Dear Temple Sinai community,

Since our founding in 1951, Temple Sinai has stood as a center for connecting with Jewish traditions and learning, a beacon for social justice, and a source of comfort and care to its members. We continue to stand on those principles as we redouble our efforts to support you during this unprecedented time with on-line offerings and digital person-to-person connections.

This week, we read the end of the book of Exodus. It is traditional when we finish reading a book of the Torah that the congregation joins together in saying, “chazak, chazak, v’nit’chazek” meaning “be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.” During this period of uncertainty and instability, many of us are being called upon to be strong in different ways, to find our footing in a strange and unfamiliar reality. This can be taxing and we want to reiterate that the Sinai clergy team is here for you to chat, to check in, and to offer pastoral support. Sinai’s dedicated administrative staff team is working remotely and will help you schedule phone or video appointments with any member of the clergy.

In times like these, we are also called to take care of each other. Our Kathie Rabinovitz SinaiCares program helps clergy and members support one another. Although we cannot be with each other physically, we can continue to care for our members, especially those who are lonely, homebound, struggling, or sick. Our clergy and SinaiCares volunteers are already reaching out to vulnerable members and we invite you to join those efforts. If you are interested in joining the SinaiCares volunteer team or know of a member who could use some care, please contact Karen Auerbach, kauerbach@templesinaidc.org.

We know that this period of disruption will continue to impact many in our city and beyond. Our commitment to pursue justice and do our part to strengthen those around us does not diminish in the face of instability. With the help of our social action leaders, we have prepared a menu of ways for you to support local organizations that are meeting the urgency of this moment. Though our physical movement is limited, we continue to have capacity to help those in need. Please stay involved and redouble your own efforts to help the needy and care for the stranger.

As we enter Shabbat, we wish you all chazak, chazak, v’nitchazeik… be strong, and let us strengthen one another.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Jonathan Roos
Rabbi Hannah Goldstein
Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser
Cantor Laura Croen
Cantor Rebecca Robins