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Shavua Tov

03/14/2022 11:14:06 AM

Mar14

Stacey Hudson

Many people ask me why we still have the mask requirement since so the federal and local government agencies no longer require it. The ReOpen Task Force discussed this at great length when we last met and agreed that masks are still important part of keeping people safe when in the building. The reason is simply that we have vulnerable people in our community. We have children too young to be vaccinated, we have parents of children too young to vaccinated, we have people that are immunocompromised and people that care for the elderly or immunocompromised. The task force agreed when we first met that we would make recommendations based on national and local guidelines, the advice of our own medical experts and our Jewish values of saving a life, not endangering a life, meeting this extraordinary moment with wisdom being responsible for each other and kindness. We are at a point now where our values are so important to remember as the task force navigates the way to open further and reduce some of our restrictions. I understand we may not drop our protocols as quickly as some may want but the task force, that meets every two weeks, will continue to make decisions based on our guiding principles.
 
I didn’t understand how vital the early childhood center is to our congregation until they moved into the building. Having the children here brings the building to life with laugher and singing throughout the day. I recently had the privilege (and fun) of the being the judge of the Dr. Seuss Week Door Decorating Contest. The creativity of the teachers came through in so many fabulous door decorations. Congratulations to the Starfish room for taking first place.
The early childhood center not only benefits our community, but its financial success is tied directly to the synagogue’s financial success. Just as I had not understood it until I was with the staff and children of the ecc every day, many of you may not see the value and gift we have by having them in the building. Please contact our ecc director, Liz Collins (collinse@kolrinahstl.org), to arrange to take a tour and see them in action.
 
So much has been happening in the building the past few weeks. We had many people come in last Sunday to pack the Mishloach Manot and this week so many of you are out delivering them throughout the community. Thank you all.
Last Sunday Howard Granok held a tzitzit tying workshop for those wanting to learn how to repair a tallit. We also held the first meeting (on Zoom) of the movie club. Our fitness class, co-sponsored with Crown Center, continues and a third session will start on March 22nd. Our programming with Crown Center is so successful we are branding the events under a new logo, Kol Rinah and Crown Center Presents. Look for more programs, including a discussion series led by Rabbi Arnow on food, on the website.
 
This week we celebrate Purim with a reading of the Megillah on Wednesday evening at 8 and Thursday morning at 7 in the sanctuary. Please come, participate in the mitzvah of hearing the Megillah, wear your costumes, and be ready to make some noise!
 
 
 
 
Thu, April 25 2024 17 Nisan 5784