Shalom All,
So, it’s now March, 2022. It’s nearly been a full two years since the coronavirus and COVID-19 changed our entire routine and mindset. For two years, we’ve held services over Zoom, seders over Zoom, and meetings over Zoom. Even the High Holy Days have been over Zoom. We did an entire year of Religious School over Zoom, and we are still using it for Mid-Week Hebrew and B’nei Mitzvah tutoring.
Finally, however, I’m starting to feel optimistic that we can get back to some semblance of normalcy. The new wave of the virus is receding quickly, the vast majority of our community, if not all, is vaccinated, and, this week not withstanding, warmer weather is coming.
The Board and the Ritual Committee have been watching what’s been happening closely, and, for now, we are ready to start relaxing our restrictions. Though we are keeping everything the same until after Purim. Purim, by the way, starts on March 16th, with an in-person and Zoom service, at 6:00pm. Costumes are encouraged. Face masks will still need to be worn if you are joining us in the building.
Starting with Shabbat services on March 18th, however, masks will no longer be required for in-person events happening at Temple. We do request that you be vaccinated and feeling well if you are attending in-person. If you aren’t vaccinated or feeling well, Zoom will still be an option.
In April, Passover starts on Friday, the 15th. We are cancelling Shabbat Services that night, so all can celebrate Seder with their families. Then, on Saturday the 16th, we are returning to our 2nd Night Community Seder at Temple. We will not be offering a Zoom seder this year, yea! Unless something drastic changes. We will be catering this meal, and capping attendance, so you will need a reservation, but more information about Passover will come later.
Finally, on May 22nd, we will be celebrating Temple Judah’s 100th Anniversary, with an in-person dinner and entertainment. Again, this will be catered meal, with an attendance limit. We will be sending out invitations for this event. Keep an eye out for it next month, and get your reservation in soon.
I can’t tell you how excited I am at the thought of returning to the “old ways.” I truly hope we’ve turned the corner and are never going back.
Be well everyone. I’m so looking forward to seeing you all in the real world once more.
Rabbi Todd