Dear Congregants,

It was a pleasure hearing from many of you over the High Holy Days with positive comments and wishes for a sweet New Year. Thank you for your continuing support of our Sacred Community, Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel.

We are still in the midst of the High Holy Days, with Sukkot arriving this coming Shabbat and Simchat Torah next weekend, so I hope you will continue tuning in to our upcoming Shabbat Services. Hundreds of families enjoyed watching our services on Facebook and Streaming on our website.

Over the summer, I was privileged to watch Cantor Amy Levy and her husband Ross M. Levy, Rabbi Sussman and what I can only describe as a professional team of photographers, sound engineers, musicians and choir members, produce exquisite High Holy Day Services. (In truth, the majority of the work involved KI volunteers.)

Although I did not see the services until they were shown on Selichot, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur I felt very much involved in the process. In August, I was invited to film in the main sanctuary with my fellow officers holding the Torah scrolls, as it is our custom to do every Kol Nidre. I found those moments photographing in the sanctuary to be what I can only describe as overwhelming. I was brought to tears just soaking in the emptiness and was glad I was able to film my President’s messages from the comfort of my home.

I am thankful to have the technology available to be able to send out video messages using my iPhone, and thankful to the Levy’s for their edits. When I am not conducting formal business meetings, I remain connected to KI by continuing to “watch” Shabbat Services, and Zoom into as many programs as possible. Our contact@kenesethisrael.org email blast reads like a mini TV guide each week, so I hope by now you have all found a personal and meaningful connection.

Our New Year has just begun, and as a congregation, we have much to look forward to. Our building may be closed, but our hearts remain wide open.

Thank you,

Janice