Temple Emanu-El Closed
Dear Friends,
In light of the latest developments regarding the spread of the Coronavirus and requests from government officials, Temple Emanu-El’s building is closed. Effective immediately, we will no longer hold minyanim or in-person meetings.
While the building itself is closed, our commitment to learning and creating community remains as strong as ever. We will remain connected through the phone, email, and internet. In case of an immediate need, please call the shul office.
Here are three things you can do right now to stay connected and make a difference in the lives of your Temple Emanu-El friends:
1. Volunteer to call and/or help run errands for our congregants over age 60. It will take about 75 volunteers, each calling 5 households, for us to be able to check in with everyone. During these difficult times, a simple phone call can make a world of difference and is a mitzvah bein adam l’havero (a sacred obligation between one person and another). Please click HERE to sign up.
2. Download the free Zoom App for your phone or tablet (iPhone and Android). Zoom is a free video conferencing software that also allows participants to call in. This will allow you to participate in all of our classes and daily check-ins that will be part of TETV (more below). If you prefer, you will also be able to join Zoom classes via your computer or landline without downloading anything.
3. Finally, we are creating Temple Emanu-El TV (TETV). Starting tomorrow, Sunday evening at 5:45pm, we will gather via Zoom in lieu of daily minyan to learn with different rabbis, cantors, educators, and teachers in our community. We will begin Sunday, March 15 at 5:45pm and meet Sunday through Friday at 8am and 5:45pm. Following the 10-15 minute lesson, there will be a chance for those who are observing yahrzeit or in mourning to recite “Prayer in Place of Mourner's Kaddish When a Minyan is Not present.”
We know these are challenging times. If you could use a reassuring phone call or would like to connect with one of the clergy, please e-mail us and we will be in touch.
Wishing you all health and comfort in the coming week,
Rabbi Michael Fel
Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Cantor Brian Mayer
Charles Blackman, President
Paul Stouber, Executive Director
Ronni Guttin, Director of Education
Shoshana Jacob, Director of Youth and Family Programs
Sharon Sock, Advancement and Membership Coordinator
