President's Message

Dear Kol Rinah family,

Welcome to the surreal world of the unthinkable virtual reality. I hope and pray that you all are healthy and safe. Who would have thought that our world would be dictated by zoom meetings, work at home, stay inside and stay safe?

Our community has managed to really pull together, checking on one another, getting together through virtual programs, texting, social media, and yes, even the good old-fashioned telephone. The Kol Rinah board of directors and committees continue to meet regularly over virtual platforms, and we’re actually getting a lot of work done, planning new programs, educational opportunities, preparing for the next school year and planning our move to Maryland Avenue.

As construction has been deemed an essential service, our building work on Maryland Avenue continues to progress and does look really fantastic. Thanks to the Facilities Committee and especially Dave, Blair, Dan and Stacey for leading the effort. Stacey Hudson continues to take weekly photographs which are eblasted to the congregation so we can all follow the remarkable ways in which our new building is taking shape.

Meir Zimand and Nancy Greene continue to keep our office running by splitting their time so neither are is the office at the same time. The physical distance protocol works but we certainly do miss one another.

Likewise, our co-directors, Barbara Shamir and Mitch Shenker alternate time in the office so that they can get their work done. Both Rabbi Arnow and Rabbi Shafrin have been working diligently to keep our programs running, provide excellent virtual opportunities for minyanim, services, learning etc. and people are “dialing in” and sharing their lives with one another.

Liz Collins and Elyse Picker and their wonderful staff are keeping ECC programs running and Rabbi Shafrin and Melissa Bellows and their teachers have kept the KoREH and young families contingents involved and learning.

There are so many more people to thank. I appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks for pulling together during these difficult times. We are here for you. Please reach out if we may be of help.

I miss you and look forward to when we may again be together, even if it’s at 6 foot distances.

May G-d bless you and keep you, in good health and prosperity.

Be well and know I’m thinking of you.

With appreciation,

Randi