Welcome to First Hebrew Congregation. It has been my privilege to be our lay leader during this most unusual and challenging time. I am proud of the work our community has done during the past year to keep our members engaged.
We have been able to put our services and programs on-line for our members. Despite all the obstacles posed by the coronavirus and public health needs, we have celebrated all the holidays on the Jewish calendar. We have been able to have some socially distanced outdoor programs when the weather permits. We have provided for the needs of our members during illness and mourning. We have been able to share in the joy our member families have celebrated milestones. None of these events have looked like they used to look but we have found a way to adapt. Rabbi Bogatz, our officers and Board of Trustees, our staff, and our volunteers have all been a part of this tremendous effort.
This is the strength of our community. It is not defined by the efforts of any one person and it does not function only on behalf of one person. This year has shown how our kehilla kedosha, our sacred community, is about more than our building, and is deeper and richer than we imagined before. We look forward to the time when we can again be together in person!
Wash your hands, wear a mask when you go out, practice social distancing, and join us at First Hebrew Congregation virtually for now and in real life in the future.
L’Shalom,
Mindy Steinholz
