Dear Congregation,
It is a telling sign during these challenging and uncertain times that our attendance at weekly virtual Shabbat services has been setting records for our congregation! Last Friday, we had over 75 people join us for a beautiful service led by our very own Bet Sefer students. We are delighted that this community has come together in love and ruach when we cannot do so in person, and we encourage you all to attend one of our virtual Shabbat services in the upcoming weeks. I know for us, our Shabbat gatherings have become an anchor in our week and a needed rejuvenation in hope and community.
Thank you to all who took our COVID Re-opening Survey. From your responses, it is clear that our community has diverse feelings about gathering in person – some are ready to come back together now, others when public health officials recommend it, and others are wanting to take more time before gathering again. Together with Mary, Judd, and Josh, the JHJC Board of Directors we are working to provide programming that serves the diverse needs of our congregation while also supporting public health and safety. While we believe it is premature to declare a date for the resumption of in-person gatherings, our plan is to prepare to return to in-person Shabbat services and will begin with gathering outside, adhering to modified COVID protocols. We will always offer an option to join via remote access (i.e. Zoom or live stream). In the meantime, we want you know that we are committed to weekly virtual Shabbat services for the month of June (at least) and a safe and flexible re-opening plan that follows public health recommendations and meets the needs of our community the best that we can. Please stay tuned by checking our website and email communications for further updates. Contact us with any suggestions or special needs.
It is in times like these that the strength and healing of gathering together as a congregation can be most felt. Thank you all for being part of this community.
Sincerely,
Kevin and MikeJHJC Co-presidents