From the President – Sept. 3, 2020
Our past president, Neil Zarchin, ended all his President’s Messages with, “We are what we do.” During these past difficult pandemic months I have often thought about what we, Temple Beth Hillel, do and it makes me very proud to be a member of this community.
Although we can’t safely gather in person, we continue to pray together online. Our Ritual Committee, led by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Shayndel, is working diligently on online High Holy Day observances that promise to be meaningful. Of course we would rather be together, but Covid-19 makes that impossible. I am, however, awed by the creativity and dedication of our committee and clergy who are accomplishing this unprecedented task. Our choir, led by Cantor Shayndel, is adapting to our current circumstances in a manner that is sure to impress.
Once again this month we delivered over 400 sandwiches to GRIP to be distributed to those in need. Jane Kaasa is due a giant thank you for organizing this effort. Our Food For Thought Committee refuses to give up on providing meals for local students and families even though the current circumstances may eliminate the usual means of packing and distributing the boxes of food. The committee is facing the challenges with optimism, determination, and creativity.
In a few weeks, our Religious School will start the new school year online. Although nothing can replace in person instruction, our teachers, clergy, and staff are dedicated to providing fun and meaningful Jewish instruction. If you are a Religious School family or if you know a family that might join us, please contact David Zimring, Larry Fox, or Michelle Husby.
We are Temple Beth Hillel.
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
From the President: Oct. 22, 2020
October 22, 2020 by tbhrich • president
We are a small and mighty community joined together by our commitment to Judaism, each other, and Tikkun Olam and we are still together even though we are physically apart and socially distanced. We are going to get through the challenges of the present because of our support of each other, but I know there are many people struggling through COVID-19 isolation without the comfort of community.
If you know anyone who might find comfort from our community, reach out to them and invite them to join us for a Friday night service or for Lay Led Torah study or to make sandwiches for GRIP. They may find some comfort and meaning with us and isn’t that what we are all about? In this time when human contact is difficult, human connection is especially crucial. We are lucky to have our community. Let’s share.
We are Temple Beth Hillel.
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel