From Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein Friday, October 30 2020
Dear CBO Family,
Even though I have read Lech Lecha a hundred times, it always shocks me when Avram decides to leave Haran without knowing where he is going. Who would pick up and move without an address to put on Waze? We know that there are times to go back into the house and there are times in which we take mindful steps forward. Throughout Avram’s journey, we know as readers that he will meet generous guides, undergo surgery, betray his wife to a king, and rescue his nephew Lot from disaster. I wonder which choices Avram would have done differently if he had our knowledge of the outcomes. How did he recalibrate when he encountered the unexpected?
As a community, we can certainly relate to a feeling of uncertainty that Avram must have felt, as last Sunday we were notified that a person who attended services last Shabbat tested positive for COVID-19. This person disclosed the names of everyone with whom they were in close contact (any individual within 6 feet and 12 feet while singing of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more of laboratory-confirmed or probable COVID-19 patients). Even though we know there is a pandemic, there is something surreal about this virus hitting so close to home.
We are following the regulations set forth by the Nassau County Department of Health and the guidance of Commissioner of Health, Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein (who happens to be a CBO member). The Department of Health as well as our synagogue leadership have spoken with everyone who is considered a close contact based on the names that this person provided. If you have not heard from the Department of Health and Synagogue Leadership, then you are not considered close contact and do not need to quarantine, but we ask you to monitor for signs and symptoms, and should you experience any symptoms, notify your healthcare provider. Just writing these words to you is an experience I never thought I would have.
This moment is one that causes us to pause and recalibrate in order to move forward. That is what one has to do when you are on a long journey. We remind you that the building will be closed until November 8th and we will not be holding in-person services and events for the next two Shabbatot (Oct. 30-31 & Nov. 6-7). We have decided to broadcast live services from the homes of our clergy. You can find the necessary link below.
We need to continue to be vigilant and wear masks. With the help of the Department of Health, we are working to make sure our processes protect the health of our members. After Nov. 7th our plan is to re-open and continue both virtual and in-person services with the continued dedication to health and safety as well as community and celebration.
Although we will continue to do everything we can to keep our synagogue a safe, healthy environment, there is no such thing as zero risk when you leave your home. We respect everybody’s decisions regarding in-person, or virtual participation in our congregation, and we will continue to do everything possible to meet your spiritual needs.
Like Avram Avinu, Avram our father, we live through the uncertain, we learn, and we decide what is next. May we each find renewed strength on our individual paths and may our community work together with compassion, mindfulness, and dedication to life.
Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Bernstein
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Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism