Current Events at Temple Sinai

We often mark what we call “Jewish Time.” Secular holidays and events happen and we are pretty well attuned to them. But Jewish events are harder to track, especially when we are the only ones on our calendar. And yet, Jewish Time, the holidays, milestones, and other happenings that are unique to us, continue on.

For nearly a year, we have been distancing and quarantining. All the while, “Jewish Time” continued. We did our best to keep up with the big dates – Passover, Shavuot, the High Holy Days. Some of the events did not receive the same attention. Our adult study and other programming have been less active and less accessible than we would have liked. But “Jewish Time” marches on, whether we observe each and every little (or large) event or not. And some events have done very well virtually. Torah study, for example, has become a weekly event and has grown exponentially!

The good news is even more than that! We are continuing with events and working to add more and more, even though for now we’re remaining distanced. In fact, our Tu B’shevat Seder, which has heretofore been an easily forgotten January event, will be live via Zoom this year. If you’ve never been to one, come and join us! More events about Purim and our other spring holidays are to follow.

The other great news is that the vaccine is rolling out. Our most treasured value is that of pikuach nefesh – the saving of lives. This vaccine is a way that we can help save lives, but it will only work if we all do our part. That means continuing to practice social distancing and mask-wearing, and all of us who are able to, getting vaccinated as soon as we are eligible. We are monitoring the rollout and if you need help understanding when or where to get yours or need help with a ride, please let us know. And we will do our part to let you know what is happening – both in and around our community – and with the availability of the vaccine.

We are here and will continue to mark “Jewish Time.” We hope that by helping bring Judaism, with its traditions and its occasions into your homes, we can all step out of the chaos of the rest of the world, at least for a little while. Wishing you rest, peace, and good things in this new year.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Benjamin
Rabbi Sara

Dear Friends,

There are so many things that are unique and different about the times we are living in. One such thing that we seldom mention is that this is a time of great creativity and openness to new ideas. The combination of technology and need means that our options for activities during quarantine have been more varied and innovative than we ever could have imagined. Certainly, nothing takes the place of meeting in person. But remember back to our Tikkun Leil Shavuot in May – would we have ever thought to study late into the night with people all over the world without this experience? Would we have found so many ways to connect and so many different voices for the High Holy Days, if we had gathered as was usual in years past?

Now that the High Holy Days are over, with winter approaching, we need to find more ways to connect with one another, and more things to do to maintain our sense of community. Perhaps you have been sitting on an idea (or, half of one has been rolling around in your mind). Maybe there is a group or club you would like to start or join. Or maybe, you just want to find more opportunities to see your Sinai family, even if it is in a Zoom room or on a cold winter hike.

Rabbi Sara and I are working to continue to bring you services, learning, and other activities. And we want to hear from you! In February, we will come together for our annual calendar meeting, where committees, groups, and individual Temple members have the opportunity to put their events on the calendar. If there is something you would like to do or an event you would love to see, let’s make it happen! We know not everyone is comfortable with the technology. Not everyone wants to lead an event. We have enough people who can do both of those things, so don’t let that be a barrier to your good idea. Bring those ideas and enthusiasm to us and we can help figure out how to make it a reality.

So don’t be shy, even if you have never led an event before. We want to see your creativity, and we also want to see you! Let’s find new ways to live, learn, and be a congregation, together.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Benjamin