Hey Everyone,
I hope everyone is having a good week. I know we started with school prep (aaaaahhhhhhh...) this week and are looking ahead to how both we and the schools will be managing all the variables that are in place as we get ready for back-to-school.
At shul, we're also looking at all the variables so we can safely host as many people as possible for the High Holidays coming up.
LAST SHABBAT was our first Shabbat open since March. While 5 months of Shabbat tefillot at home had its upsides - having a relaxed cup of coffee and singing and saying tefillot together with my kids (sometimes...when they're into it...) coming back to shul reminded me that there is something very unique and special about being in a communal setting for Tefillah. We, as individuals and as a community, stand up to voice how important our national and cultural expression is to us, and the positive power it can have on the collective.
Registration for this Shabbat is already closed, but our initial setup of livestreaming in the main sanctuary is complete. Check out the Main Sanctuary Bima 24/7 here: https://www.beby.org/stream-services.html. There are instructions there how to be halachically connected to the service. Please make sure you check it out. You can use this opportunity to test out what the High Holiday experience may look like and what your home set up could be.
We are actively working on our Family Programming for the High Holidays now and are looking at two different programs:
1. A Family oriented High Holiday service - which will be both live and livestreamed
2. A kids program for younger children including songs, stories, crafts, and active-movement programming. This will also be set up in a way that it can welcome people live and be engaging via livestream.
We are also creating opportunities to join together outside, in the park, especially for those who want to join us in person, but do not want to come into the shul building.
I want to thank those of you who have already stepped up to assist in making this happen. If you are interested in being involved, it isn't too late to volunteer. There is a lot to do and any help you can offer is appreciated.
As we've mentioned previously, given the health concerns that come with age, the BEBY NEXTgen will have to take an active part in ensuring the smooth re-opening of our shul, and enabling our community to come back together, in person.
Please take a moment and register to join us at the shul for services whenever possible: https://www.beby.org/services.
THANK YOU to everyone who has already reached out offering to help. There is a lot of work to be done and the dedication of our NEXTgen community is palpable. I look forward to being in touch in the next weeks with more information AND SEEING YOU ALL SOON!
If you are interested in getting involved, email me for more information.
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Our pre-Shabbat Sing-Along is on hiatus, but will be returning soon. See below and check out www.beby.org for other links and programs.
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While Beth Emeth is working on plans for reopening, the health and well-being of our community come first, and so the process of re-opening is gradual and deliberate.
Given restrictions for age and health conditions, we, BEBY NEXTgen, will likely have to step it up and be on the front line of re-opening attendance.
For more information about our reopening process, see www.beby.org.
SHABBAT SHALOM!!!
Rabbi David,
Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community
rabbidavid@beby.org
