From the Desk of the President

It is with such great joy and pride that I think back to the first three Friday night services that we were back in-person and within our sanctuary after being away for so long. Yes, it looked different, as we were wearing masks, groups were sitting distanced from one another, and there was the hum of the new air purifier. But the important thing was there was a collective joy, pride, and energy. It has been an empty room for most services over the last year and a half, but with the return of those looking for  community prayer and connection to one another it was wonderful to see.
 

Now that we have returned to in-person services on Friday nights, I hope that you will be able to join us soon. As we train more sound and audio volunteers, I am also hopeful that we will soon be able to return for Saturday services as well. For those who do not yet feel comfortable coming into the sanctuary, all services will continue to be broadcast on the Temple Beth El Facebook page, Temple Beth El YouTube Channel, and on the Temple Beth El website. You have the option to chat with others by watching on either YouTube or Facebook. If you are having any problems, please contact the office to see if we can help.


In addition to services, a number of our adult education classes are in person as well as some that are still online or multi-access. Our young beginner Hebrew students have also begun meeting in-person—it is hard enough to begin learning a new alphabet, it is nearly impossible to do so remotely. Much like services, it may look different due to a number of COVID-19 related protocol, but it is great to see so many smiling faces (you can tell by the eyes even when wearing a mask).
 

Now that we have begun offering services in person, we can also start thinking about what is next. I and the Board of Trustees have decided that it is important that we begin to offer times to gather and interact in a social setting. As such, we hope to begin offering onegs after Friday night services and lunch following Saturday services sometime early next year. We have a lot to figure out and plan before then so it will take a little time to prepare. For example, the kitchen has not been used since before COVID-19 and we need to find someone to help us set up and clean up on a regular basis. We also need to determine the best protocol to put in place for our safe return. I can hardly wait to once again have a conversation and schmooze after services in the social hall.