That’s a direct quote recently shared with me by one of our members.  But, it is a sentiment that we, the professional and lay leadership of Beth El, have heard over and over since this crisis began.  These are indeed challenging times on so many levels: emotional, physical and economic.  It is at a time like this that we need the strength and support of our own spiritual lives to help us to continue to thrive as individuals, and as a community.  Sometimes it seems that there is little else within our control other than the spiritual world that lives within us, and in the hearts of others who share our faith.

The great irony of our time is also the antidote to our malaise: at a time when “social distancing” keeps us physically apart, our synagogue community is closer than ever.  We the leadership are there for you, as always.  But time and again I have seen you, our membership, come through for one another.  That’s what sacred community is all about.  This is more than a community that exists online through social networking.  This is a community that is real and tangible - one that will indeed come together in person again, and hopefully soon. 

But in the meantime, we’ll be here for you.  And, we ask that you keep on doing what you’re doing.  Support our shul and the community it creates and maintains.  Beth El truly is a source of strength and stability, for each of you and for all of us.  May this be a season of renewal, of faith, of hope, of health and happiness for all of us.

With gratitude for all of you,
Rabbi Krupnick