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September, 2021
Dear Holy Friends, This has been one of the most difficult years that our synagogues and Jewish communities have faced in recent years. However, our people have always persevered, and this year we adapted and pivoted so as to offer each of you an exciting array of diverse programming from local offerings, to guest speakers from around the county, and around the world. We are so proud that we continued to “daven” as a community by offering daily, Shabbat, and enriching Holiday services. As you know, the High Holy Days will begin in a few days and our teams are working diligently to allow our members to celebrate these meaningful days both in-person, as well as on zoom. We would briefly like to share our plans for the upcoming holidays. Congregation Beth Israel of the Palisades and Gesher Shalom/JCC of Fort Lee will come together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah on Monday night September 7th with a brief, but festive zoom evening service led by our Hazzan, Cantor Paul Zim. On Tuesday, September 8th, and Wednesday, September 9th, our clergy, led by Rabbis Stern and Wasser, will lead in-person, traditional, but shortened, services. As we may not be able to sing out loud, these services will be lightly augmented by keyboard accompaniment. All our services will be accessible by zoom and by phone for those without Internet access. Due to COVID protocols, and for the sake of your safety, we plan to perform the Shofar service outdoors immediately after the conclusion of the service. Our Tashlich service on Tuesday September 8th will take place at 4pm. Yom Kippur services will begin with Kol Nidre on the evening of September 15th and continue during the day on September 16th. These services will be presented in similar formats as those on Rosh Hashanah. As we enter yet another New Year that is “different,” we are confident that the concluding phases of this pandemic will not change our sense of community, our commitment to prayer, study, music, and spiritual growth, as well as our joy in being together. We are grateful for the support of our many members and friends throughout the year and look forward to you joining us as we usher in 5782. Wishing you health, happiness, peace and joy, and a sweet New Year! Please feel free to contact the synagogue office or Rabbi Wasser if you have any questions. B’Shalom, Rabbi Ken Stern, Rabbi Eric Wasser, and Cantor Paul Zim |