Today is DAY TWENTY-EIGHT, which makes FOUR WEEKS of the Omer.
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Torah for Today Anat Katzir, Kol Dorot Educator
A Prayer in Spring
Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.
Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.
And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.
For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will, But which it only needs that we fulfill.
This past week, since the beginning of May, I’ve been looking outside and seeing spring. Perhaps it’s thanks to the new pace of the days, or the fact that I can work next to the window, or the fact that inside the house the days can feel exactly the same while outside there is considerable change, but this year I am truly experiencing spring. It may sound silly, but growing up in Israel, autumn and spring were barely noticeable. Before you were able to enjoy them they had turned into winter or summer. Having four distinct seasons feels like a real blessing, a gift of nature and creation. While we are half-way through the counting of the Omer this week, it feels like a great time to pause, and instead of focusing our count on the upcoming harvest of Shavuot, to be present in the spring—the birds, the flowers, the bees and all the beautiful colors of nature. I hope you all find ways to enjoy some time outside and enjoy the fresh air and the many colors of nature.
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Celebrate Shabbat
*LIVE* Candle Lighting and Shabbat Blessings
Friday, 5/8, 6:00pm
Check your daily email for details on how to join
*LIVE*Friday Night Shabbat Service
Friday, 5/8, 7:30pm
Check your daily email for details on how to join
Our live service was a success last week, so we're doing it again! Please join us virtually to celebrate Shabbat all together "in the same room." (Note: Use the same Zoom link for the Candle Lighting and Shabbat Service.)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Saturday, 5/9, 9:00-10:00am
Check your daily email for details on how to join
Havdallah with Rabbi Noah and Family
Saturday, 5/9, 6:00pm (Pre-recorded)
We can't compete with Morah Anat's Star Wars costumes, but we'll have a few special things planned for the ceremony to end Shabbat... Look for the Havdallah video on the Kol Dorot Facebook Page.
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In Case You Missed It
On Tuesday night Cantor Sarah led Music and Meditation to unwind at the end of the day.