The last few months have been challenging for all of us. Yet, in this time of quarantine and unrest in our country, we believe that our Temple community is stronger than ever. Unprecedented numbers of members are joining us online for Friday evening Shabbat services. Thanks to an incredible team of educators, our students continued to participate in education programs that moved to a digital format nearly the moment quarantine began. Our minyan and Torah study groups now gather on Zoom with as many as seventy members each week. Our community is connected and engaged in ways both familiar and new.
As summer begins, we have started to plan for the High Holy Days. This year, the month of Elul begins on Friday, August 21st. As the situation with Covid-19 continues to unfold, and based on consultations with medical experts, a survey of congregations across the country, and a review of a variety of in-person possibilities, the leadership and clergy of Temple Shalom have decided that our High Holy Day observances this year will take place in a mostly digital format.
We are so disappointed that we will not be together in person. Our High Holy Day observances are a cornerstone of who we are, and a treasured way to begin the New Year. We are saddened by our present reality, but we also believe we can turn this disappointment into an opportunity for our congregation to welcome 5781 in creative and innovative ways.
As we work to plan the scope and vision for the High Holy Days, we want to offer time for reflection and processing. We also want to support you in this moment and offer a space to share our collective loss. We hope you will join the clergy team as we discuss the challenges and possibilities inherent in our new way forward at two online meetings on Tuesday, June 23rd at 12 PM and Thursday, July 16th at 8 PM via Zoom. We look forward to seeing you and will send more details soon.
As summer begins, we feel the weight of this unprecedented time. There are so many unknowns. But we do know that Judaism has survived for thousands of years because of our ability to innovate and adapt. When we gather for the High Holy Days this year, we are confident our experience together will exemplify the best of our community and the teachings of our ancient, complex, and beautiful tradition. We appreciate your support as we embark on the tremendous effort of charting this new path ahead. We look forward to you joining with us.
With hope for the future, Rabbi Berry, Rabbi Abrasley, Cantor Shafritz, Fred Kraus, Temple President
