Synagogue Updates

It is truly strange to think that we have now been living through a year of COVID-19 in our society. So much has changed and so much remains the same. In reflecting on writing this email, I looked back on the first emails that we sent when the pandemic began. We activated our first zoom account on March 10th, it is hard to imagine a time when we were not running zooms. 

Throughout this time, we have thrown a lot against the wall to see what would stick. Some of our initiatives have been successful, some - not so much. But throughout, our community has shown its resilience, its creativity and its care. In the spirit of Passover coming up - thank you for not Froggeting about us. 

So what have we learned this past year? Here are three of my takeaways:

• Communication is so important. Nature abhors a vacuum and people want clear communication that says what you know and what you are prioritizing
• The building is a tool for engagement and community, it is important, but it is only one of many tools
• That no/we can't should never be the first answer to a question

This is not to say that we have always been successful at operating this way, far from it, but it helps guide us as we move forward. One of the books that I am currently reading is Think Again by Adam Grant. There is a great graphic that ties in so well with that last point (click to enlarge). 

It is not possible to do things as we always have. The pandemic has challenged us to rethink how we operate. Along with the obvious negatives, there are many opportunities for growth and improvement that we need to consider and take advantage of as we move forward.

The final message that I have taken during this past year has been that the Jewish community is resilient. Our B'nai Mitzvah ceremonies have gone on. We continue to pray, volunteer, educate and commit acts of loving kindness. This is such an important message going into Passover. If we as a community can survive exodus and so many other tragedies, our community will survive this. 

Speaking of resilience - a few weeks ago I wrote about Ella's Pi(e) Day. That was today.  The pie baking program was great and with the help of many of you - the family raised over $36,000 to start a permanent fund at CHOP.  It is a true testament to the importance and power of our community. Thank you. 

It has been great to start being together for services and activities - socially distant and in a safe manner. This past Friday was really special to me and when the weather is nice we will try to keep doing outdoor services. If you are interested in coming to services in person, please let me know. We have had plenty of room. We will be doing first and eighth day of Passover in person in addition to Shabbat each week.

As we enter Passover, a few highlights to share with you. Next week on Sunday, we will have a special drive by event. Get your carbs, get your cardio, donate a can and pick up a Yom HaShoah Candle. Learn more and rsvp here. We will have a Passover family program later on that afternoon and we will be hosting a musical Virtual Seder on the 2nd night with Hazzan Rosner. 

If you need help with Passover prep, please let us know. We are getting ready for Men's Club's Man of the Year Event. Thank you to everyone that has sent good wishes and supported the event. We are very grateful.

Looking forward to seeing you in the near future. Thank you for people a part of our community, you are appreciated.

Ken
513 503 9559