03/12/2020
Shalom Chaverim,
Jewish tradition celebrates life. We prioritize life, overriding even the most stringent laws of Shabbat observance to protect health. The Talmud teaches: “To save a single life is as if to save the entire world (Sanhedrin 37a).”
In this time of a pandemic, we all must now protect our lives and the lives of others by following the guidelines of our health agencies: practicing abundant caution and scrupulous hygiene, and by keeping social distance.
Our MJCS community exists to serve our community by protecting and celebrating our Jewish lives. Therefore, MJCS will adhere to best practices and take the following measures during the coming days and for as long as needed:
1. MJCS will live-stream services and classes. For the time being, Physical attendance will not take place at any scheduled MJCS activities. We will continue to update by email whether events are rescheduled, streamed, or cancelled.
2. This is a time when many in our community might feel distant or lonely and experience anxiety, fear, and other ranges of emotions and grave concerns. The MJCS community will continue to be here for you:
· Rabbi Michael and Cantor Marcelo remain eager to meet either safely in person, by phone, or by video;
· The MJCS office remains open for contact during business hours;
· Our Caring Committee will address needs as they arise, such as delivering food to the doorstep of anyone quarantined and helping the MJCS clergy with regular “check-ins” on members of our community.
3. Most immediately:
· Our “Waking Up to Jewish Ethics” class will take place via Zoom Videoconference on Thursday, March 20th at 7:30am. There will be no in-person attendance.
· Hand-in-Hand is cancelled on Thursday, March 20th. However, Cantor Marcelo will lead a song session for participants from 5:00-5:30pm, streaming on the MJCS page!
· Our “Yiddish Friday Night” program has been postponed. Instead, we will have a relaxing Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Cantor Marcelo and Rabbi Michael streamed live Friday evening at 6:00pm on the MJCS page. There will be no in-person attendance.
· Our Saturday morning Healing Service – much needed! – will be streamed live on the MJCS page starting at 9:00am, and Torah study will take place via Zoom Videoconference at 10:15 – (watch for a link to come by email later this week).
· Our newest program, a Monday and Friday morning Yoga Class with instructor Jason Gorenstein will be streamed live on the MJCS page at 10:00am – keep yourself safe at home and still get your yoga in! There will be no in-person attendance.
Please all stay safe, healthy, and involved as a community especially in this difficult time.
Rabbi Michael
Cantor Marcelo
Al Welland, Executive Director
Jonathan Goldstein, President
