Isn’t it Wonderful to Be Back Together?
We waited and waited and waited for that glorious day when we could begin to return to our normal life and enter the sanctuary for the very first time in over 16 months. This opportunity happened on Friday July 30th when the Safety and Security Task Force led by Michele Masjedi announced the first of several PJTC Covid -19 Safety Protocols for Shabbat services.
5782 brought us together in a way that felt magical and so exciting. The newest Safety and Security Task Force protocols established for the High Holy Day services an indoor total capacity of 275 people for all fully vaccinated adults and/or children under 11 years old with negative PCR tests. The most amazing resilience of our PJTC community is that everyone cooperated with the protocols; emailing their vaccination cards, showing the cards at the entrance, bringing the negative PCR test, and most importantly wearing masks. THE cooperation that you demonstrated showed to me that you deeply care about each and every one of your community members, to keep us safe and healthy, and to rejoice in our belief as Jewish people.
PJTC congregants relatives and friends prayed, swayed and sang their way through the holiest days of the Jewish Year. While many people did not yet feel comfortable entering the building, our multi-access capabilities enabled participants to Zoom, Livestream, or use their social media accounts using Facebook or YouTube live from their own living rooms or smart phones. In total, we touched the lives of approximately 630 people for each service.
To be a Jew is to insist that life has purpose and history has meaning, and to be part of a people eternally striving to fulfill that purpose. And the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) is seen here at PJTC in the way that we keep each other safe and healthy. I am so proud and grateful to be part of this caring and committed community. We really look forward to seeing more and more of you in person as you feel comfortable to rejoin your synagogue family, worshipping and visiting together again.
L’Shalom,
Beryl
Beryl Strauss, Executive Director
