Latest Information

Updated 3/23/2020:

Dear Congregants and Friends,

We hope that this letter finds you safe and well as we navigate this new reality together.

This letter is part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed with decisions that impact our community based on the recommendations of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee, chaired by Brent Sasley and comprised of Cantor Allen, VP Mike Kapin and Past President Yael Sasley.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to them for their tireless and ongoing efforts on behalf of us all!

We have established Wednesday evenings for our Board of Directors to receive updates and recommendations from this committee.  Many of their suggestions have either already been implemented (as relayed in last Monday’s communication) or are in the works for implementation.

This includes the following:

1.    Cantor Allen and I will be communicating through this medium on a weekly basis to keep you abreast of what is going on and how we are adapting our methods for remaining in contact with each other and keeping our community connected.

2.    Business is being conducted, our committees are still involved in their due diligence, and activities are being planned remotely.  Cantor Allen is available for any pastoral and spiritual needs by phone, email or web service.  This is especially important in these times of heightened stress and anxiety. 

3.    We are in communication with the Jewish Federation of Tarrant County about their role in providing community-wide services to those within their tent.  My hope is that a President’s Council will be created whereby our respective presidents can collaborate and share best practices with and from each other.

4.    Our Caring Committee will be coordinating reaching to you to check in on a regular basis.  Please let us know if the urgency arises for food shopping and delivery, etc. so we can coordinate these efforts. Our Finance Committee will be exploring ways to assist financially, if need be.

5.     Cantor Allen is in touch with our Inter-Faith Coalition partners to stay connected and share solutions with each other.

6.    We have subscribed to Zoom Meetings, which allows for video and audio remote communications. Instructions on this will go out soon.  Cantor Allen can continue the Adult Education classes, Torah Study proceeds, and our auxiliary organizations will be able to meet and stay connected. 

7.    We are looking at ways this technology can be used to offer short virtual activities which congregants can sign up for.  Possibilities include cooking classes, arts and crafts classes, continuing Jewish education, etc.

8.    We hope to continue being a place for inspiration and fellowship, faith and connection.  Remember that we are all in this together!  Be on the lookout for a weekly new column called The Poet’s Pen, followed later in the week with reflections from our Cantor.  It is a small but important step to maintain our humor, perspective and humanity!  

9.    Future events include video taped messages from President Snow and/or Cantor Allen, and a virtual Town Hall to allow you to ask questions and get answers.

In closing, it is important to remember to self-isolate, engage in frequent hand washing, stay home if you are sick and stay informed.  Our Cantor and staff as well as our Board of Directors stand at the ready should you need to reach out to any of us.  Please reach out to Thressa for any contact information that you require.

The future is not ours to fear, but ours to face!  And face it we will, together!

President Stuart Snow & Cantor Sheri Allen

Resources for dealing with COVID-19:

WHO handwashing technique.

Information on COVID-19 and how it is spreading: 

• Centers for Disease Control. 

• World Health Organization. 

• Jewish Federations of North America.

Meeting our religious and spiritual needs: 

• Union for Reform Judaism tools for coping with COVID-19.  

• Prayer in place of Mourner’s Kaddishduring social distancing.

• Cantors Assembly list of live-streaming services. 

• Online Learning Opportunities, from My Jewish Learning.

Things to do while staying home with kids: 

• Tips on what to do with your kids when school is cancelled. 

• Virtual tours of museums. 

• Other virtual tours, including Yellowstone National Park, Mars, and more.

• Streaming operas from the Metropolitan Opera. 

• Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with Kids. 

• Scholastic Learn at Home activities. 

• 3 Weeks of Maker Stations.