MONTHLY MESSAGES

As a young man I joined the Boy Scouts, and of all the things I learned as a scout there were two lessons that have always remained with me: 1) be prepared and 2) always leave a place better than you found it. As we continue to journey through this challenging time that first lesson has been at the forefront of my mind.

Last January we began our budget process, and though at that time we didn’t know what September 2021 would look like, we decided then we needed to be prepared for in person High Holiday services, so we budgeted appropriately. In May the CDC made a huge announcement that fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks indoors. This bode well for the possibility of having our High Holiday services in person and our Worship Committee and staff began to prepare for this possibility.

Then in July, due to rising number of COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommended that vaccinated people once again wear masks indoors in places where there was high spread of COVID-19. Polk County, Iowa is one of the places where there is still high spread of the virus, and here at the Temple we followed the CDC’s recommendation and once again require masks for all indoor programs and services at the Temple.

We have had to make some changes to the plans we began to make in May and June, but because we have been preparing throughout this entire time these changes have not been difficult to adapt to. Elsewhere in this bulletin you can see our most current plans for the High Holidays, but I wanted to highlight some of the preparations our staff and I have been working on.

If choose to join us for services in the sanctuary, we are using MERV15 air filters and will have additional air purifiers in the sanctuary that, along with the other safety measures we are taking, will create an environment that will be comfortable and safer for all. The same safety measures will be taken in the social hall, and depending on the weather, we may even be able to open the windows in the social hall offering better air circulation for those who choose to join us in that space. If you choose to join us outside air circulation won’t be an issue, but we made sure to have plenty of chairs and a powerful projector to stream the services under the tent we purchased.

In addition to the safety measures we taking to protect your health, we have also made sure to have off duty police officers on site throughout the High Holidays, and our facility is under 24/7 video surveillance. While we have offered babysitting in the past for the High Holidays, we decided it would be more prudent to forego this option for this year.

Things may still change before we get to the High Holidays in September, but again being prepared makes us ready to adapt if need be. If changes are made, we have made preparations to communicate that to you as quickly as possible. No matters what happens for the high holidays this year it is my sincere hope is that we will create an experience that touches your heart and inspires us all.

Be well,

David Muenchrath,

Executive Director   

Erev Shabbat.  It’s a few minutes past 7:00 PM.  A large round table is set in the middle of the social hall, filled thoughtfully with savory hors d’oeuvres, fresh fruit and vegetables, rich chocolate brownies and other sweet treats, hot coffee and wine to delight.  Around the table—generations young and old—laughing, conversing, sharing and reflecting.  Each personally fulfilled from the previous hour, feeling more spiritually connected or emotionally comforted from his or her shared, yet individual experience.  This is a most perfect Shabbat and this Shabbat took place at our Temple on July 2nd with our new, charismatic and engaging Interim Rabbi, Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff and our talented congregant musicians leading evening services.  This is my hope and desire for all Shabbat and Temple gatherings; to connect spiritually and to connect as a congregation.  As one congregant expressed, “This is fun!  We need to bring back the fun!”, and I could not agree more.

It’s been a doozy of a year and a half.  Luckily, as Jews, we are quite resilient and skilled at pressing forward.  We are together in this “new space”.  This year we will hire a new settled Rabbi to lead our congregation.  This year we will have the unique opportunity to rediscover who we are as a congregation, something that has evolved tremendously over the decades.  And this year, we will work with Rabbi Nemitoff to define and build on our greatest strengths including our longevity and supportive community.  But first, we need to pause, take a breath, and remember this can only happen if we work together, communicate effectively, and look at this not as a problem, but as an exciting chance for growth.  Our application for a Full-Time Senior Solo Rabbi has been submitted and posted by the CCAR and can now be reviewed by all interested member Rabbis.  As we have more information, we will certainly share with the congregation.

As I begin my role as President of Temple B’nai Jeshurun, goal setting is a significant part of the process.  To name just a few, audacious hospitality, transparency, communication through multiple medium such as email, a new text messaging reminder service (being implemented very soon), good old fashioned phone trees and free lox and bagel Fridays (I’m kidding about the lox, but I’ll see what I can do…) all make the goal sheet.  These are attainable and possible with our hard working and dedicated staff, our newly slated and incredibly motivated Board of Trustees and with the wisdom and guidance of Rabbi Nemitoff who will be with us throughout the year.  I encourage you to reach out and talk to me.  Tell me what you love about the Temple, what may be missing for you, and your hopes and dreams for the future of TBJ.  Please help me shape these goals.  This is OUR sacred space.  My new email is DanaforTBJ@gmail.com.  Please send an email and introduce yourself if we have not met.  As the mother of three young children, I will happily meet you for a strong cup of coffee and a good, uninterrupted conversation anytime.

In looking ahead to September and our High Holy Day schedule—as of now—we plan on conducting all High Holy Day services in person with flexible options to accommodate our TBJ community—read on.  Services will be lead by Rabbi Nemitoff with special guest Cantor Elias Roochvarg; the Cantor will be joining our congregant lay-musicians and four-piece choir to make Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur extra memorable and meaningful.  As we have learned, this pandemic is ever-changing and plans are subject to modification.  We continue to follow CDC guidance and will do whatever is necessary to keep our congregants safe and healthy.  Our plan is to utilize the Sanctuary, Social Hall, and an outdoor tent to create extra space to comfortably and safely seat all our congregants and guests for the holidays.  We will stream services in the Social Hall and outdoor tent, as well as online, for those choosing to stay home.  If you have children who cannot be vaccinated, have not been vaccinated, or would simply prefer to sit outside, please indicate your preference in your RSVP (coming to your email very soon).  In your RSVP, please choose the space that best accommodates you and your family.  We ask that while inside the Temple, all congregants and guests wear a mask.  Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the Temple.  

We will open the Temple doors 45 minutes prior to services.  An usher will assist with seating in the Sanctuary and Social Hall, as indicated in your RSVP.  Again, we believe this will be the most efficient and safest way to create proper physical spacing.

Following Erev Rosh Hashanah Services, we plan on having an outdoor Oneg with treats and beverages to-go, as well as something sweet to take home from our Temple Sisterhood.  Following Rosh Hashanah morning services (around 12:30 PM), boxed lunches will be available to take and enjoy al fresco.  Yom Kippur break-the-fast boxed meals will also be available following Neilah Services (around 6:00 PM).  Please indicate if you would like to pick up one or both boxes in your RSVP. 

I am honored to serve as your President for the next two years.  Together, we will define the future of Temple B’nai Jeshurun.  I look forward to our opportunities, our transitions and our many triumphs ahead.  I believe we are an institution that exists to serve our congregants both religiously and spiritually, but there is also a great desire for social interaction, connection and “fun”.  I promise, whether masked, via Zoom, or six feet apart, we will have joy and we will have fun!  

May this year be a very good year, a very sweet year, and may I wish you the best health and all the happiness.  Shanah Tovah!

Dana Yentis Dickson

dydickson27@gmail.com

515-556-2375