Dear Friends,
The CBS Board, along with myself, Gordon Lustig and the Ritual Committee, has made the decision to hold this year's High Holy Day services (5781) virtually. There were a number of factors that led to this decision, but paramount among them was the fact that, as a sacred Jewish community, we could not and should not do anything that would put any of our members at risk. With the Covid-19 pandemic still very much present, the health and safety of our members--especially the most vulnerable among us--has to be our first concern. As our tradition teaches us in
Pirke Avot
, "If you save one life, it is as if you have saved the entire world."
While this is not an ideal situation, we have had very high participation at our virtual programs and services over the past several months, and most of them have been engaging and meaningful. We are hopeful that we will have a similarly positive experience during this year's Days of Awe. Gordon and I have already been doing research and discussing creative approaches to virtual High Holy Day services, and we will do our very best to make them moving and accessible. One thing we know for sure is that they will be an experience that none of us will likely ever forget!
We thank you for your understanding, patience and support during this incredibly challenging time for all of us. I am truly honored to be your rabbi.
B'shalom, Niles
