Please note: This upcoming Shabbat Service on May 2nd will be lay-led and will feature a special d’var Torah from guest lecturer Sarit Wishnevski. Learn more about Sarit and her teaching below.

Gathering the Pieces: The Jewish Ritual of Restoring Wholeness
In Tazria–Metzora, we encounter ancient descriptions of skin afflictions, bodily emissions, and rituals for rejoining the community after periods of impurity and isolation. But beneath the surface lies a story about healing, transformation, and return. Sarit Wishnevski will explore how these themes connect to the sacred work of the Chevra Kadisha (the sacred volunteers who care for the deceased and comfort the living), the ritual of Taharah (the ritual washing and preparing a body and soul for burial), and what it means to restore wholeness—taharah—when someone can no longer do it for themselves.

Bio: Sarit Wishnevski is the Executive Director of Kavod v’Nichum, which empowers, educates, and trains Chevra Kadisha—sacred communities that come together at the end of life to care for the deceased and comfort the living through Jewish rituals and traditions. She is a trained end-of-life doula and a longtime Chevra Kadisha member. Sarit has facilitated learning on Jewish burial practices, mourning, and sacred community care across North America, blending tradition with innovation to strengthen communal support in times of transition.

Join us for lively musical services with R' Faryn and the ensemble, beginning at 6:00 pm at Noe Valley Ministry. Before our Shabbat service, join us at 5:30 pm for a Happy Half Hour.

Want to enjoy Shabbat dinner with your fellow Or Shalomers? Bring a vegetarian dish and reusable dishware for our post-service vegetarian potluck beginning at 7:30 pm. Masks strongly encouraged when not eating and drinking. Let us know what you're bringing to the potluck!

Have a life cycle event/yahrzeit you want to honor? Contact Pat Skala at pat.skala@gmail.com to host a future happy half hour!

Shabbat Greeters & Cleanup Volunteers Needed: Want to warmly welcome new members and visitors to our Friday night Shabbat services at Noe Valley Ministry? Can you lend a hand with storing prayer books and cleaning up after services? We would love your help! If you want to help with either task, please sign up here.

♿ Access Information: NVM is ADA Accessible

⚠️ Food Disclaimer: To ensure inclusivity and accommodate dietary needs, all potluck dishes must be accompanied by a full list of ingredients.