Last Updated March 16, 2020
Shalom everyone,
Thank you for your patience as we work to address these challenging times.
As you know, we tried to remain open as long as practical (and possible). However, the time has come to close the building to all meetings, classes, events and services.
The synagogue office will remain open (perhaps on modified hours) and we ask you to only call or email to conduct business. There are no in-person visits at this time.
Although this is an incredibly difficult and disorienting decision for many, it is also the Jewish thing to do. Our tradition places pikuah nefesh, the value of saving a life, above almost everything else. The responsible thing to do in this situation is to curb our need to gather as a kehillah, community, precisely so that we can maintain the health and safety of everyone in that very community in the future.
We are so very fortunate to be living in a time where we can be “virtually” connected. Pam will be sending a second e-mail in the next few minutes to explain how we will be going “online” with our services and classes for the near term, with directions and links to each service and class, as well as our prayer books.
Virtual services will include morning and evening minyan, Erev Shabbat and Shabbat services. We will start tonight with Maariv, at 7PM. Please join us for this new and virtual experience! Although we do not technically have a “minyan” due to these extenuating circumstances, we will be saying the Mourner’s Kaddish at each service.
Rabbi Naomi Levy wrote the following prayer for these incredibly difficult times.
We pray that you and your families are doing all that you can to stay healthy and safe and look forward to seeing you virtually (for a while) and meeting in person just as soon as we are safely able to do so.
Please continue to check your e-mail and our
website for ongoing updates.
As always, especially in these emotionally challenging times, Rabbi Schonbrun is here for you for pastoral care and counseling. If you need to reach him, please call the office during normal business hours or his cell after hours (not on Shabbat) at 408-316-9634.
Chizku v’imtzu, may we maintain strength and courage during these challenging times,
Rabbi Aaron Schonbrun
Laurie Gross, President
