President's Blog

Dear Friends,

Over the past several months, we have been thrilled to welcome people back in-person to our Sanctuary for Shabbat services and some weekday minyanim. While we anticipate increased numbers of in-person participants, we are committed to retaining virtual access, both for those who prefer to remain socially distanced as well as for our growing number of out-of-town members and friends.

This past weekend marked our first in-person Kiddush which included indoor and outdoor (shaded) seating (thank you to Brian Imburg for organizing!). Josephine and crew (including volunteers like Bonnie Wilensky and Gail Grandis) are back in style – come join us!

We are pleased to announce that as of last week’s Board meeting, and in partnership with our Health and Safety committee, we have lifted many of our COVID restrictions such as the following:

1) Pre-registration is no longer required in order to attend in-person services (although we do encourage pre-registration, especially for those who are visiting for the first time and/or would like an honor; click here).

2) Those who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask. However, those who are NOT fully vaccinated, such as children under 12, must continue to wear masks.  (Of course anyone who is fully vaccinated is welcome to wear a mask any time). We will continue to require those who are leading services and chanting Torah/Haftarah be fully vaccinated.  If you have not yet done so and are able, we strongly encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

3) A “masks required” section will be designated in the sanctuary beginning this weekend (July 9-10).  Look for the marked area or ask an usher.  This section is completely optional, and we want to make sure everyone feels welcome, safe, and comfortable at TBE. In that spirit, please respect the wishes of those who prefer to remain socially distanced in this way. 

High Holy Days 2021/5782
It is our intention that every member who would like to join us in person will be able do so, and those who prefer to participate virtually will enjoy an equally strong spiritual experience.

TBE's High Holy Days will include:

• Soulful and stirring in-person services in our Grove Ave. Sanctuary
• High-quality virtual worship options and experiences
• Meaningful and engaging family services (potentially outdoors or at an auxiliary location, stay tuned!)
• Safe, in-person outdoor programming and experiences, such as Tashlikh
• How-to guides for quality at-home holiday celebrations

Whether you are with us in-person in the Sanctuary for the first day of Rosh Hashanah or davvening with us virtually in your home, we look forward to joyfully welcoming 5782 and sharing the holidays together. Please look for a mailing with complete information in early August. Updates will follow by email, on the TBE website and on social media.

As in previous years, only members in good standing (fully paid or on an approved payment plan) and others, such as college students and military personnel with valid ID, and those who are new to our community, will be able to receive High Holy Day tickets. You can make sure your membership is up-to-date here  OR become a member online here. Guest tickets for nonmembers will become available in the coming weeks on our website.

We have heard from so many in our community during the challenges of the past year and a half. Many people shared that TBE enabled us all to remain spiritually close, even while we were socially distant. While our facilities were closed, our congregation remained virtually and vitally open. Clergy supported families and individuals through unique circumstances. The access to services, education, and programs that our new technology provided for so many was a welcomed silver lining. We remain committed to always being here for you, as we continue to honor our past while embracing our future.

May we go from strength to strength!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Michael Knopf
Michael J. Doniger, President