Dear Friends:

I hope this finds you well and complying with the recommendations of the CDC. This is serious, and we need to be vigilant. I want to let you know how we, at the Temple, are responding during this unprecedented crisis.

 

We have been in constant contact with the Union for Reform Judaism, our parent organization, regarding best practices. I have also benefited from the advice and counsel of my Reform rabbinic colleagues from around the country. The Central Conference of American Rabbis has offered invaluable guidance regarding life-cycle events during this pandemic. Many bar and bat mitzvahs, baby namings and weddings have been postponed. I certainly understand the disappointment, but the good news is that our Temple will be much busier with celebrations this summer!

 

Our Executive Director, Maureen Chapman, has been working tirelessly to keep our website current with all the necessary contact information for those who wish to participate in our virtual classes, meetings and services; as well as resources on our Covid-19 webpage. Even if you are not a Friday night "regular," or attend our weekly Bible class, a bit of "cabin fever" may actually work to our favor and inspire a few more participants! You are always welcome through cyber space during the crisis or in person when it is over!

 

We hope that you will join us virtually.

•  Song Session with Cantor Idan Irelander, Sunday-Thursday at 7:30pm. Click here at 7:30pm to join the Song Sessions. 
• *Please note tomorrow's session (March 19) will be at 7:00pm.
• Virtual Bible Study with Rabbi Goldstein, Thursdays at 10:30am. Click here at 10:30am to join Bible Study.
• Children's Friday Morning Shabbat with Cantor Idan Irelander, Fridays at 9:00am. Click here at 9:00am to join the service.
• Sabbath Eve Service, Fridays at 6:30pm. Click here at 6:30pm to watch our streamed service.

The Covid-19 threat has changed our daily lives and upset our routines. Some older congregants may be isolated in their homes. Many parents are facing the challenge of balancing both their careers and their children while working from home. We are prepared to help. If you need assistance with food shopping, need a prescription picked up at the pharmacy, need groceries delivered, or want to connect with another congregant by phone or video chat, please fill out this form . If you are feeling isolated, or would simply like to chat, drop me an e-mail and I'll give you a call. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call or email me at 978-470- 2892 or our Executive Director, Maureen Chapman at 603 702-0300. If you are looking for ways to help, we have created an opportunity to do so. Please fill out this form to let us know how you would like to help others in our community.

 

The famous Chassid spiritual leader, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov wrote, "The entire world is a narrow bridge and the main thing is to have no fear." The Covid-19 crisis is proof that we are one human race; national borders are meaningless. It is incumbent upon each of us for our own health and the wellbeing of the most vulnerable among us, to find the compassion, patience and common sense to heed the advice of medical professionals, and mostly not to be afraid.

 

Though we may need to "physically distance" ourselves from each other, we can remain connected. There may be some difficult days ahead, but we will continue to support each other, and I know we will get through this. Please be in touch with any concerns. We are here for you.