From the Desk of the President

It has been quite the year when taking the time to look back, be in the present, and even do your best to try and guess at the future. When planning last year’s High Holidays it was mentally exhausting as we were dealing with the fact that it was all going to be done remotely and that we would not be together. There were so many hours spent testing new things and trying to find ways that would bring meaning to our community. Now, a year later, we must again plan for the High Holidays with the understanding that we are still dealing with the COVID pandemic. We are now trying to find ways through multi-access, protocols, and innovation to bring spiritual meaning and connection to all of our community.
 

We plan even knowing that things may change, but plan we must. We may make a plan today that might have to be changed by September 6th (Erev Rosh HaShanah). We have even had to change plans since last week (read below for details). The constant change and uncertainty has already led to a great deal of physical exhaustion this year. Last year was actually easier, [though], emotionally much harder. The feeling of loss was at the forefront last year. This year it is much harder logistically and it is making my brain hurt and making it hard to sleep at night. I am so proud of our clergy, staff, and leadership for the tremendous amount of work that has already gone into the debate and preparation for this year. I am so proud of them for stepping up knowing the tremendous amount of work it will take from now until the end of September. It is important that we all recognize the huge amount of work that goes into any High Holiday year and then add in the constant change that this year brings.
 

Through all of the changes that have occurred and the changes that are still likely to come, I know one thing must remain. We must remember to stay strong as a community and be kind to one another. We can expect the best from one another, but we must also know that we are all still in recovery and may not be able to deliver our best on a day in day out basis. Protocols and change are the norms for the time being and we must not let this lead to anger. These plans are in place not to inconvenience anyone, but to allow as many of our community to participate as safely as possible

Updated plans for this year’s High Holidays
 

An initial plan was put forth and announced by the leadership and clergy last week. The problem is that things have changed since that vote. New data showing increased case rates and a relatively flat rate of vaccinations have led to a change in those initial plans. Before I go on to explain these plans and instructions, let me emphasize that things may still change before we get to September 6th. Most conservatively we may again need to have all services remotely.
 

It has not been easy to find the most suitable way to include as many of our congregation together and not exclude anyone, while also balancing this with the safety and health of our community. Some of the best discussions and debates that I have been part of since I have been on the board have accrued as we navigate this decision.
 

Current plans, protocols, and instructions
 

We will be attempting to hold all services outdoors. This is the safest way for our community to gather, but it also is not guaranteed. We can all hope for nice weather. The High Holidays are even early this year with Erev Rosh HaShanah on September 6th, Labor Day. The problem is that there is no guarantee of nice weather or good air quality. In the case that we do need to move indoors, which we will need to decide at least a day in advance, only those with proof of vaccination will be allowed in the Sanctuary. If the service is moved indoors, all attendees and participants will be required to wear a mask at all times. The other major change is that all who plan to attend—whether outdoors only or in either location (indoors or outdoors)—will be required to register by September 2nd (registration is now online). If you do plan to attend AND the service is moved indoors you will need to provide proof of vaccination before a specific deadline. If you register by August 27th your seating passes (one per person) will be sent in the mail.

More specifics will be mailed to all members and found on the Temple Beth El High Holiday page. Knowing that this is such a fluid situation, it is also important to check that page for the most up-to-date information.

We will also be broadcasting all services whether outside or inside, assuming the power or internet do not go down. These services will be broadcast to the Temple Beth El Facebook page and Temple Beth El YouTube channel. We will also be adding this to the Temple Beth El website as the video will be embedded in the live streaming webpage. We have been busy installing new equipment in the Sanctuary so that we can more easily broadcast a multi-access service. We have also been testing new equipment and methods of broadcasting outdoors each Friday so that we will have a better multi-access streamed service.

Help from the community

In order for us to be able to hold the services outdoors (even indoors to a lesser extent) we will need members of our community to step up and volunteer to help. We will need help with setting up, and tearing down. We will need ushers as we have in the past even though they will be required to do some different things. We will need help with security if you have previously helped in this function. We will need help setting up the audio and visual equipment. So please consider helping or at least convincing someone else to help out this year. If you are willing to help contact either Jordan Harris (jhhandjnh@aol.com) or Aaron Petersen (president@tbetacoma.org).

Thank you for taking the time to read this and may we all experience a sweet new year with more clarity and calm.

Aaron Petersen