Aug 20 , 2020/Category

Dear Rodeph Sholom Family,

We pray that you are well and holding the blessings of safety and health in this time of uncertainty. If we can be of support to you, please know we are here with care and connection.

As we enter the month of Elul, our tradition encourages introspection and collective reflection. We look back on a year that has unsettled every layer of life and society and we prepare spiritually to face up to ourselves and our God. As you assess your responsibilities and blessings, we hope you will consider Rodeph Sholom to be an important part of your identity and quest to live a meaningful life.

In this pandemic, CRS immediately pivoted to bring spiritual embrace and community connection into a digital landscape. Daily clergy offerings, online worship, Zoom pastoral care, and continued justice work helped ensure our congregation stayed together even while apart. Clergy, staff, and lay leadership worked throughout this summer to shape a High Holy Day experience that will bring meaning and majesty into each of our homes, helping us hold our gratitude and open our hearts to hope together.

For generations, Rodeph Sholom has been here for you. Now we ask that you be here for us as well. In these times of uncertainty, we all must center on priority and purpose. In that vein we are asking you to renew your membership in our remarkable congregation this year, if you haven’t already done so.

Only members in good standing will have access to our High Holy Day services, all of our programming, and of course your clergy who are there for you in all the sacred times of life, and in those moments when you truly need us. Thank you to those of you who have already committed to sustaining our sacred community by renewing your membership.

Being there for each other underscores the covenantal relationship we cherish at Rodeph Sholom. We thank you in advance for your love and support and wish you and yours a blessed 5781.

Warmly,

Rabbi Robert N. Levine Rabbi Benjamin H. Spratt

P.S. You will receive your next dues statement via email later this week. If you have questions, you may contact Ruth Bernstein, Director of Membership, at rbernstein@crsnyc.org.