Dear Friends,
This has been one of the most surreal weeks that I can remember. Schools, businesses, synagogues, and institutions are struggling with how to both protect people and help the community cope with the realities of
COVID-19
and what is going on in the world around us.
It has been suggested that our reaction to what has been classified as a global health pandemic is somewhat an over reaction. Others have suggested that we are not reacting seriously enough. What I do know is there is a lot of misinformation, and conflicting information. I also know that the situation and circumstances seem to change by the hour.
Jewish tradition is clear,
Pikuach Nefesh DoCheh et HaKol
. Saving a life is of the utmost importance and trumps everything else. What we do know is that
COVID-19
is a virus that most dangerously affects those in our society who are the most vulnerable. I believe that we have an obligation to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
As a Rabbi, I have always seen one of my main responsibilities as bringing people together, especially in challenging times. By embracing the policy of social distancing, we are encouraging exactly the opposite. Our reaction, which can be found here, discourages people from directly interacting with one another as much as possible. Cancelling programming and gatherings was a painful decision, and goes against almost every instinct that I have as a Rabbi. Given the fluidity of the situation, I anticipate needing to consider further restrictions and making other difficult decisions in the weeks to come.
For now, we are holding our services this Shabbat, Friday night, and Saturday morning, and will continue with our daily Minyan. Nevertheless, I want to encourage you to consider not coming. If you are vulnerable, if you are the least bit unhealthy, even if you just feel nervous, please don’t come. Our Shabbat services should be a place of peace and comfort, not anxiety.
I also believe that times of uncertainty, times of turmoil and challenge, are the times in our lives when we need our synagogue community most. I assure you that the Tifereth Israel community transcends being together in our space. Over the coming days, we will provide details of ways that we can continue to come together, learn together, and support each other, as we navigate this confusing and uncertain time. I believe that uncertain times can also bring out the best in people, and I want to encourage all of us to try to be the best versions of ourselves, and be there for each other. Despite the cancellations and suspensions, rest assured that as a community we will be working harder than ever before to ensure that we support one another and stay connected.
I want to encourage all of us to pick up the phone and call one another to check in, and as always, I am available to talk if that would be helpful for you.
Contact me
, or
Kandice
, to set up a phone meeting or whatever you feel comfortable with.
Together, we will emerge from this stronger, and more connected with one another, than ever before.
Wishing you all a
Shabbat Shalom
,
Josh
