Jewish tradition teaches us about our responsibility for each other. As we learn in the Talmud, “ kol Yisrael areivim zeh bazeh ,” all of us are responsible for one another. The word areivim comes from the Hebrew root “to be mixed or intertwined.” Therefore, we understand that our destinies are intertwined and that we have an obligation to act for the well-being of the entire community.
The state’s new safety standards raise many questions for us as a house of worship and gathering. We are saddened that we cannot yet gather together communally. At the same time, the health and safety of all in our community must be the preeminent Jewish value as we chart a new way forward.

TBE’s reopening committee has met several times to discuss the latest information available to provide guidance to our senior team as we put protocols and policies in place. We aim for a careful and thoughtful process. As a first step this week, we have put in place protocols to enable some clergy and staff to be in the building on a limited basis. However, although we all want to be physically together to worship, learn, celebrate, and mourn, we do not yet feel it is the appropriate time to reopen the building for our entire community.

This committee (the members are listed below) draws on a wide range of deep resources within our community, representing medical professionals, town leaders, lay leaders, and professional staff, providing expertise in areas that will contribute to sound decision making. The committee’s recommendations and protocols will be guided by the values of our institution, medical and scientific research, best public health and safety practices, and Massachusetts state and town guidelines. 
 
Although we don’t know exactly when we can come together physically, we are proud of the vibrant and engaging online program that we have been able to put together with our services, schools, adult education, and programming among the varied experiences we have been able to offer. We have also been comforted by the many ways we have been able to connect thanks to our fellow congregants' generosity of time, spirit, and resources. Please continue to let us know if we can support you in any way. 

We will continue to share updates and plans for reentry in the weeks to come. To begin, please join us this evening at 7:00 pm for our Community Forum to hear from our clergy, staff, and lay leaders about what we have been doing to create & implement TBE Online and to provide support for our community during this challenging time.

Please stay healthy and stay safe. Do not hesitate to reach out . Most importantly, please remember that even though we are physically apart, we are spiritually connected. 

Thank you for your continued support in being a part of our community. 
Bob Schechter, President
Stephen Ashkinos, Executive Director, Administration & Operations
The Strategic Reopening Committee Members:   
Dr. AW Karchmer, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & former Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Barbara Turk, Infectious Disease Nurse at Atrius Health
Shepard Cohen, Chairman of the Wellesley Board of Health
Dr. Wilton Levine, Medical Director, Perioperative Services at Mass General Hospital
Harriet Warshaw, Past President of the Board of Trustees
Adam Koppel, Managing Director at Bain Capital Life Sciences
Bob Schechter, President of the Board of Trustees 
Neil Silverston, President elect of the Board of Trustees
Rabbi Rachel Saphire
Craig Berkson, Vice President of Administration & Operations
Alison Kur, Executive Director Jewish Living & Learning
Stephen Ashkinos, Executive Director Administration & Operations
Emily Kosinski, Operations Manager
Community Forum
Thursday, May 21  I  7:00 pm
Hear from our clergy, staff and lay leaders about what we have been doing to create & implement TBE Online and to provide support for our community during this challenging time. Join us to learn about our planning to reopen the building, as well as an exciting update from our Mental Health Initiative. TBE Online continues to embrace the values that have defined our community for decades and reach out to individuals all over our area.
Shabbat Service
Friday, May 22  I  6:00 pm
Shabbat has become a central meeting place during this time of separation as thousands continue to "sign in." Join us to celebrate Shabbat together. Rabbi Sisenwine will deliver the sermon.