SPIRITUAL COMMITTEE NEWS NOVEMBER

Even though we’re a quiet committee, we get stuff done! Every service, every life cycle event, every holiday celebration at Temple, we’ve had a hand in. In 2021, our biggest effort has been in helping Rabbi Edelson keep things happening via ZOOM and in person—no easy task with all the technical considerations that had to be dealt with. Despite COVID, we’ve been able to keep services happening and inclusive.  A very grateful Thank You to the ZOOM Team David Punia, David Wright and James Valastro.

            Trying to plan services in the midst of COVID has been and continues to be a challenge that the Spiritual Committee has never faced before. We appreciate everyone’s patience with our efforts.

            This year we’ve had to formulate protocols for funerals and b’nai mitzvot when we were unable to gather. How were we to make these ZOOM life cycle events meaningful? So much of Jewish life involves being together. In the end, it came down to “spirit.” Everyone involved entered into these experiences whole-heartedly and though we were physically apart, we spiritually connected.

High Holiday services that had to be presented in person and over ZOOM were a challenge. But, we got through it all. Hopefully, in 2022 things will get back to some semblance of “normal” and we’ll be together again in full force.

            Right now we’re planning for Hanukkah without our Brisket Bake-off.  We will meet in January to start planning Purim. Which always comes around sooner than we think it will. If you’re interested in helping us plan vibrant and moving holidays and observances for Temple Sinai, please contact Temple and let us know. We’re always looking for new voices to help us plan and shape Temple life.

                                                            Happy Thanksgiving,

                                                            Deb Leopold and the Spiritual Committee