Urgent Update Regarding Synagogue Operations During CORVID 19 Challenge
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Dear Temple Menorah Family,
NO ONE IN OUR SHUL COMMUNITY IS KNOWN TO BE INFECTED WITH THE CORONAVIRUS AS OF THIS MORNING.
HOWEVER: In 1848 there was a Cholera Epidemic in the city of Vilna. The doctors informed the great community leader, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, that if the people didn’t eat on Yom Kippur the plague would take scores of lives.
The Rabbi made an edict to eat on Yom Kippur. He was informed on Yom Kippur that people were fasting. He brought out a table, wine and challahs and in front of the entire Shul, made kiddish and HaMotzi. He then sent everyone home and said ‘Do not come back to Yom Kippur davening unless you have eaten. It’s a Mitzvah’.
The rabbi was not lenient about Yom Kippur – he was strict about Pikuach Nefesh – saving lives.
As I write this note, Jewish Day Schools are closed indefinitely. I have been notified that 7 Jewish organizations have canceled all programming until further notice. People over the age of 60 have been warned to not attend any public gatherings of any kind.
We have concluded extensive, thorough deliberations with medical and community specialists. Based on their recommendations we have decided to curtail all public assemblages at Temple Menorah until further notice.
Specifically: - No classes or school sessions - No minyans - No Shabbat services - No open office hours - No youth programming
Please note: 1. Rabbi Pearlson and Rabbi Kunis remain available to handle any ritual or family difficulties. 2. Rabbi Pearlson is coordinating daily classes that will be available throughout the day via Zoom and/or Google Hangouts Meet 3. Our staff is taking advantage of the building closure to initiate a deep cleaning and sanitizing of the entire facility. 4. Our office staff will be working daily, but offsite. 5. Phone calls to the shul will be answered via voicemail and we will respond will the greatest of alacrity.
Be assured: we are not being lenient about Davening or Minyans – we are being strict about Pikuach Nefesh – saving lives.
I would like to invite everyone to keep the sick and the infirm in our tefilot. Let’s dedicate all our emotional, spiritual and physical energies to ensuring everyone is kept healthy and safe during the coming days and weeks.
May Hashem bless our endeavors and may we succeed in bringing security and health to the world. Amen.
