Pesach Message 032620
A Special Message Concerning Passover 2020/5780
As we approach Pesach this year, we have a new reality to contend with that will shift both how we think about the holiday and how we celebrate it. We are realizing that plagues can still impact our lives and that the freedoms we take for granted can quickly be limited by unexpected circumstances. We are also learning just how important it can be to curtail our own freedom for the safety and well-being of others. [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic requires us to think of our health first and then, our tradition. As a result, we will all have to adjust our customs and rituals. We urge you to follow the current guidelines with respect to social (really, physical) distancing, hand washing, and staying home whenever possible. Presently, we are also discouraging large group Seders. Even in Israel they are recommending that only immediate family take part in Seders. On the bright side, almost all authorities agree that sharing Seders via the internet is a good, safe alternative to in-person gatherings. For those of you who want to learn more, check out “The Art of Virtual Gathering: Passover 2020” at https://www.haggadot.com/blog.
To support you and bring our Temple Sinai Family of Families closer together during this time of distance, we will be offering the following Passover opportunities:
1) Readings, prayers and melodies will be offered online to be used at your home Seders.
2) Cantor Berman is planning to offer a virtual Seder with all the prayers and music of the holiday.
3) Together with our friends from Rodef Shalom, we will be offering Morning services for both the 1st and 7th days of Passover, April 9th and 16th respectively. On the 7th day of Passover we will be praying the Yizkor/Memorial service as well.
4) Brotherhood will delivery Passover wine orders on Sunday, March 29.
5) Rabbi Gibson will offer his weekly Shiur (class) online starting Monday evening, April 6 from 7-8:15 PM. The first class will be on the topic, “Living Our Judaism In Dangerous Times – Past & Present.”
This season is called Z’man Cheiruteinu, the Season of our Freedom. Let us declare our freedom from fear even as we celebrate our ancestors’ liberation from slavery. Staying connected online may be the best way we can reinforce our caring for each other, as our people has done throughout our history.
Please feel free to call us if you have other questions about Passover observance this year.
“And you shall rejoice in your holiday,” teaches our Torah. Let us do so in safety, caring and love.
Rabbi Jamie Gibson
Rabbi Keren Gorban
Cantor Laura Berman
