News on when we will gather again

Friends,

As we close out our third month living with the Coronavirus we reflect on those first few days. One of our first decisions was to cancel our community seder. At the time I spoke with optimism about the future and noted that perhaps we could celebrate the lesser known Pesach Sheni (second Passover) on May 8th discussed in this week’s Torah Portion. I didn’t know in March that this illness would remain a significant threat for so long.

Looking to the future, we recently convened two ritual committee meetings in order to discuss our future worship options. While Connecticut has made exceptions to houses of worship, those exceptions do not protect us from one of the highest-risk activities: singing with other people. The fact that most worship services involve singing transformed communal prayer from one of the most comforting activities to one of the most dangerous. As such, it pains me to report that we have decided not to resume in-person services at this time unfortunately including the High Holy Days.

We are guided by our Jewish values: pikuach nefesh, to save a life, which teaches that if we our actions can save one life it as if we have saved the entire world. kehillah, community, and chesed, loving kindness. To this list we add another: al tifrosh min hatzibur¸ do not separate yourself from the community. Traditionally we interpret this verse to remind us of the power of community and following minhag hamakom, the customs of the place. We can also learn from this value that we should create a situation as a community that separates individuals. Even if we could safely gather with only a set number of people under 65, it would wrong to exclude members of our community from services and learning.

Cantor Giglio and I will continue leading virtual worship on Friday nights where we regularly join over 75 CMI members for interactive prayer and community building. Our special custom of summer lay-led services begins in July, even though at least one of us will be present at each service, and we invite our members to consider signing up even for the first time! If you are interested please contact Jonathan Zabin to learn about how you can lead prayers, give a d’var Torah or offer music during July and August.

Cantor G. and I are also working hard to create meaningful High Holy Day services that will fill your homes with familiar music, liturgy, Torah and sermons. We will also offer additional educational and spiritual opportunities during Elul (the month before the HHD) and during the 10 days of awe. We will have more details in the months ahead and people to help connect congregants who struggle with technology.

While we are saddened not to return to our sacred space, I hope that you will continue to stand with our black and brown brothers and sisters during protests in person or from afar. I will be speaking this Sunday at a faith-based march/protest at 12pm and I hope that if you feel comfortable you will come wearing a mask.

This is a time for both prayer and action, and I know that our community will maintain our long legacy of living our Jewish values and praying with our feet. May our community provide support tos each other as navigate these uncertain and challenging times and may we all be blessed with health, peace and the courage in the time ahead.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Immerman