From the President – May 21, 2020

As we see businesses and recreation areas open after the Covid-19 Shelter-in-Place orders, we realize we have to start making plans for how to restart our in-person activities at Temple Beth Hillel. “Have to start’ means there are no plans yet – the only decision made is that the Executive Board will be the body that makes decisions and plans regarding reopening, with input from Rabbi Kertesz and Cantor Adler.

For those who may not know, the Executive Board is made of six elected Temple officeholders: the President (myself), First Vice President (Jane Durango), Second Vice President (Audrey Berger), Treasurer (Laura Taub), Secretary (Anna Stein), and the Past President (Michael Cohen). Please note that these names are subject to change pending approval of the General Membership meeting on June 7 – which will be held online via Zoom.

The decision on when and how to reopen cannot be made in a vacuum. I strongly urge all TBH members to communicate your thoughts and concerns so we can act once we are notified that we can begin. You can email your ideas to nzarchin@tbhrichmond.org

One thing I want to make absolutely clear is that no matter how safe we are, there will be risk involved in gathering. No one who feels their health, or that of a family member, could be compromised by attending a function at Temple should come. As was discussed a few weeks ago the commandment to health supersedes all others. We will make every effort to accommodate everyone. Without committing to it, one possibility is that live events could still be available online.

In short, we need the creativity and imagination of all our community. Please let us know in advance your ideas on reopening safely.

Until then, stay healthy. 

We are what we do.