Dear Friends,
As we stand together in this unsettling moment, we navigate the balance of prevention and diligence in determining a responsible way forward. In light of the current reality and the Jewish values we hold dear, our staff and lay leadership have determined that we have a moral obligation to embrace social distancing to protect the health and safety of all.
At the same time, we know that continuing connection to the Temple Beth-El community is of the utmost importance. Social distancing need not mean diminishing our spiritual connection. We will do our very best to continue our services and study digitally so that our tradition may sustain, comfort, and even inspire us in this unusual moment. Our plan for the next few weeks is outlined in great detail below. This is an evolving situation; we will be in touch with you by email and on our website as the situation changes.
When we finish one book of the Torah, white space extends between the books on the scroll filling us with uncertainty until we begin the next. In that moment, we chant the words “hazak, hazak v’nithazek,”—strength, strength, and may we strengthen one another. In this moment of uncertainty, we pray that the warm embrace of our community continues to nourish and strengthen each of us until we too reach the next chapter safely.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Sarah Mack (RabbiMack@temple-beth-el.org )
Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman (Rabbivoss-altman@temple-beth-el.org )
Cantor Judy Seplowin (jseplowin@temple-beth-el.org )
Judy Moseley (jmoseley@temple-beth-el.org )
Rachel Mersky Woda (rmerskywoda@temple-beth-el.org )
Robert Stolzman (president@temple-beth-el.org )
Worship: Beginning this evening (March 13), we will hold Friday evening Shabbat services remotely using Zoom. To participate Click Here.
B’nei Mitzvah: We will celebrate our Bar Mitzvah, Jacob Dickstein, on March 14. Since we have several weeks before our next celebration, we have some time to consider possibilities going forward. We are committed to being flexible and creative, and anyone with a question should contact Rabbi Mack or Cantor Seplowin directly. We will be in touch shortly regarding tutoring and ongoing preparation.
Daily Minyan: We will Livestream minyan each day using Zoom. To participate in Minyan Click Here .
Religious School: classes and programs will be canceled until after Passover.
This means that there will be
no classes on Sundays, March 22, 29 & April 5,
no trip to NYC for our 5th graders on Sunday, March 29
no Family Shabbat led by our 3rd graders on Friday, April 3
We are setting up remote learning for our Small Group Hebrew students and will send information out when we have more details available as to how and when those will take place.
Pastoral Care: The CDC has recommended voluntary visits to hospitals and nursing homes be curtailed. Our clergy will be available for pastoral care via phone and Facetime. Please contact them by email or call the emergency line by calling the office 401-331-6070 and then pressing #9.
Funerals, Shiva, and Other Life Cycle Events: Please contact our emergency line by calling the office 401-331-6070 and then pressing #9.
Email is the best way to communicate with staff.
Adult Learning and Torah Study: We will do our best to host classes online via Zoom. To participate Click Here.
Zoom: To learn how to use Zoom Click Here .
Options to join our Zoom Services and Learning.
Shabbat Services:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/769086533
Meeting ID: 769 086 533
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,769086533# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 769 086 533
Minyan:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/597866157pwd=NW1wVU1xZFdoSEFRVmNXMzFuQUZoQT09 Meeting ID: 597 866 157
Password: 060167
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,597866157# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 597 866 157
Torah Study and Adult Learning:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/771959481
Meeting ID: 771 959 481
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,771959481# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 771 959 481
