Special Message

Good Afternoon, Temple Sinai,
 
We certainly do live in interesting times, do we not?  The level of concern that we’re all feeling is an important mixture of real data, input from everyone around us and actual emotion.  The challenge is how easily we are influenced by one more than the other.  A local physician who I respect enormously wrote publicly yesterday that there is no way for organizational leaders to “win” in a case like this.  Modifying/canceling programs too early will upset those who are still calm.  Waiting too long will upset those who are growing concerned.  There is no ideal moment and there certainly is no ideal outcome when we’re reacting to such a concerning real public health adversary. 
 
For that reason, I am going to ask your forgiveness as I make the difficult decision to significantly curtail the moments of public gathering at Temple Sinai for the immediate future.  I do this not because I believe the risks warrant it; I still do not think that the risk to our members in the local cities and towns is very high.  Instead, I do so out of an abundance of compassion for those who are scared.  As Stamford Public Schools have just chosen to close their full operations, we will do the same. 
 
All public gatherings for services, programs, events and meetings will be postponed beginning tomorrow, Friday.  We will reevaluate in two weeks with updates as we go.  Below are details for some of the biggest events.  For other activities/groups of which you are a part, stay tuned for communications from the organizers on alterations.  We will be making decisions in real-time as the risk assessment changes.
 

• For the time being, we will not be holding religious school classes on site.  We are exploring distance learning options with the teachers to try to continue the progress of your children in developing their Judaic knowledge and Jewish identity.  Additional information for families will be forthcoming.
   
• Friday evening services will be held but, like so many sporting events, without the “crowd”.  We invite you to remain home, have dinner and join us virtually online with our free streaming service.  Click here at 7:30 tomorrow evening to be with us.  As you participate on one screen, you may choose to open up this virtual prayer book on another.
   
• Shabbat morning Torah Study will similarly take place virtually – click here for more information to log into a Zoom Session or to call in to the conference line to join us.  Please call the office if you have questions.
   
• This week’s Shabbat morning Kindergarten and First Grade Service with the families will be postponed.  We hope to be able to reschedule in the not-distant future.  Stay tuned.
   
• The women’s retreat is still planning to run as scheduled.  We understand that there may be individuals who decide not to attend and we encourage you to make the choice that feels right – trusting that others will stay home if they are feeling under-the-weather.  As conditions change, the event organizers will be in touch with all registrants.
   
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our teen youth group (SoSTY) will be recieving a Zoom invitation from Erica in the next couple of days to discuss upcoming events.
   
• ​​​​​​​Sinai Circles registrants will be hearing from their circle leaders about adjustments.  There is still some room left in a few of the circles for those who wish to join.  Click here for more info.  

 
We are an organization dedicated to bringing people together ­which is why keeping us apart is so difficult for Sinai.  I’m aware that modifying our operations will necessarily affect the opposite goal – raising the sense that Temple Sinai, one of our sources of safety and comfort is no longer available.  I will remain available to you as we move forward for life-cycle emergencies, for our normally scheduled meetings (but by phone/Zoom) or for your needs to simply talk.  Email is still best, but feel free to call me anytime directly on my cell at (347) 419-3080.

לשלום - L'Shalom - In Peace,

Rabbi Jay TelRav
הרב יעקוב שמעון

TEMPLE SINAI is a progressive, Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to the spiritual, social and intellectual development of our members through engaging worship, community involvement and inspiring learning within a caring, responsive and inclusive extended family. Growth Happens Here.