As we approach the Season of Awe, we stand in a different place than ever before. With everything familiar being turned upside down, we are each navigating how to live our daily lives in ways we never imagined.
At Rodeph Sholom we are focusing in on how to best support and serve you, our community, during this challenging time, when taking care of each other means remaining physically apart. The Hebrew month of Elul is always a time of complexity as our tradition asks each of us to turn inward, to engage in deep introspection, and to take stock of ourselves as we approach the new year. We know that many people find it easier to connect spiritually when they stand in a physical space that feels holy and, for many of us, the Rodeph Sholom sanctuary is that space.
With that in mind, we are offering a safe way to keep one of our most meaningful in-person traditions alive. During the month of Elul (August 21st – September 18th), time slots will be made available for CRS members to have short, private moments of reflection in front of the open ark in our main sanctuary. These slots will be offered to one individual or one household unit at a time in order to make this a safe experience for all. We know that the huge changes to this year’s High Holy Day season are unsettling for many and we hope this is one way our members can connect with our beautiful prayer space.
What we will provide to you:
- A brief private time slot for you/your family to stand at the open ark
- An optional prayer sheet for you to use for personal reflection
What we will ask of you:
- As you enter the building, you will be asked some COVID-19 health-related questions and have your temperature checked.
- Face masks are required at all time (even in front of the ark)
Please sign up by August 19th for a time slot in August or by September 1st for a time slot in September. Please sign up for only ONE time slot.
*For accessibility concerns please email info@crsnyc.org.
