Shalom TBS community,
 
We are writing to update you on the latest information regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Governor Cuomo has extended "NY State on Pause".
All s chools and nonessential businesses will stay closed through May 15th.
Governor Cuomo also issued an executive order requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public, including when taking public or private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. An executive order directs employers to provide essential workers with masks free of charge to wear when interacting with the public.

Here's some more information that you may need to know:
New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate blood. Here's information on how to donate .

New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.

COVID-19 testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider. Your  local health department  is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.  


New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.


During this difficult time, United Way, Putnam Business Council, and Community Cares are partnering to provide meals to senior citizens and first responders, health care workers and those who are medically vulnerable. Reach out to 211 to get on the distribution list for meals donated by Community Cares from local restaurants, delivered to your home’s front porch. All people need to do to sign up for this is call 211. This is for people living in Putnam County at this time.  

 New York State has established a special Q&A Coronavirus hotline to address any of your concerns at: (888) 364-3065. More information about the coronavirus can be found at the New York State DOH or CDC websites.  



 Members of the Board of Trustees have volunteered to contact all members of our congregation as needed. These phone calls will help keep us connected and help us assess congregants needs.The office will be closed for business, but phone messages will be checked several times a day by Beth Garelick from a remote location, and all emails will be checked and responded to as well. (845) 628-6133 or office@tbsmahopac.org
  

Thank you for your trust and partnership throughout these complex times.
 
With prayers for health,
 
Rabbi Sarah Freidson and Gail Freundlich, TBS President


A Prayer of Hope During this Pandemic
by Rabbi Naomi Levy

We are frightened, God,
Worried for our loved ones,
Worried for our world.
Helpless and confused, 
We turn to You 
Seeking comfort, faith and hope.

Teach us God, to turn our panic into patience,
And our fear into acts of kindness and support.
Our strong must watch out for our weak,
Our young must take care of our old.
Help each one of us to do our part to halt the spread of this virus 

Send strength and courage to the doctors and nurses
In the frontlines of this battle,
Fortify them with the full force of their healing powers.
Send wisdom and insight to the scientists 
Working day and night across the world to discover healing treatments. 
Bless their efforts, God.
Fill our leaders with the wisdom and the courage 
To choose wisely and act quickly.
Help us, God, to see that we are one world,
One people 
Who will rise above this pandemic together.

Send us health God, 
Watch over us, 
Grace us with Your love,
Bless us with Your healing light.
Hear us God, 
Heal us God,
Amen.