​June 2021 – Tammuz 5781
 
Dear PCS Community,
The pandemic has brought dislocation and change to many, including some of our Jewish organizations. About a year ago I learned that due to continued decline in membership and revenues exacerbated by the pandemic, my position at Pleasantville Community Synagogue would end this month. I was sad about that, but still look back on the last six years with satisfaction and gratitude.

As I prepare to leave the synagogue, I’d like to thank everyone who has been so supportive and giving over the past six years: the presidents who served by my side (including our current co-presidents Robert and Roberta), our officers, board members, committee chairs, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, loyal minyanaires, supportive gabbais, volunteer musicians, enthusiastic Hebrew School families, and of course our amazing staff. A small congregation like PCS needs a community to make it work, and your generosity with your time and resources have been and will continue to be crucial to the future of the synagogue. If I try to name everyone it will be a book and not a blog post, but I must thank our dedicated administrator Marcy and wonderful Hebrew School director Galit for all your support day by day.

As I look back, there are many special memories, too numerous to recount, but here are a few. Together with many of you, I led hundreds of services, and celebrated many holidays. Our Days of Awe were always a highlight, with a special theme each year. It was wonderful to lead together with Cantor Abbe Lyons, to teach with the late Rabbi Dr. Sarah Tauber, and lead with so many of our congregational singers, prayers leaders, Torah and haftarah and meditation readers, and musicians.

The rest of the year we brought in new ways to experience Shabbat and holidays, including Prime Time Shabbat with musicians, visiting scholars and story-tellers, Shabbat dinners, Tu Bishvat Seders, Purim shpils and over-the-top Simchat Torahs, fun Hanukkah parties and wonderful Pride Shabbats. Our Passover Seder at Jean Jacques will always be a great memory. Singing, dancing, and discussions made our services lively and participatory.

Adult Education has an honored place at PCS, whether facilitated by the rabbi, guest speakers, or members. For example, our recent series on Israel brought wonderful dialogue and perspectives to participants.

I was honored by those who invited me into your lives for life cycle events, whether joyful or sad. Connecting behind the scenes with you or your families, was equally important, and one of the privileges of being a rabbi. I’m honored that we could provide enhanced pastoral care, our wonderful caring committee, and Partners in Caring social services to support our members. It was an honor to be able to visit the sick, support those in mourning, or to explore personal spiritual questions with our members.

I loved working with the wonderful children, teachers, and director of our amazing Hebrew School. One treasured memory is the Maimouna celebration that we did and sharing my husband’s Moroccan customs and costumes with the kids. The joys of Tot Shabbats and Shabbat dinners were highlights for young and old, and being partners with PJ Library enhanced our offerings. B’nei Mitzvah were always a highlight, including dancing in the aisles as our kids led and taught everyone Torah, thanks to Ed and his patient and skilled teaching, and to many volunteers. We also offered many programs for teens over the years; I wish they could have become more established but I’m sure that they planted seeds that will flourish for some young adults in the future.

I’m glad that Avraham and I could open our home to members of PCS, for our annual Sukkot reception as well as Shabbat and holidays potlucks and gatherings. I appreciate those of you who opened your homes to the community, too.  I especially loved leading an expanding repertoire of outdoor programs, from Shabbat, family, and school hikes, to the “13 Bridges” program with our B’nei Mitzvah, to a spiritual photo hike - and I greatly appreciate those who co-led with me.

It was gratifying to receive grants from UJA Federation that enabled us to do special programing, including “Growing Jewish Naturally,” “Death and Dessert,” and partnering on the current Open Tent Grant, that allowed us to offer so many welcoming programs for all ages. Too many to recall here … but I remember puppets, live animals, and bubbles for the kids, and I particularly remember our teen/parent field trip to the Lower East Side and Tenement house and learning about immigration. Thank you to board members and volunteers who did so much to bring these amazing programs to fruition.

Social Action and Tikkun Olam have always been a priority, whether getting involved with local refugee resettlement, our annual party at Cottage School, or collections for those in need. Benefit concerts supported people as far away as Jews in Uganda and as close as local communities. During times of national and local crisis we created programs and services of support and comfort for members.

My personal work with CLAL, LEAP, AJC, Rabbis Without Borders, the Executive Committee of the Westchester Board of Rabbis and the board of OHALAH (Rabbis for Jewish Renewal), as well as our local interfaith council have helped me to connect PCS members to the broader community in numerous creative ways.

Even during the pandemic we found creative ways to be together outdoors (remember our church parking lot Simchat Torah?), to support members in their times of need, and to bring holiday simchah (joy) to everyone. Thanks to staff and volunteers who served tirelessly to keep the community active and connected over the past 15 months.

Finally, our building has seen lovely improvements thanks to volunteers and donors, including the rabbi’s office, the social hall room, and the bimah, and enhanced technology and security. And the garden and sukkah! Our sanctuary is still a special space where people feel peaceful and inspired just by walking in the door.

I could go on and on (that’s how rabbis are...) This is just a sampling of what I have experienced with you, our wonderful community, for the past half dozen years. I bless everyone at PCS to be flexible and hopeful as you explore new paths and new part-time rabbinic leadership. PCS truly offers a warm and welcoming home to a diverse community. Recent programs have shown the power of being ambassadors, making personal connections and inviting friends and neighbors to experience the community.  I wish everyone the best and pray that PCS will continue to flourish for many years to come.
​
With love and blessings,
Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan

The Power of Ritual in Times of Crisis
1/20/2020

What a roller coaster this month has been! Worn out by the Pandemic, battered by social distress and political turmoil, Americans watched in horror on January 6th, as our Capitol building, the sacred halls of our democracy, were trampled by a mob of violent insurrectionists, riled up by a president who couldn't accept or admit election loss. In Jewish tradition, we know the power of words. The Hebrew word for "word," devar, is also the word for thing. Words have real substance and can lead to real consequences.

But this week, the healing began. The rituals and ceremonies of Inauguration week were a balm, even as our capital was secured like a war zone to prevent further violence. Inauguration week began with a day of national service that has become a great tradition for Martin Luther King Day. Citizens were encouraged to sign up to volunteer, not only for the day, but for the year ahead. Personally, I chose to volunteer (from home) for Neighbors for Refugees, a Westchester based non-profit. (Our Tikkun Olam chair Leslie Mack will offer ways for PCS members to get involved in supporting their wonderful work.)

The next day, on the "Erev" (eve) of their Inauguration, President Biden and Vice-President Harris participated in a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 400,000 Americans who have lost their lives to Covid. Four hundred lights lined the reflecting pool on the National Mall, reminding us of the verse from Proverbs 20:27, "for a person's spirit is the lamp of Adonai." The simple but overdue act of acknowledging our pandemic losses with public ritual and compassionate words  helped our nation begin to heal. 

Today was the Inauguration. As a rabbi I try to steer clear of partisan politics from the bimah and keep my focus on Jewish values. (Note: It doesn't matter how I try to keep that balance. Some people complain that I'm not outspoken enough, while others complain that I'm partisan and political. Oh well.) But an American inauguration should not be partisan; it should be a celebration of our great democracy and the peaceful transition of power. Dignitaries and past presidents of both parties should be together on the capital steps. In the words of President Ronal Reagan in his first  inaugural address, the inauguration is 
"...a solemn and most momentous occasion; and yet, in the history of our Nation, it is a commonplace occurrence. The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place as it has for almost two centuries and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. In the eyes of many in the world, this every-4-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle."

Surely it is no longer commonplace for us. In recent days, we gazed over the precipice of an abyss that threatened the future of the democracy. But thanks to courageous individuals from both parties, and to true heroics by people like Sgt. Eugene Goodman of the Capitol police, democracy held firm.

Deeds spoke loudest, but ritual was also important. The soaring notes of our national anthem, sung by Lady Gaga, and the soul-elevating poetry of 22 year old Amanda Gorman, as well as the words of healing and inspiration from our new President Joe Biden, showed us the power of speech and ritual.

Jewish tradition teaches us of the power of words, of rituals, of healthy norms of behavior. It also teaches the importance of truth and respect, and that we will ultimately be judged for our deed above our creed. We have been through so much the past year, and the work ahead is daunting. But let us take heart, for the Torah assures us that we always have the choice to renew our days (teshuvah). With wise leaders and engaged citizens, with courage and compassion as our touchstones, we can begin the Tikkun, the healing and repair that we need: Tikkun Olam (healing our world), and Tikkun Halev (healing our hearts). 

People are saying they're tired of this year. Well, good news, we get to start a New Year right now: the Jewish New Year, that is, Rosh Hashanah!

Every year at this time I have centered my teachings around a theme for the Days of Awe. And this year, my theme is based on a quote from Rahm Emanuel, "“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. I mean, it’s an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before.” We aren't happy about the multiple crises we are facing right now, but crisis can mean opportunity. Resilience can be, to paraphrase my teacher Reb Zalman, turning an emergency into an opportunity for something new and better to emerge.  

On Rosh Hashanah, my talks will be about ways that we can apply this wisdom to our personal lives. On Friday night I'll look at how Judaism fosters personal resilience. On Shabbat morning, I'll dive deeper into theology. Whether you are traditional, humanistic, or mystical/spiritual in your religious outlook, I hope there will be something for you. And on Sunday morning, our usual time for study will center on the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl, who survived the Holocaust and founded the school of Logotherapy, based on the human search for meaning in suffering.

On Yom Kippur, our learning will broaden and focus on a more national scale. During Kol Nidrei, I'll explore why we shouldn't just "go back to normal, " but need to build a better society. On Yom Kippur morning we hear from members who give us concrete ways to do good for others. And on Yom Kippur afternoon, our traditional Eleh Ezkerah (martyrology) will have a special focus on Black Lives lost to racism and intolerance, and I will lead a discussion on how Jews can practice anti-racism. 

If all this sounds very serious, there will also be lots of enjoyable moments: seeing one another's faces, slideshows, special musical moments including special guests. There will also be family friendly times with songs and stories, particularly at the start of the Friday night service and the start of the morning services on the second day (Sunday) of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur morning. So be sure to come on time with the kids! Plus a separate children's service is being planned on Yom Kippur.

Several in-person outdoor, socially distanced opportunities are being offered over the season, so check your emails from Marcy. And thanks to Lenora Sealey and Rachel Friedman and Emma Reisman, we have some fantastic goodie bags; be sure to contact Marcy to get yours.

By the way, services and my sermons will be much shorter (kind of "sermonettes"), due to the Zoom format. I hope no one complains :-). We will also make the best use of the medium by having opportunities for chatting, breakout rooms, and some media, even as we will be zooming in real time so you can see friends and be in the moments together. 

I want to bless all of us to find abundant meaning and goodness, even in challenging times. And as the traditional prayer for the Eve of Rosh Hashanah goes: 

​Let the Old Year and its curses end; Let the New Year and its blessings begin!

L'shanah Tovah Tikateyvu ve-Tehateymu
May all of us be inscribed and sealed, and write a book of Life together, for a Good and Sweet Year, 5781!

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan

​
PCS Year in Review: 5780 (2019-2020)
Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan
Part One: BC—Before Corona
We started off a great year with High Holidays focused on “How to be a Lamed-Vavnik" (one of the 36 hidden righteous people). As always, the services involved an ensemble of Rabbi, Cantor Abbe Lyons, and many congregants on the bimah and behind the scenes! There were wonderful programs from Selichot (with B’nei Yisrael in Armonk), to our famous Tashlich, to a large open house Sukkah at the Rabbi’s home, to a lively Simchat Torah.
We started off the year strong: membership stabilizing, financial contributions, partnership with MMCC on a large “Open Tent” grant from UJA Federation to reach out to underserved members of the Jewish community. This despite dealing with enhanced security protocols in the wake of antisemitism.
Enhanced outdoor hikes such as a spiritual photography hike, Shabbat hike,
B’nei Mitzvah parent-child hike.
Shabbat meals such as the Open Tent Sukkot (65 people), “Show Up for Shabbat” (organized and hosted by the Star family), etc.
Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam projects such as: food bank collection on Yom Kippur, Diversity Breakfast, baby boxes for “Open Door,” two afternoons of friendly service at the Cottage School, Social Action column in newsletter, etc.
Member-led social events such as our famous Progressive Dinner.
Special Shabbat concerts with guest performers: Lisa Lipkin, the Levins.
Community Chanukah party with puppet show and puppet-making workshop (Open Tent).
December vigil for the Liu family, with many community members.
Tefillin Day for B’nei Mitzvah and their families (monthly parent-child programs).
Tenement House field trip for teens and parents (Open Tent).
PJ Library Tu Bishvat Event and other Tot Shabbats - Tu Bishvat Seder –
Family Purim Celebration
B’nei Mitzvah services and celebrations
Hebrew School classes and numerous special events for families!
 
Part Two: Pandemic Days
Even in these difficult times… Especially in these times, our PCS community pulled together and supported each other, even when physically apart.

Outreach to members by staff and board, pastoral counseling, Partners in Caring social worker, sharing support and resources to the community.
Weekly Zoom Kabbalat Shabbats with Rabbi Julie and Aydin Mayers
Weekly Zoom Torah Study
Zoom Hebrew School classes and closing celebration
Nightly Zoom Story Time and Shema and Tot Shabbat
Zoom adult education (Exploring Judaism), Virtual Israel Tour,
Jewish Views of the Afterlife with Simcha Raphael (Open Tent)
Passover: Food delivery (Open Tent) and Zoom congregational Seder
Zoom PCS "Community, Comedy and Caring Fun-draiser” organized by our board and other volunteers, with some of the proceeds going to local needs, and
play by kids, directed by Educational Director Galit Messman.
Services and support to families facing bereavement during the pandemic.
Members helping members who were ill (whether with Covid or other challenges).
Shavuot: Zoom class on Book of Ruth with Simcha Raphael (Open Tent) and Zoom Shavuot service with Cantor Abbe Lyons and Rabbi Julie. Plus ice cream delivery!
Members doing mitzvot such as: Cookie drive for grocery workers, sewing PPE.
Responding to Racism with Board of Rabbis letter, discussion at Kabbalat Shabbat on congregants working on becoming anti-racist as a community and individuals.
Third Annual Pride Shabbat
Celebration of Zoom Mitzvot, every week in June!

THANK YOU to all of our staff, officers, board members, and volunteers for a GREAT year, despite all the unprecedented challenges, with special thanks to PCS’ outgoing president, Leyla Nakisbendi!

We are counting the days and weeks. . . yes, we've been counting the days since entering social distancing (almost 6 weeks!), BUT we are also counting the days and weeks in a positive way.

We started to "Count the Omer," from the second day of Passover. Each night we say a blessing and count seven times seven weeks, until on the 50th day we celebrate receiving the Torah at Sinai, on the holiday of Shavuot. In Jewish mysticism these seven weeks are seen as a prime time for inner reflection and personal growth. 

This year the Omer season seems more relevant than ever. The first Passover Seder took place while people sheltered at home from a deadly plague. Fast forward over a millennium, and there was another plague, during the Omer season, that killed many of the students of Rabbi Akiba, a great sage and one of the leaders of the rebellion against the Roman empire in the Land of Israel.

Tradition has it that Rabbi Akiba's students were also "plagued" by a lack of mutual respect, and had to learn how to get along together.  So during this time each year, we recall these events by a state of "semi-mourning" in which we abstain from haircuts and from holding weddings, among other things. Yep, we are all doing that this year!

The plague lifted on the 33rd Day of the Omer, known as Lag Ba-Omer, which became a day devoted to outdoor celebrations, games, and bonfires. I never gave much thought to this ancient plague, until this year when we ourselves are living through a pandemic. Again and again, the lessons of history have become very real to me this year, and the barriers that separate us from the past have been effaced. 

Superimposed on this ancient spring season are some modern Jewish special days: Yom Hashoah, the commemoration of the Holocaust (which took place this week and was marked by virtual gatherings around the world). and a week later Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day), followed by Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day).
​
In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, I would like to invite you to a Virtual Tour of Israel! On Wednesday, April 29, 8pm, please join me on Zoom, where you are invited to share a favorite photo of Israel (you can have them ready on your computer desktop), and/or a favorite  Israel story or memory. Hopefully we can also sing a couple of Israeli songs. Bring your own Israeli snacks! To get the log-in and Password, see our email to members, or send me or Marcy an email. At that time, I will also share about an interfaith, Peacemakers' Tour of Israel that I'm planning to co-lead with a local minister, Doris Dalton, God willing, when it's safe to travel again. 

Looking forward to seeing you then. I'm counting the days! 
​

 


Dear PCS Community,

"Why is this night different from every other night?" Those words will have a lot of extra meaning at our Seders this year! We are celebrating in different ways this year, unable to have the usual joyful gatherings of extended families and friends in person. Fortunately, we do have the technology to meet virtually, and the religious flexibility to do so.

We are all doing what's difficult together, so that we can preserve life and help all of society get through this challenging time, to better days ahead. 

Many phrases and ideas from the Seder will surely echo with us this year in new and relevant ways: The very name of "Passover," for example. Like our ancestors on the first Seder night, we are urged to stay home for our health and safety.

The 10 plagues--all too relevant (not only the Corona Virus, but other environmental and social woes) that have occured in recent months. 

On a more positive note, we reconsider the meaning of the parting of the sea and our hopes for freedom. Freedom may have a new meaning for many of us as our priorities shift to consider what is really important to us in life. 

Likewise, the figure of Elijah the Prophet inspires us to be the person who checks on our friends and does kind deeds for others.

And "next year in Jerusalem" is becoming "Next year with everyone together!"  

I know that this is a hard and stressful time for everyone. Please know that although we may be temporarily isolated, you are not alone. Your PCS community is here for you. Our staff and board have been reaching out to call congregants on the phone, but if you haven't heard from us yet, please feel free to contact me (pcsrabbi@gmail.com) or Marcy (administrator@shalompcs.com).

We are meeting frequently on Zoom. Drop in for our Kabbalat Shabbats on Fridays at 8pm for beautiful music by Aydin Mayers and inspirational moments and stories with me - and just to see everyone's friendly faces! Enjoy Torah Study on Saturdays at 11am to see friends and learn timeless wisdom. I also lead a bedtime story and Shema for the kids each evening at 7:30pm (except the first two nights of Passover) and we are offering special Hebrew school classes on zoom, with info being sent out to parents. 

For security reasons, I would rather not put the logins on this blog, but you can email me for details: pcsrabbi@gmail.com. 

If you need some one-on-one support, we are offering counseling by me, the rabbi, (pcsrabbi@gmail.com) and by our Westchester Jewish Community Services Partner in Caring, social worker Jill Schreibman (jschreibman@wjcs.com).

We have several members who have offered to shop for others (Marcy can provide names: administrator@shalompcs.com ).

For Pesach, we provided free or donation-based Passover meals from a grant, and are offering three online Seders led by myself and by congregants (see an email from Marcy about how to log on to those, or email me). And check out my previous blog post for some digital haggadahs that you can use if you are running a zoom or Skype seder for your own family.  (And in the post before that, I suggested tzedakah funds to help our neediest neighbors through this difficult time.)

My friends, this Passover, we will gather separately, but with one heart. I'm thinking of all of you and looking forward, please God, to the time when we can all be together in person again.

Next year in Jerusalem! Next year (and sooner)--may we gather at home and at shul together again! 

With many blessings for health and happiness,

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan

PS: Here are some relaxing guided meditations that I have recorded and posted on my personal website:
http://wellspringsofwisdom.com/some-meditations-for-a-stressful-time/

And here is a timely Seder supplement that includes a contribution that I wrote: 
​https://www.truah.org/resources/covid-19-seder-supplement/

"Why is this night different from all other nights?" That' line has never applied to any Seder more than this month! Our Passover Seders will necessarily be different due to the emergency situation of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

For everyone's health, we must not have any guests in person at our Seder, but only people who are living in the same household already. Those of us who are liberal Jews can have online Seders (such as on Zoom) to include family and friends! (In fact, even some Orthodox Israelis rabbis took the unusual step of permitting people to include grandparents at their Seder via Zoom.)

If you are going to have some guests online, and want to share a digital Haggadah, there are several to choose from. Here are some ideas:

Bayit, a Jewish educaitonal organization, has shared a variety of digital resources for Passover, including the popular Velveteen Rabbi Haggadah by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, and some social justice-themed Haggadot: 
https://yourbayit.org/resources-for-pesach-in-a-time-of-quarantine/

For families with young children, or who want a simple illustrated Haggdah, you can get one free by signing up with Kveller, a website for Jewish parents: https://www.kveller.com/haggadah/

If you would like a mystical/Hassidic version, you can get the Breslov digital Haggadah: https://breslov.org/free-breslov-haggadah-download/

Update: And here's one more that has an environmental emphasis--and you can get it as a power point (great for zoom sharing): 
http://neohasid.org/zman/pesach/InnerSeder/

Here are some ideas for using a digitual Haggadah: 

If you use the digital Haggadah on zoom, you could send the link to everyone before hand, they can download and they can look at it on their screens. Alternately, the leader can share their screen. I suggest just sharing some pages briefly for a prayer or reading, and then stopping the share to allow for "face to face" discussion.

Mostly, I suggest keeping your Seder simple. The Seder is not just a script to be read, it's a framework for discussion. You might ask each person to share something they are grateful for or to prepare a song or discussion topic.  We certainly have a lot of topics to discuss this year: about plagues, about freedom, about our hopes for the future. Whichever Haggadah you choose, use it as a starting point, not a script. We can try to think of what we have and not what we are missing this year.

It's also interesting to note that even in Biblical times, people couldn't always celebrate Passover appropriately at the correct time. Maybe this year we will celebrate as best we can this month, and have a modern version of the "Pesach Sheni," a second Passover, by gathering in person at a later date, God willing.

Wishing you all a good and meaningful Passover, and "Next year--together with everyone again!" 

While we are all struggling in various ways with the isolation and stress induced by the epidemic, the struggles are far more difficult for many of our needy neighbors.

This year, PCS has been partnering on a UJA Open Tent grant, together with Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC) in the Bronx, to provide Jewish gateways for Jews of color, LGBTQ and interfaith families in Westchester.

Although our grant-related activities are in Westchester, I want to support our partners at MMCC and the people they serve. Imagine sharing a small apartment among three families and struggling to keep afloat from day to day. Many live in dire circumstances even at the best of times. How much more those families are struggling now, when the inequities of our society have been thrown into sharp relief. 

This week was my birthday and I decided to do a fundraiser for the MMCC food pantry. Please join in! To donate, go to:
https://www.mmcc.org/donate/
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST FILL IN THE "IN HONOR OF" SECTION of the form with "For food pantry"! (If you forget, you can respond and tell them this when they send your donation acknowledgement). You can also call 718-882-4000, ext. 0 and say you would like to donate for the food pantry, or mail a check to MMCC (memo line: food pantry) and send to: MMCC, 3450 Dekalb Ave., Bronx, NY 10467.

Another organization on the front lines of feeding the hungry right now in New York City is a favorite of mine: Masbia. Founded by a really cool Hassid, Alexander Rappaport, they normally have soup kitchens (that are really like nice restaurants) to feed thousands of needy New Yorkers daily. They are now distributing groceries and food to the needy and packages of healthy foods to the quarantined. 

Don't forget our local neighbors in Westchester. We can help right here by donating to the Westchester Food Bank.

Tzedakah is one of the greatest Jewish mitzvot, and there is no time like now to help those in need. Tzedakah saves lives. It may even alleviate our own anxiety and stress for a bit when we do something to help others. 

Let me know in the comments if you are finding ways to do extra mitzvot now!

Shabbat Shalom! I don't have a lot of time to write before Shabbat, but I want to let you know that I'm thinking of everyone in our community. Many are concerned for their or a loved one's health, some are having to postpone long-awaited simchas, others of us are just stressed out by the news from hour to hour.

By now I hope you have seen the email from our president, Leyla Naksbendi, about our current building closing. If not take a look wherever those emails hide in your email folders! (There is also some info on the home page of this website). 

Here are a few more words of encouragement from me personally:
In Israel, they talk about the challenges of the day as the "Matzav," the situation. I hope we can take heart from time to time by reframing our "matzav." We can consider that we are all participating in a huge mitzvah--and we are doing it with the whole community. We are doing the primary mitzvah in the Torah: Pikuach Nefesh, saving lives. For that, the Torah tells us to put aside just about any other mitzah. 

By giving everyone more space and less contact for a while, by washing our hands frequently and well with soap, we are helping many people stay healthy and we are "moving the curve" of a growing epidemic. As a medical professional in my family told me, don't think worst case scenarios. Think that we are actively doing what needs to be done to keep our medical resources from becoming overwhelmed. (And she really emphasized the handwashing!)

That said, it can be isolating and sad to not have contact with one another regularly. We can get overwhelmed with the news and updates. Thanks to the wonders of technology, I'm going to try to stay connected with you! It may take me a while to get up to speed on some of this, but how about joining me for some Shabbat moments together, some time to have peace and to decompress from the news?

If you want to greet Shabbat with me tonight (Friday, March 13), I'll be livestreaming on Facebook (short, not a full service) at 6:30 Friday evening:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=3276769865670850&id=173823572632177


You can also meet me on Zoom for Torah study at 11am on Saturday, March 14. 
Use the link below (fuller information in the email from Leyla): 
https://aleph-ordination.zoom.us/j/909514741

Finally, if you just need to talk, you can email me: pcsrabbi@gmail.com, or call my home office from the number in the email. We also have a social worker available to give us emotional support, and her contact info.  is in the email from Leyla. I may not be in the office, but I am "in" and here for you. Shabbat Shalom and hope to see you online!

Did you know that as an American Jew who supports Israel, you can take just a few minutes between now and March 11, to make a difference for Israel's future by voting in elections for the World Zionist Congress? Any Jewish person age 18 and up who affirms a general set of Zionist principles can vote and help to select 152 American delegates to this global Jewish forum that meets in Jerusalem every five years. 

It's the most important Jewish election you've probably never heard of.

This organizational election helps determine the future of Israel's culture by guiding the directions of key institutions responsible for allocating nearly $1 Billion annually  to support Israel and World Jewry. Yet only about 1% of American Jews voted in the last one. 

Using this link: https://azm.org/elections you can vote (there is a $7.50 processing fee, $5 for age 25 and under). You will select one of 12 slates described on the page. I encourage you to follow the links and see which slate appeals to you, which is obviously your choice. Many in our community may be interested in learning about these slates and their visions for Israel: 

• HaTikvah: The Progressive Slate, including liberal Jewish organizations such as New Israel Fund, and the  ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal 
• ARZA: The Reform movement's slate
• Mercaz: The Conservative movement's slate

You can read about all of the 12 slates from the main page and look up their websites for more information. Learn about the diversity of the Jewish movements and decide which vision you affirm. Then take just a few minutes of your time to vote and support that vision and those organizations you believe in. 

"When you vote, you will be able to choose from over a dozen slates representing diverse political beliefs, religious denominations and cultural traditions. Those elected from the United States will join delegates from Israel and around the world at the 38th World Zionist Congress in October 2020, the international “parliament of the Jewish people”, to make decisions regarding key institutions which allocate nearly $1 Billion annually to support Israel and World Jewry (including the World Zionist Organization, Keren Kayemet LeYisrael – Jewish National Fund and the Jewish Agency for Israel)." 

A short video below tells you more. 
​