Dear Friends of HaMakom,

This past spring has been unlike anything we've ever experienced. We have no idea how long the health crisis will continue. We are physically apart but virtually connected.

Those of us close to HaMakom continue to believe that we have something unique and precious to offer the Jewish community in the Santa Fe area. We are moving forward, despite the inability to gather in person for Shabbat worship, festivals, or educational events.

Our musical and dynamic Shabbat morning services continue  on Saturdays at 10 AM, electronically on Zoom. Join Hazzan Cindy Freedman and guest rabbis, including Rabbi Jack Shlachter once or twice a month, as well as Torah teachers from within the HaMakom community. The Zoom links for all services and events can be found in our weekly e-newsletters. Services include davvening with text from the Siddur presented on screen, and a discussion of the weekly parsha.

Hazzan Cindy also conducts morning prayer services Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9 AM and Havdalah on Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM. And, our monthly Continuing Education presentations have been very well attended  on Zoom.

The biggest piece of news concerning HaMakom's future is that we are moving our base of operations and weekly worship to the historic Upper Sanctuary of Temple Beth Shalom on East Barcelona Road. That's where we will meet when we are able to gather in person again.

The Upper Sanctuary is the oldest synagogue building in Santa Fe with a rich Jewish history. It has been used for Jewish worship for more than 50 years, it is the right size for our small congregation, and it is handicapped accessible.

Most encouraging has been the warm and enthusiastic welcome we've received from Rabbi Neil Amswych and Executive Director Wendy Steinberg. They have gone out of their way to make us feel at home on their campus while honoring the differences in our approach. Together we are in the process of improving the space. It will be ready and welcoming when it is safe to meet in person again.

We anticipate that HaMakom and Temple Beth Shalom will share certain activities and programs, to increase the Jewish resources available to all. For now we see this move as a big positive step that will support HaMakom's continuity and stability going forward. We will continue to offer our own services with the same HaMakom flair and flavor.

Soon you will receive a letter asking you to renew your membership in HaMakom or join if you are not currently a member. In uncertain times such as these, being able to count on our community is critically important. We continue to have many of our regular expenses that membership contributions cover and now, in addition, expenses connected with the move to the Upper Sanctuary.

Because of the current crisis we were not able to conduct a planned spring fundraiser. Your donation to help make up for that missed benefit would be much appreciated.