COVID-19 Response

Dear Friends,

This week, I spent time walking through our beloved building. I filmed the video above as yet another way to help us all stay connected to our sacred spaces and the amazing moments we share there—B’nai Mitzvah in the Sanctuary, Torah Study in the Library, Shabbat services in the Perlmutter Courtyard, and choir rehearsals in the Chapel. In my office that day, I recalled that earlier this month I was scheduled to walk across the bimah at Temple Emanuel in New York City with classmates from the Hebrew Union College to receive an honorary doctorate celebrating 25 years of service as a rabbi. Ironically, as I sat in our too-quiet space, I realized that striving to best lead our amazing congregation during this worldwide crisis made me feel more like a first-year rabbi instead.

These are indeed new times. As I walk and bike my way through the North Shore these days, I am reminded that our temple is much more than a physical structure. Hinei ma tov u ma nayim—how good it is for all of us to figure out new ways to come together. Chatting with a congregant at a respectable social distance while delivering a prayer book led to a Zoom Vow Renewal ceremony attended by friends and family across the country. Leading Shabbat services from my living room— a techno-filled, daunting task— has expanded into an opportunity to Zoom in special guests from all over the country, further enriching our community’s living room-based Shabbat experiences. And who could’ve envisioned our circle drive would become a popular curbside contactless pick-up spot, where just last week we gave out more than 100 challahs?* Despite our physical distance, we have stayed socially connected, discovering new and meaningful ways to “gather”—for Tot Shabbats, baby namings, Religious School services, weddings, Minyan, funerals, and B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies.

First and foremost, we reach out to those within our Am Shalom family who have struggled with the virus. Our congregational family has been touched and impacted by this virus in so many ways. Our hearts break for those who have lost loved ones and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We wish you continued good health and healing.

I am in awe of the incredible outpouring of knowledge and support from the Board of Trustees and staff of Am Shalom as we navigate a new way forward. Board President Michael Blum and President-elect Randi Brill have been rocks for us from the day we closed the building more than nine weeks ago and as we now consider how to safely reopen the building.

As we always do at this time of year, we are actively planning next year. While our plans must be fluid, our planning skills are sharp as ever. We continue to shift our plans as the guidance and regulations of the health department and our government evolve. If ever there was a time to be nimble and flexible, to create Plans Alef, Bet, and Tav, that time is now. I wish I could tell you that a summer wedding in the Courtyard or a September Bat Mitzvah party in the Social Hall will be possible. Our team continues to monitor the situation closely, to solicit guidance from medical and public health professionals, and to keep the health and well-being of our congregation top of mind—always.

What does this mean right now?

Our building will remain closed to the public through June. We will continue to gather virtually for Shabbat, tutoring, music programs, book discussions, cooking demos and so much more. These past two months have shown Am Shalom’s creativity, agility and energy. With your engagement in these virtual events, we’ve confirmed that we can still have a vibrant spiritual life together—even apart—until gathering in person is safe again.

We will re-open the building slowly and wisely. We are grateful for our Director of Operations, Laura Horn, who has done exhaustive research on new protocols and procedures that will continue to be adjusted as our staff begins to re-enter the building. These new policies will be evaluated and refined as the situation evolves, restrictions ease and clarity grows.

We will make responsible, informed decisions about our programs. We are about to say goodbye to an incredible year of Religious School learning led by Rabbi Phyllis and our school team, a year that included Virtual T’filah attended by hundreds of students. Cantor Markowicz and Cantor Staple have demonstrated the power of music in bringing us together even through the pixels of the Internet, through Lunchtime Music Meditations, musical road trips, song sessions with our choirs and more. Our Tot Shabbat goes live weekly now, led by Rabbi Pam, and it is so gratifying to watch those little faces respond to familiar songs—and our familiar faces. I’ve always been proud of our creative and dynamic staff. I am inspired by their ideas to continue engaging our community virtually throughout the summer. And as we continue to gather online, we also continue moving forward with plans to meet again in person as soon as it is safe to do so.

We are here for you. The pandemic has caused devastating economic impact and our community is not immune. It is the Am Shalom way to ensure finances are never a barrier to belonging. When your Religious School registration and membership renewal forms arrive in the mail in the next few weeks, we hope that you will realize that we need each other now more than ever. Because every year so many of our members give—above and beyond the standard dues—Am Shalom can, in turn, help offset fee challenges for anyone who wants to belong. We have done that for almost 50 years and plan to continue. If your economic situation has changed, please be in touch so that we can continue to support you. If you need anything at all, please know our clergy team and staff are here to help you. We have an amazing Am Shalom year ahead and we are actively planning for you to be a part of it.

Through all the pain of these past few months, even without walking across the bimah for my honorary doctorate, I am clearly reminded of why I became a rabbi. Along with the amazing staff I am blessed to work with each day, we are able to use the wisdom of our tradition to elevate and inspire individuals to be together—in spirit—wherever we are. As I look ahead, even with so much uncertainty around us all, I am certain of this: this time will be one of the most powerful, exhausting and rewarding times in my career as a rabbi, and I remain honored and humbled to be yours. Thank you for joining me on this journey forward.

In hope and friendship,
Steven Stark Lowenstein D.D.
Rabbi

*Swing through our circle driveway on the next two Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30am (or until we run out); we’ll be there for Quit Loafing Around touch-free challah drive-thrus.