Dear friends,
The pandemic has been long and trying for many of us. Some of us have been extremely isolated and stir-crazy. Others of us have been burning the midnight oil until we’ve burnt out. Each of us has had our own experiences of sickness and anxiety and sorrow.
While the pandemic isn’t over yet, we have reached a wonderful milestone. Vaccinations are now available for everyone aged 5 and up, and boosters are available for everyone 18 and up. As we head into Thanksgiving week, we have so much to be thankful for this year. We’re thankful for the hard work of scientists, medical personnel, and everyone in our own lives who have kept us safe these last two years.
The Board of Trustees of Temple Sinai has also made the decision to open up services to both in-person and virtual attendance beginning this Shabbat, Friday, November 26. Per Nevada State Health Guidelines, everyone over the age of 2 years old will be required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth in our building, regardless of their vaccination status. If you have been watching us from home, have no fear – we will continue to broadcast on Facebook Live, YouTube, and our website, and will still open up a Yism’zoom room so everyone can check-in and say hello.
We will also begin a period of social togetherness as a synagogue. After spending nearly two years apart, we want to create opportunities for everyone to come back together and get reacquainted. Heading into the new year, you may notice that we will be programming-lite and socializing-heavy here. We haven’t given up on our educational mission at all; what we are doing is prioritizing opportunities to rest together and reconnect. The world is still frenzied, and we want this synagogue to be your oasis in the storm.
If you have an idea for a social event that you’d like to see, please fill out this form. So far, we will be scheduling a book swap, a Temple Sinai bowling day at Coconut Bowl, a Parents’ Night Out for both the Tot age group and the Sinai School/Youth Group age group, and other things. We also want everyone to know that if you need WiFi and quiet during the day, don’t go to Starbucks! Temple Sinai is here for you, and we’re open Monday-Friday from 9-3.
As many of you know, Rabbi Benjamin was in a bike accident in early November. His injuries were relatively extensive and he has been in and out of the hospital since. We are coming to find out that his recovery will take longer than any of us anticipated, and we are grateful to everyone for well-wishes, meals, and support around the synagogue and our home. Feel free to write letters to Rabbi Benjamin at our home address which can be found in the directory, but he will only rarely be answering his phone or email because he is supposed to be resting and healing before a long rehabilitation process.
Because all of this is yet another transition, please be patient with us while we figure out our new rhythm. We are excited to begin seeing each other in person and encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated and boosted so we can keep one another safe. May you all have a safe and warm Thanksgiving and we’ll see you soon!
Yours,
Rabbi Sara Zober
Rabbi Benjamin Zober
Michael Gorden, President