Dear Cherished Members of our Beth El Family,
One of the core principles of Judaism is underscored and emphasized in the Torah portion we read on Yom Kippur, SEE I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU THIS DAY LIFE OR DEATH, BLESSING OR CURSE; CHOOSE LIFE, THEREFORE, THAT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN MAY LIVE. One of the core principles in the medical community comes from the oath physicians take, I WILL FOLLOW THAT SYSTEM OF REGIMEN WHICH, ACCORDING TO MY ABILITY AND JUDGEMENT, I CONSIDER FOR THE BENEFIT OF MY PATIENTS, AND ABSTAIN FROM WHATEVER IS DELETERIOUS.
Both principles were considered very seriously by our leadership, our Ritual Committee, our Board of Trustees, and our team of medical experts, as we struggled with the question of how best to observe our High Holiday Services this year. After intense discussion and debate, over several weeks and many meetings, the overwhelming consensus emerged that the obligation to choose life and act in the best interests of our community compels us to conclude the High Holidays will be observed at Beth El this year exclusively via live stream. We assure you it was reached solely out of concern for the health and safety of our community. We are prepared to revisit this decision should conditions change dramatically in the coming days. Instead of assigning specific honors to specific persons, this year, we have opted to honor everyone in our congregation, at whatever stage of life you may be in, by doing everything we can to preserve your health and safety.
Zoom:
SELICHOT SERVICE - August 28th, 7 PM
In person only:
CEMETERY SERVICE - September 12th at 10 AM - Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery (Beth El section)
Live Stream only:
EREV ROSH HASHANAH September 6, 7 PM
ROSH HASHANAH DAY 1 September 7, 10 AM
ROSH HASHANAH DAY 2 September 8, 10 AM
(There will be no Youth Services)
KOL NIDRE September 15th, 7PM
YOM KIPPUR Day September 16th, 10 AM Service
Yizkor 4:30 PM Neilah - (following Yizkor)
Gam zen ya’avor - this too shall pass!
Bashanah haba’ah b’Beit El - next year in our Sanctuary!
Shanah Tova - may this be a good year and even a better one next year!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Michael Matuson
