Temple Beth Shalom’s response to coronavirus: More virtual togetherness

A transformation has occurred at Temple Beth Shalom in this era of social distancing: while we have chosen to keep our sanctuary and social hall shuttered for the safety of our congregants and visitors, our interactions have deepened.

Temple Beth Shalom is an inclusive Reform Jewish congregation in the Village of Florida.

Rising to the spiritual, educational and social needs of our temple family – and to those hungering for connection - we have developed a greater breadth of programs, services and fun events available through Zoom, the online video communications program. And in the process, we’ve found a deepening sense of community has been created in this new tech-driven world.

In this period of isolation, community is more important than ever.

We’ve jumped right in – delaying nothing and offering new and varied, as well as fun and yes – even more programming and religious involvement than before coronavirus hit us. On top of services, there have been cooking classes and talent shows and adult ed programs – all extras and all online.

Rabbi Rebecca Shinder responds to some key questions about what’s going on at Temple Beth Shalom, covering topics especially relevant to the state of affairs in 2020, the coronavirus and our temple community.

Q: Why did TBS decide not to reopen the shul for Friday night services, the High Holy Days or Hebrew School?

A: We could not ensure the safety of our congregants and visitors. I absolutely feel 100 percent secure in our decision that we should not open.

Q: What’s the school situation for the coming year?

A: Next year we are going to have one-hour Zoom Hebrew school on Thursdays. The sessions will open with a 15-minute assembly taught by me with music and Judaica. Then there will be a 45-minute class. In addition, students will have access to recordings and materials students throughout the week.

This approach will maximize the time of the children’s learning - for the kids’ education and for the parents’ convenience.

There will also be monthly Family Education programs on Sunday mornings, monthly Religious Shabbat Dinners prior to services and even a Monthly Havdalah Hangout program on Saturday nights. In other words, next year’s TBS School will be different, but will have many opportunities for learning, socialization and more.

Q: What if the public schools reopen?

A: If that should happen, we are still going to remain on Zoom because the curriculum will be designed for that, staffing will be hired for that. However, if it becomes safe to have in-person programs in addition to that, for example, a BBQ or ice cream social, we’ll do that. But in terms of the learning, we’ve made responsible choices in terms of anticipating what our reality will be. And, we’ll be charging a little bit less for school because they’re going to be meeting less.

Q: How about the High Holidays?

A: There’ll be music, there’ll be shofar blowing, there’ll be Torah.

Maybe breakout rooms. We’ll hit our marks. It will be a challenge and it will be difficult but we will do it. On Zoom. It will be as authentic as possible but it’s going to be in our homes because that’s the safest place to be.

It’s a blessing and kind of a miracle that we’re able to do this and there’s all kinds of positive results.

Q: Is there still a personal connection between rabbi and congregant?

A: Absolutely. While it may feel different, I am possibly more engaged in congregational affairs than ever.

Back in March, I began a Daily Message via email. I started with the notion that the sky is falling, so what do you do when the sky is falling? You offer prayers. I started off with blessings and messages of hope and it just sort of morphed into a different thing- sometimes they’ve been about announcing programs - sometimes our programs, sometimes others. So the messages have ranged from uplifting to enlightening to useful to fun.

We’ve found our footing – but we still offer prayers.

Beth Kalet is a longtime Temple Beth Shalom board member.