Betsy Frank is UHC para-rabbinic fellow and president.
Often before the High Holy Days, I write a column that says, “Welcome Back”.
In thinking about this theme, I realized that “Welcome Back” is totally incorrect. This small but vital congregation never goes away. Like the Eveready Bunny, we keep on going.
Over these past 18 months (or is it 18 years?) of the pandemic we have continued to worship weekly and hold meetings via Zoom.
We have used the time to make some much-needed repairs to the building, including installation of a new HVAC system.
During the academic year, student rabbis have served our congregation remotely. And we have used the time to make some much-needed repairs to the building, including installation of a new HVAC system.
The building has been thoroughly cleaned (yes, dust accumulates after 18 months!) and we are ready for masked-up, socially distant worship.
However, with Delta Variant cases rising, many of you may not yet be comfortable with in-person worship.
Multi-access worship accommodates a wide audience
Fortunately, technology has enabled us to plan for hybrid or “multi-access” worship.
We’ve purchased a camera and a microphone, and with two laptops in the worship space we can conduct a hybrid worship service. We’re refining the setup as we go.
Speaking of the High Holy Days, the Board continues to discuss safe modifications. Most likely, our Break-the-Fast will take on a scaled-down form this year.
Please make sure you are on our contact list so we can keep you apprised of any changes to our usual schedule of services.
Welcome to Rabbi Matt!
I would also like to formally welcome our student rabbi, Matt Derrenbacher. Matt is a fourth-year student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati and is a lieutenant in the United States Air Force Chaplain Corps. I am confident he will bring much to us this academic year.
Keep well, get vaccinated if you haven’t already, mask up and wash hands frequently.
May this New Year bring health and hope for a return to a more normal life.
Shanah Tovah to you and your family.
Shalom,
Betsy Frank