Synagogue Updates

Happy Sunday! 

It seems oddly fitting that we had an unexpected snow storm yesterday, on the two year anniversary of our in-person services and programming temporarily closing for COVID. And yet, also fitting is that we had beautiful Shabbat morning services yesterday, a meaningful Havdalah Bat Mitzvah, and a wide array of programming throughout the weekend. Even though our lives changed, our community has continued to grow and we have adapted. I have been rereading our emails from those first weeks, and it is still very inspiring how quickly our community came together - to call to check on one another, to shop for one another, for the Hazzan to start making yahrzeit calls. I can't believe that it has been two years of these Sunday emails. 

Last night at the Bat Mitzvah, someone asked me what we have learned and gained during the past two years. While there has been so much pain and many challenges, we have also learned so much, and some of the evolution brings great opportunities. We have relearned that at its core, a synagogue is not about its services or its programs, it is about community, educating our youth, taking care of one another. Thank you for continuing to role model this lesson. Prior to the pandemic, we would not have been able to have a scholar in residence series like we just did, or meet community members from Nigeria or Poland as we are doing this month. I could not share the video of Rabbi's sermon from yesterday (which I found very powerful as I was able to watch it from home). This week, we are able to present Purim and our Cabaret in a hybrid manner, allowing for people to be in person and online (Don't forget to RSVP for both, Cabaret acts are listed on the webpage). As we continue to come back in person, we can't lose some of the things that have kept our community together.

My question for you that I would love your feedback on - what actions that the synagogue has taken over the past two years have been most meaningful to you? What do you miss most about in person activities that we need to make sure we restart/continue?

We have received a few questions about the synagogue mask policy. Our health and safety policies are always under review, and our Board of Directors will be discussing our policies at its meeting at the end of the month. We know that there are a variety of opinions in our community. As we have always done, we are focused on balancing the health of our community, the current situation, and the experience of those attending our services, classes and activities.  

We know that there is a lot of economic uncertainty right now. Gas prices are often tied into our ability to purchase food and other goods. If you need support, please reach out to us and we will try to direct you to the best resources. One resource is the Mitzvah Food Pantry, run by Federation. A core tradition of Purim is Matanot La'evyonim - giving to those that need. When you come on Purim, please consider bringing with you a gift card to donate. We will offer them to congregants and staff that might be feeling the current gas and food prices. Any left over will be donated to local food banks. 

As we are opening up more, we have the opportunity to bring volunteers back to the office. Do you have free time that you would like to help out in the office? Starting after Passover, we have the following option: answering phones in the ECC office from 4 - 6pm Monday - Friday (you can pick which day of the week you would like to be there). If you would like to volunteer a few hours, please let me know. 

I want to close on one other lesson that I have relearned repeatedly throughout the past two years. Our expectations strongly impact our experiences. We have been forced to adjust our expectations, of our rituals, of our community and of ourselves. As you go through this week, remember, we are all dealing with a lot - from toxic public discourse, to the tragedy in Ukraine (and elsewhere), to economic challenges, to an ongoing public health crisis. It is ok to recognize this and to adjust your (our) expectations and to make sure to give yourself a break.  And remember, this week, the weather will once again be getting warmer and the sun will be setting even later. 

Have a great week.

Ken
513 503 9559