A Matter of Life & Death with Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky

Rabbi Iliinsky has had extensive experience in the Bay Area mobilizing a new constituency on Jewish life and death practices. She is also an adored past member of Havurah, an expert educator and hospice mentor, and friend.

Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Joey & Ilene Safyan, Drash by Rabbi Iliinsky
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

In her drash, Rabbi Iliinsky will pose the question, “What does our life look like when we face death?” She will explore how Jacob is different before and and after his encounter with “the angel” and how his story helps us understand others and ourselves as we confront illness and dying. No RSVP is required for this service.

Vegetarian Potluck Lunch
12:00 noon – 1:30 pm

Please bring a vegetarian dish to share, in a container suitable for serving. RSVP@havurahshalom.org for the potluck, please!

Study Session
1:30 – 3:00 pm

Rabbi Iliinsky will help us understand the liturgy that accompanies Taharah, the ritual washing of the body after death. Through role playing and study, we will feel how the liturgy carries Taharah participants through the challenging task of encountering death face to face. We will also explore what the liturgy says about a Jewish view of the “afterlife.”

Please RSVP@havurahshalom if you plan to attend the study session.