Group with new ideas and projects to help others in our Denver Community. For more information, please contact Sherri Kadovitz at sgkadovitz@yahoo.com or Nevan Mandel at nevannmandel@gmail.com.
Loosen: Aly Halpert in Concert Thurs., Oct. 9, 7:15 p.m. doors open; 7:30 p.m. concert begins (For All Ages) A singer, pianist, drummer, and guitar player, Aly writes songs for building community, working for collective liberation, and visioning different worlds. Aly leads music and prayer for the Jewish community. Her songs have been sung in national gatherings, song circles, and quiet moments of personal prayer, and have moved people all over the world.
The HEA offices will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. Morning minyan will begin at 8:00 a.m.
