Rabbi Lynn Greenhough

Shavua tov, dear friends. Our province is looking at days, weeks, months and years of recovery from the terrible flooding, mud slides, and loss of property, animals and of lives. Please take notes of ways you can give tzedakah towards relief efforts. I heard one of the Food Bank managers speak about how they have the capacity to turn every dollar given into three, with their capacity for bulk buying. So many people are helping in every way imaginable. Jewish Federation and our own Reform movement are providing avenues of support to those who need our help.

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Shavua tov, dear friends.

So many opportunities for us to learn with each other. This morning I participated in learning from Rabbi Gila Caine, the first of our speakers in the lecture series so ably led by Marilyn Wolovick. Marilyn and her committee have put together a series of speakers, all of whom bring their background and engagement in Jewish community to our doorstep. It will be an exciting year! As you may have noticed above, the speaker series organized by the Victoria Jewish choir is bringing in Rob Menes, a former Victorian, who became a noted cantor – perfect timing for those in the Prayer course. Please join us.More

Shavua tov, everyone. Covid has brought us a number of Back to the Future moments. The Board of Kolot Mayim decided this past week to primarily return to Zoom for delivery of our Shabbat services. The Hybrid model – providing a Zoom of in-person services as/is complicated and our in-person numbers were just too low – to the point where justifying the expenditure of effort was not possible. We will be holding an in-person service once a month for everyone who feels able to attend – followed by a light lunch. Meanwhile let’s think of other ways that we can encourage our members to gather in small bubbles – here are some ideas generated from last week’s Shabbat service.

Ideas for getting together

Shabbat – On Friday nights and Saturday mornings, invite a few people to join you for a Shabbat meal and enjoy singing together while following the Zoom service.

On Shabbat afternoons – arrange to have tea and a visit – maybe every other week.

Arrange for Zoom or phone visits Friday morning/early afternoons to check in with friends – and maybe people you don’t know so well yet.

Let’s make our Zoom services as interactive as possible.

Help with services:

Want to learn to sing one of the prayers for Friday evening or Shabbat morning? Call Rabbi Lynn.

Love music? Help the rabbi locate Jewish music videos to play on Zoom.

Give a d’var on the weekly parashah – contact Rabbi Lynn for ideas.

Want to help with our once monthly in person service?

We need a volunteer to organize a rota of people to bring the following: Bring paper bowls, a crockpot of vegetarian soup, bread (Challah/Pita) and dessert.

We have an opportunity to build Shabbat connections and well beyond.  I am looking forward to hearing from you about your ideas and how you might like to participate as we continue to build our kehillah.

Kol tuv,

Rabbi Lynn