Synagogue Updates

Friends,

I am writing to you at the end of a long day, a day filled with a lot of sadness for our community, for our region and for our society, but one that also included some sparks of joy. As we all know, the loss of a community member can fill us with such pain and sorrow. Our synagogue community is feeling this today. As is our society. In a former life, I was a group leader and a board member of an organization called Operation Understanding, a Jewish and Black dialogue group in Philly that took teens on a three week trip to learn about each other's histories and present day reality. The pain that I see from my friends is heart breaking as is the reality that has caused that pain. In Judaism, when there is loss, we come together for Shiva. Tonight's Shiva was very powerful. I am not sure of the societal equivalent, but the first step for me is to acknowledge the pain of others, just as so many have done for our community when we were in pain..  

But even as we do think about the problems that exist, we need to continue living and finding joy where we can. The celebration of Shavuot together with the confirmation of Will Shapiro was wonderful, as was a drive by birthday party today for one of our Religious School students with many of her classmates. This synagogue continues to find ways to support one another. For that, we are very blessed, and I am very thankful to be a part of this community.

This past Wednesday, our Board of Directors officially announced our COVID-19 task force to look at the next 3 - 6 months of operations. The task force has the following subcommittees that will be meeting over the next several weeks: ECC, Religious School, High Holidays, Programming/Services, and Facilities. If you would like to be on one of these committees, please let me know. This work to make initial recommendations will be quick and important. 

Looking ahead, we have Pride Shabbat on Saturday, June 13th. This Shabbat has become an annual tradition for us. If you or a family member would like to be involved, please let me know. One opportunity that comes with zoom is that we are able to include people from outside of our area in this type of event, to broaden our circle.  

Wishing you the opportunity this week to pause and take a breath in the fresh air. If we can do anything to support you right now, please do not hesitate to let us know.  

Ken
513 503 9559