Dear Mount Zion Community,
 
Today we are in a new normal that is anything but normal.
 
The world is looking very different since just Friday when we sent our announcement that Mount Zion is closed through March 31.
 
Ironically, this week we read in the first line of the Torah portion: “Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community…” (Exodus 25:1). The word “convoked” is part of the name of the Torah portion, Vayakhel , which shares the same root for kehillah , community. This is the week Moses created a community among the people.
 
We are committed to strengthening our community - even as we practice “ physical distancing” we are working harder than ever to create social connecting. 
 
We want to share a few updates for social connection in this time:
 
Live Streaming Services :
 
Reflecting on this past Shabbat: Unfortunately, we had a technology fail on Shabbat with our live streaming system. As many know, it had been working well for the past months. We are working to have it fixed by this Shabbat. FYI, for those who participated on Facebook Live – over 360 people – please know that we had to move to Facebook after working with the streaming tech assistants both Friday and Saturday and thus did not have our tripod at the ready.
 
This coming Shabbat: We heard from many who appreciated that we used Facebook Live. Therefore, we will use both live streaming (on our website) and Facebook Live for this coming Shabbat. Please note for those on Facebook, the service will be broadcast on our Mount Zion Temple Facebook page (which is public - like this page, and you'll be notified when we go live!) rather than our Mount Zion Conversations Facebook Group (which is private - join the group!) We will provide pdfs of the prayerbook and details for this Shabbat later this week.  

Opportunities for Connection:
 
 
  • This Sunday – March 22 - Virtual Gatherings via Zoom You will be able to connect to the activities listed below via your computer (video and audio) or just by calling in. Details will be provided later this week.
  • Coffee with Clergy – Rescheduled from March 15 – with Rabbi Spilker - 9:30 am. What Does Reform Judaism say about Israel? Platform positions from 1885, 1937, 1976, 1998. 
 
  • Town Hall Meeting – “Proposed update on bylaws regarding our members who are not Jewish and their role in governance” – 10:30-11:45 am
 
  • A note for committee chairs, affiliate presidents, and small group leaders: In the coming days, we will be providing training in “Zoom” so you can use this on-line video conferencing platform for your groups. We have expanded our Zoom account so you will be able to use it. Look for an email by Wednesday with more information.
 
Opportunities for Helping:
 
  • Supporting our congregants in need: We need to be caring for ourselves, friends, and family. If you know of anyone in need in our congregation, please be in touch with our clergy and Shai Avny who is coordinating our Caring Community team.
 
  • Donations for March Against Hunger: We also need to think about our broader community. This is “March Against Hunger” and our financial support for the local food shelf is needed more than ever. Please give directly here or through our website and choose “Mitzvah Food Shelf.”
 
  • Volunteer: If you are not in an at-risk demographic nor in proximity with someone who is, please consider volunteering. Your help is needed with Neighborhood House’s food support program. Go to their website for shifts: neighb.org/volunteer.

  • Spirit of Asia: Our caterer is suddenly without a lot of business. If you want prepared foods contact Sue Morales.
 
With prayers for strength and health,

L’shalom,
 
Michael Kuhne, President
Adam Stock Spilker, Rabbi
Esther Adler, Rabbi
Jennifer Strauss-Klein, Cantor
Rachel Stock Spilker, Cantor
Larry Solomon, Executive Director
Sue Summit, Religious School Director
Shai Avny, Congregational Engagement Director