As summer days begin to grow shorter, it is time to start thinking about the upcoming High Holy Days. The COVID pandemic has been a great disrupter for all of us, as we try to figure out how to live our lives while staying safe. Over the past few months I pulled together a task force to consider the best option for observing the High Holy Days at Temple Emanuel this year. We spent time considering multiple scenarios and made the difficult decision that the safest, most responsible choice is to hold all our services online. While we are sad to be making this choice, the health and safety of our members and clergy is our number one priority.
There are many things we will miss this year – gathering with the entire congregation in one space, greeting those we see only once a year, watching the children as they show us what they created in their children’s services, joining together for a festive meal. But we are lucky to have technology available to allow us to pray together yet separate, to maintain many of our traditions and perhaps to create some new ones.
The Rabbi is working hard with a dedicated High Holy Days preparation team to make these holiday services as meaningful as always. During this time of uncertainty, stress and isolation for many, it is even more important that we gather together as a community and support each other, as we examine the year that has passed and imagine how we can recreate ourselves and the world around us.
We want to make sure that every member of Temple Emanuel can access our services this year. If you have any concerns about accessing our festival services online or know anyone else who might have a problem doing so, please contact me, the Rabbi or Ruth in the office. As the holidays approach we will send out further information about each service, including the children’s services.
This year, while we can’t gather in person with friends or family, we can use technology to join with those dear to our hearts, whether they live in our community or are many miles away. The TE Board of Directors has decided to open our virtual doors to welcome all guests, near or far, to join in our services this year. Further information will be coming soon on how guests can register for our online High Holy Day services.
I hope all of you stay safe and healthy and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Robin Levine-Ritterman, President